How to Prevent Underarm Razor Bumps

Unsightly bumps left behind on freshly shaven skin are not only uncomfortable, but can also lead to infection if the irritation to the skin is continuous. Preventing these bumps from occurring in your underarm area can be accomplished with the use of proper hygiene and sensible shaving practices. Deciding on a shaving method that fits your needs, and sticking to it without rushing through the process, will prevent skin irritation, rash, clogged pores, infection and painful razor bumps.

Things You'll Need

• Disposable razors
• Electric razor
• Shaving gel or cream
• Antibacterial soap
• Water
• Wash cloths
• Antibacterial cream

Instructions

1. Resist the urge to shave on impulse without having your skin prepared beforehand. Shaving your underarms when your skin is dry will chafe your skin. It is also one of the biggest reasons for razor bump irritation following shaving.

2. Wet your skin thoroughly before shaving your underarms and keep the area clean using an antibacterial soap. A warm bath or shower will soften the skin, open the pores and prevent razor bumps. If you have no time to bathe or shower before you shave, placing a wet washcloth under each arm prior to shaving will help to soften your skin.

3. Use shaving cream or lotion prior to shaving your underarms. Creams containing vitamin E and aloe vera gels create a layer of protection between the razor and your skin. Rinsing your underarms thoroughly after shaving will remove any remaining shaving cream when the shaving process is complete.

4. Try switching to an electric razor as opposed to a razor with disposable blades. If you are prone to irritation, an electric razor will cause less stress on your skin because it doesn’t cut the hair as close as a blade. The electric shaver can also be used on wet or dry skin, and with or without creams.

5. Avoid razors altogether and choose a bladeless shaving system. The latest depilatory creams make their application simple and offer new blade-free razors to remove the cream after the hair has been taken care of. And because the creams remove your hair at the root, your bladeless shaves will last for weeks at a time.

6. Wait a while before applying deodorants or fragrant lotions to the skin of your underarms after shaving. Allow your skin time to recuperate for about a half hour, giving your pores time to close. Applying deodorants and fragrances too soon will cause irritation, leaving you with the uncomfortable bumps on your skin.

7. Throw away your disposable razors frequently. Disposable blades dull quickly and the coarse hair under your arms can cause this to happen even quicker. Using a new disposable razor each time you shave will not only help to prevent razor bumps, but is also a more sanitary solution to reusing an old blade.

Tips & Warnings

• Other alternatives to shaving such as waxing or laser hair removal may be uncomfortable in the short term, but will cause your skin less stress in the long run. Waxing lasts for several weeks and leaves your skin smoother for longer periods of time. Laser hair removal is a more permanent solution, but can be costly.

• Razors are very sharp and can cut the skin regardless of whether they are single, double, triple or quadruple blades. Use caution and always keep razors out of the reach of children. If you have a cut from a razor, treat it immediately with antibacterial creams. If the cut is not healing properly, seek medical attention.

• If you find yourself with painful bumps under your arms after shaving, applying a thin layer of antibacterial ointment such as Neosporin will help with healing and prevent any bacterial infections that may occur.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Hair Removal Options