Is it just me or do you also get razor bumps every time you shave before a big event? No matter how careful you are while shaving, somehow you can never escape them. Those red itchy bumps may look little but they hurt like a b*tch! After doing some research I learnt that there’s actually a lot of different reasons why you can get razor bumps. Some of the most common causes are:
- Sensitive skin: If you’re someone with sensitive skin, then you’re more prone to post-shave inflammation which can lead to those infamous razor bumps.
- Blunt Razors: If your razor starts cutting or tugging your skin and shows signs of rusting then you know it’s time to replace your razor head. It’s recommended to replace it after every 5-10 uses. Shaving with a blunt razor can not only cause bumps but also cut your skin.
- Chafing: These bumps are more likely to appear on the skin which is more prone to friction and chafing.
- Irritation: Sometimes razor bumps can be formed if your skin gets irritated and inflamed by the products you use. So you might want to go easy on those body lotions and deodorants that are heavily scented.
So what’s the solution? It’s definitely not throwing out your razor. Here’s how you can get rid of those pesky razor bumps for once and for all:
1. Dry Brushing:
What do Miranda Kerr, Gwenyth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz have in common? They all dry brush! Dry brushing is a great preventative way to stop razor bumps from forming. Doing this every day will not only give you baby soft skin but it’ll also help drain your lymphatic system.
2. Exfoliating Acids
Beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid will help unblock your pores and let the ingrown hair grow outside your pores. It’s a great chemical exfoliant and you can find this skincare ingredient in many acne-fighting products. If you have dry or sensitive skin then you can try glycolic acid instead of salicylic acid to get rid razor bumps.
3. Hydrocortisone Cream
If your razor bumps are very itchy and painful then try applying a hydrocortisone treatment that you can get over the counter from any pharmacist. It’ll help you get rid of the swelling, itching and redness. However, if you’re not sure about whether you’ll face side effects, then you should consult your doctor beforehand.
4. Fresh Razor
Sometimes the answers to the toughest of problems are the simplest. Using a blunt and rusty razor is a clear invitation for razor bumps to form on your skin. Just by swapping out your old and blunt razor for a brand new one, you can save your skin cuts and bumps. Look for a razor that has multiple sharp blades and one that you can easily control and grip.
5. Unscented Products
The body lotions and deodorants that you usually use on a daily basis are loaded with artificial fragrances. Using these products on freshly shaved skin can cause inflammation, razor bumps and in really bad cases, skin infections. So save yourself from an unwanted headache and start using unscented products. Trust me, they’re way better for you in the long run!
Which method are you going to try out? Let us know in the comments below!
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