How to Handle Razor Bumps

Razor bumps are caused by ingrown hairs that grow back into the skin instead of straight out through the pore. The result is a red, inflamed bump. Razor bumps tend to show up in areas where the hair naturally grows in curly. For men, this can mean the facial area and for women it can mean the bikini line. Regardless, razor bumps are an unsightly occurrence that can be prevented with a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Razor
• Sharp razor blade
• Hot water
• Salicylic Acid wash
• Cotton pads
• Rubbing alcohol
• Tweezers
• "Fogless mirror"
• Shaving cream

Instructions

Prevention

1. Exfoliate the area with warm water and a gentle salicylic acid wash. This will ensure the area is clean and the warm water will soften the hair follicles.

2. Soak the area in warm water for at least five minutes before you shave to make sure the hair is soft. Try shaving during or after a bath or shower. For men that wish to shave in the shower, you can pick up a "fogless" mirror at most drugstores.

3. Shave in the direction the hair grows. This will ensure the hair continues to grow in a natural direction and will greatly reduce irritation.

4. Always use a shaving cream, and allow it to sit on your skin for a few minutes to soften the hair in the area.

5. Shave every other day if possible. This allows the hair to grow out more, so you will be shaving it off at a thinner point rather than at the end, which can be thicker and more coarse.

6. Use a fresh blade and clean your razor before storing it in a hygienic area. After you're done using your razor, wipe it off with a cotton pad soaked in rubbing alcohol and store it in a case where bacteria and dust can't get to it.

7. Use single, slow motions to get the best shave. Don't go over an area several times in a quick, swiping motion. This will irritate the skin and breed ingrown hairs.

Treatment

1. If you discover an ingrown hair, you can use tweezers to gently pull the end of the hair from out from under the skin, but be aware that if you pluck it completely, you run the risk of agitating the area more.

2. If you continue to experience frequent, painful razor bumps, visit your dermatologist. He may be able to prescribe you creams that will help the area heal faster.

3. There are many drugstore products designed to reduce the irritation caused by razor bumps. Look for them in the beauty section at your local store.

References

• Razor Bumps