Many people suffer from razor bumps, a condition that is known as Pseudofolliculitis Barbae. When you see them on the skin, they look like small bumps that are irritations which occur after a person shaves. Typically, they occur when the hair on your skin curls backwards and then grows into your skin layers. You will see bumps appear on the skin as well as a change of color from irritations. This condition may sometimes cause scars. Razor bumps were first studied in 1956 and research has continued since then.
How to get rid of Razor Bumps: Know the Causes First
Even though this condition is frequently seen on men, anyone can get razor bumps, even women. The most common places for this to occur are the face and the neck after shaving. You may be more susceptible if you have curly hair and if you have sensitive skin. Bikini line shaving is a good example of this.
You can keep shaving but the hair is always to grow and keep re-appearing. With curly hair, it has the tendency to grow back into the skin and does not go straight from your follicles. This leads to razor bumps and irritations such as inflammation. The symptoms may include itchiness, redness and in some people, you may think you have a pimple breakout. If an infection develops in this area, you may see pustules develop or papules appear.
Sometimes, having thick hair that is coarse may be a problem especially related to this condition. Your chances of getting razor bumps are 50 times higher than a person who has straight hair. Even though this ailment is not severe, it may become more “dangerous” if you don’t treat it since it can scar your skin.
When it comes to determining the cause, you should know there are two difference types of ingrown hair. The first one is called extrafollicular hair which means the hair is out of the follicle but is growing back into skin. The second type is transfollicular hair which stays within the follicle and because of having curly type hair, it goes back into the follicle it originated from and this can cause the skin to be irritated and fluid to develop.
How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps: Prevention Tips
Instead of treating the problem, you should prevent it from happening, especially after it finally clears up. There are many different tips you can use to keep your skin in perfect even if you continue to shave after about with razor bumps.
Before you shave, ensure your hair and skin are wet, so the best time to shave is after bathing. If this is not possible, you can wet it by putting water on it and leaving it for about 2 minutes. You should use warm water that is soapy. It is easier to remove and cuts smoothly and much better compared to hair that is dry.
Use high-quality oil on your hair and skin before you use shaving cream. Oil is a good moisturizer that will soften your skin and your hair. This will help you remove the hair and cut it without it being pulled which leads to skin irritations.
The shaving cream should be of good quality and be able to stop friction to avoid irritating the skin. Apply the shaving cream to the hair and skin for a minimum of two minutes and apply it to the affected areas last right before you shave. The longer you leave it on, the softer the hair will be.
When you shave, you should never shave against the grain but with it.
Keep your skin as relaxed at possibly without stretching the skin in anyway while you are shaving. Stretching may bounce the hair back into the follicle or back into your skin causing razor bumps.
You should never keep using the same disposable razor or the razor blade for a prolonged amount of time. It is important to replace it periodically so you don’t use a blade that is dull. Using a dull blade can cause more tearing of the hair making it look uneven.
Never shave in the same area more than two times as this can promote irritation.
Stop shaving and replace the razor with a hair removal cream. This works in a way that the hair is dissolved so it can be rinsed or washed off in the shower. When selecting this type of product, test it first to see if you have any negative reactions. Some can be irritating to the spin because they have very strong ingredients. If you have any reaction, avoid using it.
How to get rid of Razor Bumps: Natural Home Remedies
Apple Cider Vinegar
This is a very popular home remedy for many skin problems because it helps to ease inflammation and also control itching from razor bumps. In addition, it also has antibacterial properties to prevent an infection from occurring. For this home remedy, you will need half cup of apple cider vinegar. Apply the ingredient to the affected area with a cotton ball gently and then allow the solution to dry. Then wash it off with warm water. Instead of wiping your face dry, you should pat it dry. Do this for a minimum of three times daily. If you have sensitive skin, it is best to dilute the vinegar with water. The two liquids should be the same proportion.
Cold Compress
When you need to treat razor bumps, this works quickly to make the skin soft and the cold temperature allows the burning feeling to cool and subside. These are common symptoms of razor bump, especially the burning which can be extremely troublesome. Ice also decreases the amount of swelling anywhere on the body. Take a handkerchief and put some ice cubes in it. After wrapping it, put the ice on the area with razor bumps for ten to fifteen minutes. Keep doing this repeatedly until you feel comfortable without any burning feeling. This remedy can be used anywhere on the body, including the bikini area and the underarms since these are common shaving areas.
