If you have so much hair on your skin, whether beards or even pubic hair, chances are that you will be shaving everyday. Sadly, this routine comes with an unwanted side effect: after shave bumps.
These annoying and sometimes painful bumps can mar the smoothness of your skin.
In this article, we will highlight what causes after shave bumps and provide you with effective solutions to prevent and treat them.
What Are After Shave Bumps?
After shave bumps, also known as razor bumps or pseudofolliculitis barbae, are small, red, inflamed bumps that appear on the skin after shaving. They can be itchy, uncomfortable and unsightly.
What Causes After Shave Bumps?
Hair Curling
One of the leading causes of after shave bumps is hair that curls back into the skin after shaving. This is more common in individuals with curly hair.
Blunt Razors
Using a dull razor blade can lead to uneven cuts, causing hair to grow back into the skin.
Sensitive Skin
People with sensitive skin are more prone to after shave bumps.
How To Shave To Eliminate Bumps
Choose The Right Razor Or Electric Razor
Selecting the right razor is crucial in preventing bumps. Opt for a high-quality, sharp razor with multiple blades to ensure a clean shave.
Soften Hair And Skin
One way to achieve an amazing result after shaving is to first soften the hair and skin.
This you can achieve by taking a warm shower or using a pre-shave oil.
With a warm shower before shaving, you are able to soften both your hair and skin, making the shaving process smoother.
Also, applying a pre-shave oil on the areas your want to shave further softens the hair and creates a protective barrier for your skin.
The Shaving Process
Proper Technique
The first thing to know about shaving is that when you shave in the direction of hair growth, you will lower the chances of having a bump.
More so, shaving against the grain increases the chances of ingrown hairs.
Don’t Press Too Hard
If you are fond of shaving with all your strength, pushing the shaving stick so had against your body, please change.
Really, you need to apply minimal pressure when shaving to prevent skin irritation.
Post-Shave Routine
A few other things that can help reduce the chances of these bumps showing up is what you do after shaving.
Rinse With Cold Water
After shaving, rinse your face ore the part of your body you shaved with cold water to close the pores.
Use An Aftershave Lotion
Apply a soothing aftershave lotion to calm the skin is a great idea. You can use some natural after shave solutions: coconut oil, baking soda, glycerin, apple cider vinegar or Aloe vera to calm your skin.
Treating After Shave Bumps
Home Remedies
Tea Tree Oil
The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil can help reduce inflammation and prevent infection (1).
Aloe Vera
Applying aloe vera gel can soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.
Over-the-Counter Solutions
Often, we recommend that you rely more on natural remedies than over-the-counter solutions.
If you decide t try over the counter remedies, here are two you can try.
Salicylic Acid
Products containing salicylic acid can exfoliate the skin and help prevent ingrown hairs.
Hydrocortisone Cream
This can reduce itching and inflammation associated with after shave bumps.
Professional Help
If after using a good shaving technique shave bumps persist or worsen, it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist.
They can provide medical-grade treatments like laser hair removal or prescription creams.
Conclusion
Surely, you will say goodbye to razor bumps by following these preventive measures and effective remedies.
Related Posts
Achieving a smooth, irritation-free shave is possible with the right techniques and products.
Remember that everyone’s skin is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find the perfect routine for you.
FAQs
1. How long do after shave bumps typically last?
Indeed, this bumps can last a few days to a few weeks, depending on their severity and how you treat them.
2. Can women get after shave bumps?
Yes, women can also experience after shave bumps, especially in areas where they shave, like the legs or underarms.
3. Are there any natural remedies for razor bumps?
Yes, natural remedies like aloe vera, tea tree oil, and honey can help alleviate the symptoms of after shave bumps.
4. Should I stop shaving if I have after shave bumps?
You don’t have to stop shaving altogether, but taking a break until the bumps heal can be beneficial.
5. Is laser hair removal an effective solution for after shave bumps?
Laser hair removal can be an effective long-term solution for preventing bumps, but it may require multiple sessions.
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