Have you ever shaved your bikini line, or your armpit, or your face, or just anywhere and you notice some bumps around those areas after some days? These are razor bumps, and in this short content, you’ll learn a little about it, how to get rid of razor bumps, and how to avoid razor bumps in the first place.
Little About Razor Bumps
Also called hair bumps, razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae) are small bumps that develop a few days after shaving. Looking like pimples, these bumps can make a neatly shaved skin area to be unattractive. And over time, these bumps can leave a permanent scar.
Men are most likely to have razor bumps because they shave almost every day, and the skin on the face is more sensitive and more likely to have hair growing inward. And men with curlier hair are 50 times more likely to suffer from razor bumps than those with straight hair.
Also, razor bumps affects over 60% of men. And in a severe condition, you should seek medical assistance ASAP.
Causes of Razor Bumps
When you shave, some hair may decide “no, we will start growing inward.” This irritates the hair follicle, thereby forming pimple-like bumps. However, using proper shaving technique…and applying anti-inflammatory ingredients and products can help prevent razor bumps.
Accompanying razor bumps are redness, itching, bumps, tenderness, swelling and more. Below are the how to prevent razor bumps.
How to Avoid Razor Bumps
- Ensure you get a sharp razor before shaving. If possible, get a new shaving stick to have a clean shave
- Apply warm water to the area you’re about to shave
- Get the area properly lathered with soap or shaving cream (I’ll advise you choose a shaving cream containing aloe vera)
- Shave in the direction the hair grows (the chin hair usually grow downward while that of the armpit grows upward).
- Shave slowly and steadily.
- Soak a small part of your towel or any other cloth in ordinary water. Press it on your shaved area for 10 minutes to close the pores.
- Clean and dry your shaving tools to avoid bacteria growth. Plus, rub the blade with alcohol to disinfect the blades before using it on your skin
- Avoid wearing tight underwear or clothing after shaving to prevent irritation to your newly shaved
How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps
As you already know that prevention is better than cure. Let’s say you’re just getting to know about razor bumps…and you already have the bumps you’ll like to treat…these home remedies will help you immensely.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a potent anti-inflammatory that soothes razor bumps. Just apply the gel to where you have the bumps and watch them disappear. Plus, aloe vera can prevent razor bumps by applying it to your newly shave area every day for 1 week.
Baking Soda
Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to a cup of water. Apply the mixture to your razor bumps. Rinse off after 10 minutes. Do this twice daily until you have a smooth, razor-bump free skin.
Natural Oils
Oils like olive oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil can be used to eliminate razor bumps symptoms like burning and itching. Over time, they can help smoothen the skin.
Antibiotics
Does your razor bumps contain pus? Please see your doctor immediately as bacteria might have inflamed the bumps.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apply apple cider vinegar twice daily to the areas where you have razor bumps. It will reduce the redness and inflammation that accompany the razor bumps.
Other Ingredients
Witch hazel, tea tree essential oil, black tea extract.
So that’s it about razor bumps. I hope you learn one or two things about this inflammation. Please mail your comments to me if you have any. Thanks for reading.
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