Razors are the cheapest way to shave your bits and pieces but they often leave nasty razor bumps in their wake. A result of irritated skin or ingrown hairs, razor bumps can be treated with lotions and creams that contain ingredients like salicylic acid to calm inflammation. Whether it’s your legs, under your arms, or some nether region in between, prepping the skin and shaving correctly can minimize razor bumps. Beauty experts and RealSelf community members may have a few ideas on how you can best deal with or prevent razor bumps.
Razor bumps causes
"Hair bumps" are a common problem for males and females alike. The medical term that describes this is "psuedofolliculitis barbae."
When hair is coarse and/or curly, it has a tendency to want to retreat back underneath the skin and coil. Oftentimes, this condition is confused with acne lesions. Ingrown hairs are caused by a combination of factors, including excessively dry skin, stiff, coarse curly hairs, and improper shaving technique.
During shaving, as the razor is pulled across the skin, it causes the hair to be pulled. When the stiff, coarse hair is released from under the razor, it recoils and curls inward; the presence of excess dead dry skin cells worsens the problem by blocking the hair, causing inflammation.
In people of certain ethnicities, razor bumps may be accompanied by pigmentation (dark spots) in areas where the hair is most coarse such as the face or bikini area.
Razor bumps treatment
Razor bumps may be a condition called pseudofolliculitis barbae. In such cases, there are effective treatments such as topical agents (antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide), certain shaving techniques, dislodging of hairs with a toothbrush, as well as laser hair removal.
As long as the practitioner has the appropriate technology and training, laser hair removal is safe and effective solution for razor bumps - for all skin types. By destroying the hair root, the problem of ingrown hairs (hair bumps) is resolved.
Razor bumps products
Follique is said to reduce redness and inflammation in all areas affected by razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
Murad man razor burn rescue is intended to remove bacteria and clear irritating dead skin and debris from clogged hair follicles.
Bikini zone anti bumps shave gel is said to provide "the perfect bikini shave."
Preventing razor bumps
Here are a few professional tips to prevent razor bumps
- Keep skin moisturized and exfoliated.
- Use a razor with fewer blades (no more than 2).
- Use an electric razor.
- Shave in the direction of the hair growth - not against the grain.
- Destroy bacteria with a medicated shave gel.
- Apply a warm towel to the area before shaving, to soften hair follicles.
Related Links
sources: Harold J Kaplan MD, Jeannette Graf, MD