Introduction.
Razor bumps are most common among men of African descent. It is a frustrating experience that all men with facial hair go through at some stage. They are caused by ingrown hair that grows back into the skin, which can be embarrassing, annoying, and painful. You might even develop abscesses or skin infections if left untreated.
If you're suffering from the pesky problem of razor bumps, you're in the right place.
In this article, we look at the causes of razor bumps, how to treat them, and prevent them in the future.
What are Razor Bumps?
Razor bumps are small red bumps that appear on your face, neck, and private regions after shaving. It is also termed pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB). They are unsightly, irritating, and embarrassing. Razor bumps can take the joy out of shaving, especially if you have to shave every day.
Razor bumps are actually a form of ingrown hair, and they occur when curly hair gets stucks inside of the hair follicle, growing in a direction opposite to the rest of the hair. This results in a red bump that can be tender to the touch.
It is a common problem for men and women of all ages; they usually appear on the neck and face. But, it can also occur in other places like the pubic area.
5 Ways to Treat Razor Bumps
Nothing can make razor bumps go away instantly, but various strategies can help remove or manage them. We discuss 5 ways to treat razor bumps below.
- Stop Shaving: If you already have razor bumps, the most important thing you can do is avoid shaving for a few weeks. This will allow the skin to recover.
- Apply warm cloth: Wash your face with warm water and a mild cleanser before shaving. This habit will help reduce irritation and inflammation caused by shaving.
- Apply Aloe vera Gel: Aloe vera provides a calming, hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effect. It helps to swiftly halt the itching, swelling, and redness caused by razor bumps. Apply the aloe gel to the affected areas after removing it from the plant leaves. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes to dry—several times per day and repeat.
- Apply Tea Tree oil ointment: This natural antiseptic can help clear up a rash-causing infection by killing bacteria and viruses. Apply it directly to the affected area or mix a few drops with a small amount of water and apply as needed. You may want to use this after you wash your face in the morning because it can irritate sensitive skin if used too close to bedtime.
- Use an exfoliating scrub: Scrubs remove debris and free ingrown hairs by physically sloughing off dead skin cells.
How to prevent Razor bumps in the Future.
If you’re someone who shaves regularly, you know that razor bumps can be a real pain. Those red, itchy bumps can pop up after even the closest of shaves, and they seem take some time to go away. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
Here are some tips on how to prevent razor bumps in the future:
1. Use a sharp razor.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but using a dull razor is one of the main causes of razor bumps. When your razor is dull, it can cause the hair to be cut at an angle, leading to ingrown hairs. So, make sure you’re using a sharp razor, and replace it often.
- Shave in the direction of hair growth.
Another cause of razor bumps is shaving against the grain. Shaving against the grain can cause ingrown hair to grow inward toward your skin’s surface. So, shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it.
- Immediately after shaving, hydrate your skin with water and apply a moisturizing cream. This will help prevent infection and encourage healing.
- Avoid skin care products containing irritating ingredients, which could worsen inflammation. We recommend using The Razor Bump Spray and any essential red line Beard Oil.
Final Note
Razor bumps are not severe skin conditions; as discussed earlier, they can be taken care of with these guidelines.
Overall, proper hygiene and good shaving techniques will greatly reduce the appearance of razor bumps. Understanding the factors contributing to razor bumps (i.e., shaving too frequently, improper shaving tools, etc.) is crucial to preventing future bumps.
