How to Stop Razor Burn Bumps on Armpits

Shower first

Shaving your armpits is a matter of personal taste, but if you choose to shave--for fashion, sport or hygiene---you can face special challenges. Your armpits are sensitive and contoured, and receive a lot of friction from the skin and your clothing. All of this can make keeping them groomed and smooth while avoiding razor bumps, burn and irritation a difficult task. The good news? It's much easier to prevent these common problems than cure them.

Things You'll Need

• Washcloth
• Shaving cream or gel
• Razor with new, fresh blade
• Deodorant for sensitive skin (optional)

Instructions

1. Shower first, shave last. Let your hair soften in the shower. The warm water and steam will open up the pores and prepare your skin for a smooth shave.

2. Use a brand new razor on your armpits. Many of us are guilty of trying to "stretch" out the life of a razor, but the thick, coarse hair nicks and dulls the razor blade, increasing friction and drag on your skin---which leads to irritation. In this case, thrift is not your friend.

3. Shave with a shaving cream or gel. Soap is not slippery enough and can actually dry out your skin, leaving you more prone to bumps and irritation later.

4. Hold your skin taut and shave in the direction of the hair's growth, not against it. This can be challenging in the armpit area, where hair can grow in numerous directions. At the very least, use steady, gentle stokes.

5. Rinse your razor between strokes and don't go over an area more than once.

6. Don't tempt irritation by using a harsh deodorant or antiperspirant on your armpits right after shaving. Many commercial products contain alcohol, which is very drying to the skin and actually causes irritation. Try using a deodorant for sensitive skin or shave your armpits before bedtime, allowing the skin to recover as you sleep.

Tips & Warnings

• If razor bumps and irritation continue, consider using an electric razor, which does not shave as closely but may be less irritating to the skin. If other methods continue to irritate the skin, try a chemical depilatory cream, which dissolves the hair just beneath the surface of the skin, or waxing and sugaring, which pulls the hair out by the root. Some find that continued use of depilatories or waxing actually reduces the coarseness of the hair and ultimately halts the hair growth itself.

• Remove ingrown hairs by softening the skin around them with warm water and removing the hair with tweezers. Don't use your fingers, which can lead to infection---and more irritation.

Resources

• Defuzzing your person
• Read about the art of armpit shaving