Razor bumps, theoretically referred as ‘Pseudofolliculitis barbae’, indicates a skin condition that develops due to use of dirty blades or an appalling shaving technique. The hair tips get broken up from hair duct thus growing aback towards the hair follicle. The sharp hair tips growing into the skin then penetrate the skin thus leading to irritation and development of pustule, papules, and cysts. It can be an excruciating and embarrassing experience to have razor bumps. However, there are certain tips and remedies that can help treat and avoid razor bumps.
Tips to avoid razor bumps
There are certain tips which, if followed over some weeks, can help avoid razor bumps. These include:
- Make sure to apply a shaving cream before beginning with a shave. As a matter of fact, the shaving cream should be allowed to settle on the face for some minutes before beginning with the use of razor.
- Keep away from use of trendy razors like 2-4 blade razors as these are likely to lift your hair and split it back in its place thus causing razor bumps.
- Make sure to rinse the razor using chafing alcohol before and after a shave.
- Ensure changing the razor blade every week for a dull blade increases the probability of razor bumps to occur.
- Avoid swiping the razor more than two times on a single area.
- Avoid stretching the skin during a shave. It should rather be allowed to stay relaxed. This is because of the fact that stretching raises the chances of hair to snap back thus causing bumps.
- Avoid shaving daily if you have a tendency to get razor bumps easily. Shave only when required.
- Try to shave with the grain, i.e. in the direction of hair growth.
- Before you begin with a shave, make sure to soften the skin. This can be done by either shaving instantly after a shower. You can also soften the skin by applying a towel, damp with lukewarm water, for about 5 minutes before you shave.
- Rough up your hair. This is done by wetting the area that is to be shaved. Lather the surface with a little soap and give a careful massage in gentle circular motions to the area with a toothbrush featuring soft bristles. This would coax your hair out from the skin thus making them rise up. This helps in preventing razor bumps as being shaved at an angle, the hair may get curled below the skin thus causing razor bumps.
- After shaving your skin, it may get swelled and irritated. This makes the growth and emergence of hair more difficult. This calls for providing a cold compress right after the shaving process is accomplished. This is done by applying a washcloth or towel damped with cold water directly onto the skin. Leave it to work for about 10-15 minutes. You can also repeat the process, if required.
Home remedies to get rid of razor bumps
Lemon juice
Razor bumps have been treated with this remedy for ages. Slice a lemon into two halves and extract its juice. Use a cotton ball to dab the extracted juice onto the irritated skin. Allow it to work for about 10-15minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water. Follow this procedure after every shave to treat razor bumps.
Aloe Vera Gel
Take an aloe vera leaf. You can also opt for a commercial product that contains aloe vera and apply it onto your skin. However, if you can get the leaf, divide it into two halves and squeeze the gel to apply over the irritated skin. Massage it onto your skin and allow it to dry for about 15minutes. Then, rinse it off with lukewarm water. For best results, repeat the process on a regular basis.
Crushed Aspirin
Pound 4-5 uncoated aspirins and mix them well with lukewarm water to prepare a gooey paste-like concoction. Apply the paste over the freshly shaved areas. Allow it to dry for about 10-15minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
Sour cream and strawberry mask
Prepare a mixture of 1 spoon sour cream with 2-4 mashed strawberries. Apply instantly after the shave and let it work for 10minutes. Repeat the procedure twice in a week to do away with razor bumps and obtain fresh and soft skin.
Tea Bags
Another home remedy to do away with razor bumps includes easy on the pocket tea bags. The underlying fact is that black tea carries tannic acid. This tannic acid has the property of reducing inflammation and redness thus helping soothe irritation caused by razor bumps. The cheaper tea bags carry higher proportions of tannic acid as contrasted to expensive brands and therefore show better results. To apply, soak a black tea bag in lukewarm water and apply it onto the affected area. Allow it to work for 2-3 minutes. This process can be repeated on a daily basis, as required.
