What are Razor Bumps?
Razor bumps are small, raised bumps that appear after shaving. They are caused when hair begins to grow back in the same direction as the hair follicle. This causes the hair to grow back into the skin, causing inflammation and irritation. Razor bumps can range from mild to severe, and they can be painful, itchy, and unsightly.
Razor bumps are most common on the face, neck, and other areas where hair is frequently shaved, but they can also occur on other parts of the body. It is important to note that razor bumps are different from regular razor burn, which is caused by using a dull blade or by shaving too close.
Causes of Razor Bumps
The most common cause of razor bumps is improper shaving technique. Shaving against the grain, going over the same area multiple times, and using a dull blade can all increase the risk of razor bumps. In addition, people with curly or coarse hair are more likely to get razor bumps due to the shape of their follicles.
Your choice of razor also has an impact on avoiding razor bumps as well. Popular cartridge razors with multiple blades are designed to both lift and cut hair with the remaining shaft receding below the skin’s surface. The result is an ultra-close shave, but hair growing from below the surface are more prone to growing back toward the follicle and becoming infected and creating razor bumps.
How to Prevent Razor Bumps
The best way to prevent razor bumps is to use proper shaving technique and a safety razor that cuts the hair at the skin surface rather than lifting and cutting as with cartridge razors.
Helpful techniques include shaving with the grain, using a sharp blade, and avoiding going over the same area multiple times. Using a shaving brush and a shaving cream such as our ancient recipe shaving creams to massage the skin, condition the hair and create a protective barrier between the razor and the skin.
People with curly or coarse hair who are prone to razor bumps should consider using a razor specifically designed for sensitive skin or a traditional double edge safety razor.
With a double edge safety razor, the blade makes a single cut at the skin surface without the lifting effect. This reduces the risk that hair will be trapped below the skin and be caused to grow back into the follicle. And since blades are much less expensive for a safety razor, there’s less temptation to stretch the life of a cartridge that dulls over time.
Treatments for Razor Bumps
If you are already dealing with razor bumps, there are a few treatments that can help. The first step is to stop shaving and allow the bumps to heal. Applying a cold compress or ice pack can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
In addition, there are a few products specifically designed to treat razor bumps. These include products containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which help to reduce inflammation and redness. There are also creams and gels that contain hydrocortisone, which can help reduce itching and discomfort.
Finally, there are a few home remedies that can help treat razor bumps. Applying aloe vera gel to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. In addition, applying witch hazel or apple cider vinegar to the area can help reduce redness and irritation.
Prevention Tips for Razor Bumps
Razor bumps can be quite uncomfortable and unsightly, so it is important to take the necessary steps to prevent them. Here are a few tips to help prevent razor bumps:
- Use a sharp razor and avoid going over the same area multiple times. Consider switching to a traditional double edge safety razor to avoid cutting the hair below the skin surface.
- Use a shaving cream and brush to stimulate and condition hair and creative a protective barrier between the razor and the skin.
- Go with the grain of the hair when shaving.
- Use a moisturizer or one of our aftershave gel with natural ingredients after shaving to help soothe the skin and reduce irritation.
Razor bumps can be a pesky problem, but with the right precautions and treatments, they can be managed. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can reduce your risk of razor bumps and keep your skin looking and feeling its best.
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