How to get rid of Razor Bumps with Aspirin
Aspirin is an NSAID which means it can reduce inflammation without the use of prescription steroids. It can also decrease the amount of redness that is common with razor bumps. You’ll need two aspirin pills and a tablespoon of warm water. Mix this into a paste and apply this to the razor bump affected area leaving it on for approximately ten minutes. Then remove the paste using warm water. This is best done twice every day as an answer to how to get rid of razor bumps fast. This remedy should only used by people who do not have sensitive skin.
Honey
Honey is a recommended item for the skin because it is antibacterial and is helpful for removing many skin ailments. Redness and inflammation from razor bumps can be controlled, if not completely eliminated. Using your finger tips, put some honey on the affected area and let it stay on until it dries. Use cold water to remove the honey mask and pat your skin dry. This should be performed thrice daily.
How do you get rid of Razor Bumps with Cucumber?
Cucumbers reduce swelling and can also hydrate your skin. It is a vegetable that is very high is vitamins such as C and K because they have healing properties. Take a few slices from the cucumber and let them get cold in the refrigerator. Leave the cucumber in for at least 30 minutes. You can also use an already chilled cucumber. When ready, rub the cucumber on the skin that has razor bumps for around ten minutes. The second option is that make a cucumber mask by making a paste or puree with the cucumber and some milk. Let it get cold in the refrigerator and then put it on the skin that has razor bumps. It should stay on the skin for ten minutes and then rinsed off with warm water. For maximum results, practice this for two days, two times each day.
Yogurt
Another item than can eliminate swelling is yogurt. You will need to mix 1 ½ tsp. of honey and 1 tablespoon of yogurt and put it on the area that has razor burn. This mixture should be left on for fifteen minutes and then using warm water, take it off. Do this four times a day. This a good solution for how to get rid of razor bumps on legs. It’s easy and it’s affordable.
How to get rid of Razor Bumps with a Tea Bag
Because of the tannic acid in tea, swelling and irritation such as red skin can be decreased. Put a teabag in hot water and let it sit for a few minute. Take out the bag and put it in a saucer or any small dish you have. Then refrigerate it for about ten minutes and then rub the tea bag on the affected razor bump skin for a few minutes, no more than three. It’s an easy method for how to get rid of razor bumps fast.
Baking Soda
Using baking soda on your skin can reduce inflammation associated with razor bumps and act as a soothing agent. It will also help control the amount itching related to this condition in any area of the body. Simply combine one tablespoon baking soda with a cup of water. Then, take a cotton ball and apply this solution to the razor bump affected skin. This should be left on for about five minutes and then washed away using water that is cold. Try this home remedy for razor bumps three times every day. Do not use it excessively since it can dry the skin, removing moisture.
How to get rid of Razor Bumps on Legs with Oatmeal
Oatmeal has many uses when it comes to home remedies for the skin such as exfoliation of dead skin cells. In addition to this, it can clear the irritation of razor bumps and also remove the inflammation caused by this skin ailment. Combine ground oatmeal and yogurt together in a small bowl. Be careful to measure both ingredients in equal proportions. Then add a teaspoon of pure honey and mix it together well. Apply this solution with your fingers on the area affected for half hour and then remove it with warm water. Do this twice a day for three days.
Using a Hot Compress to get rid of Razor Bumps
A hot compress is ideal to kill bacteria and germs that existed in the razor bump affected area. Soak a cloth in hot water. Make sure it’s not too hot, otherwise it burn your skin. It should be comfortable enough to put on your face. The cloth should remain on the razor bumps for five to ten minutes for maximum effects. Keep repeating this home remedy daily until the skin problem is gone.
Cornstarch for Razor Bump Removal
This ingredient has a calming and soothing effect on the skin. It can be applied directly on the area affected or you can mix it with water for a paste to be applied like a mask. This mixture should be left on for about twenty minutes and then removed with water that is warm.
Lemon Juice: An All Purpose Remedy for How to get rid of Razor Bumps
Lemon has the ability to act as an antibacterial and antibiotic agent on the skin. For this remedy you will need the juice of half lemon. Simply use a cotton ball and apply the juice where you see razor bumps. Then leave it on your skin until it dries and then rinse it off with warm water.
