Razor bumps are small inflamed bumps on the skin that happen after you shave due to individual hairs curling back and growing into the skin. Also known as ingrown hairs, these razor bumps can cause pimples, redness, and irritation, often leading to a great deal of discomfort.
While razor bumps can happen to anyone, they may be more common in people with curly hair or sensitive skin. Fortunately, these ingrown hairs are harmless most of the time, and there are various ways to get rid of razor bumps and irritation. Here’s how to treat razor bumps easily and conveniently from the comfort of your own home:
Give It Time
If you notice razor bumps forming on your skin, there is no need to freak out. Most razor bumps are entirely harmless, and they will often go away on their own. Simply avoid shaving or trimming the affected areas while your skin is irritated. And whatever you do, avoid using tweezers, needles, or similar tools to dig out ingrown hairs. This can cause further irritation, as well as bacterial infections and even scarring.
While bumps are present, try to shave less often to prevent more irritation. For example, if you are used to shaving every day or every other day, switch to just once or twice a week until the bumps are gone.
Don’t Forget to Moisturize
Whether you have sensitive skin or not, you should always be moisturizing after shaving. Simply pat your face and neck dry with a soft towel and apply a moisturizing balm to hydrate and protect your skin. Not only can moisturizers help get rid of razor bumps and ease any itching, but they can help prevent them as well.
Look for a moisturizer made with natural ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, and essential oils. In fact, your whole skincare routine should consist of naturally-formulated products that are entirely alcohol-free to avoid irritation, dryness, and dull skin.
Apply a Cool Compress
If you have sensitive skin, applying a cool compress right after shaving can work wonders for treating razor bumps or other forms of skin irritation. Just wet a washcloth or towel with cool water, then pat your face and neck for a few minutes. If you are going to apply a cool compress, do it as soon as you are done shaving and before using any moisturizing balms.
Use Scrubs and Exfoliants
Facial scrubs can remove dead skin, dirt, and oil that may be plugging the pores and keeping hairs trapped inside. Skin scrubs are available in most drug stores, but these products often contain alcohol, plastic beads, and other ingredients that may harm sensitive skin.
As we mentioned before, your skincare products should all be naturally-formulated, which also applies to scrubs. We recommend choosing a scrub made with natural ingredients or making your own scrub at home with facial exfoliants like sugar, salt, or ground-up fruit pits. Regardless of the type of scrub you choose, just remember to be gentle when applying it on your skin. Some skin types may show some kind of reaction to the rough texture of scrubs, so use scrubs with caution.
Try a Natural Home Remedy
In addition to DIY facial scrubs, there are other razor bump remedies you can try making at home. One of the most common razor burn and razor bump remedies you can make is aspirin paste by simply mixing two uncoated tablets of aspirin and a teaspoon of water, then applying to the razor bumps for at least 15 minutes.
Other razor burn remedies you can easily find at home include:
- Coconut oil
- Aloe vera
- Witch hazel
- Tea tree oil
To use any of these plant-based solutions, just spread a thin layer over the irritated area on your skin, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off.
Again, it’s crucial that you use natural shaving products for better results, especially when dealing with irritation. But if these tips don’t work and you notice razor bumps and razor burns every time after you shave, then you might want to consider talking to your dermatologist.