Baking Soda
A conventional remedy to treat razor bumps includes baking soda. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda to a cup of water and dab it over the skin using a cotton ball. Let the solution become dry. This would take about 5minutes. Rinse off with cold water. The results would show vanishing of redness and stinging away from the skin. This process can be repeated twice or even more every day, as required, till the bumps are done away with.
Essential Oils
There are numerous essential oils that feature the capability of soothing and treating razor bumps. Some effective ones include chamomile, lavender, or calendula oil. Acknowledged for healing and soothing properties, these oils are really effective in reducing irritation and redness on shaven skin. Before applying any of these oils, water down 6-8drops of to1/4th cup of ice-cold water to avoid any more irritation. Avoid applying undiluted oils directly over your skin.
Vinegar and Honey
Honey, acknowledged for effective anti-bacterial properties, is also helpful in doing away with razor bumps. To apply, gently cover your affected skin with honey. Allow it to work for five minutes and then rinse off with cool water. Follow this application with an application of vinegar as it is also helpful in reducing inflammation thus soothing your skin. Pat dry your skin after washing away the applied honey and dash undiluted over the affected areas and let it dry naturally. After the treatment is accomplished, razor bumps should vanish in a little while.
Hydrocortisone Cream
This remedy helps treat tender razor bumps. Applying 1% of hydrocortisone cream instantly on the shaven area can treat irritation, stinging, and irritation. This cream shows results by constricting blood flow towards blood vessels. You will notice your razor bumps vanishing after some days.
However, this cream should not be used on a daily basis for excessive use can lead to irritation and redness, or even stretch marks on skin when its use is discontinued.
Glycolic Lotion
Glycolic acid features antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory properties. These qualities make it perfect reducing irksome razor bumps. Glycolic acid can be obtained in the form of lotions that contain glycolic acid as an ingredient. Even faster results can be obtained by combining it with alpha lipoid acid.
Shave Smart
To prevent razor bumps, ensure following correct shaving technique. It is advisable to follow the shaving process just after a hot shower as it opens the pores thus making the hair soft. Also, try to go with the grain, i.e. move with the course of hair growth. Try to be gentle and avoid pulling or pressing on the skin. Then, rinse off with cold water. This would help in closing the pores. Conclude the procedure by applying an alcohol-free aftershave or lotion to retain the moisture of the skin.
Avoid Soap
Try to steer clear of soap-based products during the shaving process. However, if your skin is susceptible to having razor bumps, you can opt for using shaving lotion or cream containing a relaxing ingredient, aloe for example.
Herbal Face Wash
Form a herbal face wash with some familiar herbs, such as marigold and chamomile, as ingredients. The recipe includes blending together 1 teaspoon each of chamomile and marigold to 1cup warm water. You can also opt for using only chamomile but adding marigold can boost up the healing quality of your face wash. Let the mixture come down to a bearable temperature. Then, apply it onto the affected areas.
Witch Hazel
Another remedy to treat and prevent razor bumps includes witch hazel. This is one of the most common herbs used for healing purposes. The usage involves application of witch hazel essential oil just before as well as after shaving. This would help you avoid the occurrence of razor bumps. Witch hazel can be obtained in the form of a liquid, as a stick, or even in the form of a pad. Moreover, there are numerous products for skin care that include witch hazel as an effective ingredient.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is another option that can be used to do away with exasperating razor bumps. Apply a few drops of tea tree oil mixed with 2tbsp vegetable oil by rubbing gently onto the affected areas. The antiseptic qualities of this product help in soothing irritation.
Retinoid
Retinoid refers to a medication obtained as of Vitamin A. It helps in skin exfoliation besides preventing it from getting thick. It can be applied once daily or as per the prescription of the dermatologist.
I hope you find this editorial really helpful in treating and avoiding irksome razor bumps. Follow these tips and remedies and enjoy a smooth and beautiful skin. Happy summers!
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