Witch Hazel Astringent
For a natural home remedy, you can use witch hazel for how to get rid of razor bumps on legs. This has a cooling effect and it can kill bacteria as well as reduce inflammation. Use a cotton ball to apply witch hazel that contains hydrosol onto the skin that is affected. Let this stay on your skin. Do not rinse this off.
Strawberries
Strawberries are a natural source of salicylic acid which is commonly found in acne skin care products. It can also be used on razor bumps because it lowers the inflammation level. Mash some strawberries and mix them with a small amount of sour cream. Mix it well and then apply it with your fingertips to the area that requires attention. Let this sit for up to twenty minutes but not less than fifteen. Rinse this off your skin with cold water. Always pat your skin dry.
Sugar and Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil has many benefits, including for the skin. The skin will become smoother after using this remedy since both together will soften the skin and remove dead cells. For this home remedy, take four tablespoons of pure coconut oil, add one tablespoon of honey and two tablespoons of both white sugar and brown sugar. Mix this well and with your fingertips, apply this to your skin on the razor bumps. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then remove it with warm water.
Olive Oil: A Popular Home Remedy for the Skin
Just like other natural home remedies, this one also reduces inflammation and makes the skin smoother. You will need to combine 1 Tbsp. of olive oil together with a few drop of tea tree oil and mix it well. It’s easy to apply with a soaked cotton ball over the affected skin. Rinse it off with water that is warm.
Tea Tree Oil
This is a home remedy that has been used for ages for various skin conditions. When it comes to razor bumps it can help remove them. It is an antiseptic that can kill off bacteria and remove inflamed skin. You’ll need 2 Tbsp. of water and about five drops tea tree oil. Put it on the affected area with fingertips, leaving it on for 10 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water. Use this home remedy for razor bumps two times per day.
Aloe Vera
You can cool the symptoms of razor bumps with this ingredient. You can use a cream of aloe vera or you can use it extracted directly from the plant. Apply the cream or the gel from the plant onto your skin with your fingertips. Let it dry on the affected area and then remove it with cold water. For how to remove razor bumps fast, you need to use this remedy 3 times a day for a period of three days.
Tweezer Hair Removal
Very often, the ingrown hair can be removed using tweezers to treat razor bumps. This is an easy method but keep in mind that removing the hair from the follicle is not a good idea. You can however, gently pull the hair out.
Salicylic Acid for Removing Razor Bumps
This type of mask or peel is available over the counter and can help fight the razor bumps to get rid of them. The acid helps promote the peeling of the skin so new skin can come in place of the old. This is a method of clearing skin problems.
Cure Razor Bumps with Essential Oils
There are many essential oils that can heal your skin. A few good examples include lavender, chamomile and calendula. You’ll need to use approximately ten drops of your preferred oil and ¼ cup of cold, iced, water. Put this on the area that needs attention and let it dry. Then remove it with normal temperature water from the tap. You should always use diluted essential oils and never apply them directly to your skin without a combination of oil and water.
Yes, razor bumps can be removed but to keep them away you need to use the preventative measures mentioned earlier. You don’t need to shave every day since the hair usually doesn’t grow too fast. A couple of times a week should be plenty.
Also, before you try any home remedies, it needs to be tested on a small area since the last things you want is more skin trouble to find cures for. Keep an eye out for allergic reactions. If you see anything strange on the tested area, don’t use it anywhere else. Throw away the solution and find something else that you can tolerate well.
Remember, these remedies can be used anywhere on the body and not just on the face. These bumps can appear on any area that people commonly shave such as the legs, face, neck, arms and also the bikini area in the summer months.
You also need to consider the fact that you may need to try multiple home remedies for razor bumps before you find the perfect solution. Also, several remedies may need to be combined but it can be treated. You should follow up treatment with a moisturizer to protect your skin from drying out.
If home remedies for razor bumps don’t work, it may be best to see a physician who can prescribe a treatment for you to eliminate the skin problem. Usually, under normal circumstances, it doesn’t reach this point. It’s not a serious ailment and it will go away.
Watch this recommended video about “How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps and Razor Burn! DIY”
