How To Get Rid Of Razor Bumps
Many times you must have noticed red and small bumps over your skin after shaving with a razor, they are called razor burns or razor bumps. The most common reason behind razor bumps is friction between the razor and ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs are nothing but hairs that start growing inside a thin layer of skin.
If you often suffer from razor bumps, there is nothing to worry this is a common problem faced by both men and women due to the improper usage of shaving tools. Using a dull blade, a hard soap, sensitive skin, curly hair, shaving when the length of hair is too short, women using men’s razor, shaving dry & unconditioned skin all can cause these tiny red bumps leading to inflammation, itching, and redness.
Razor bumps may occur due to a bacterial infection in the follicles or when hairs are shaved off irregularly or when hairs curl under the skin (ingrown hairs). Commonly we experience razor bumps in the area where the growth is thick such as the face, neck, bikini area and underarms because thick hairs cause more irritation and oil production than finer hair.
There are various ways to avoid razor bumps and the burning sensation, from using the tools correctly to home remedies there is plenty you can do.
Home Remedies
1. Cold Compress
The most irritating part about razor bumps is the burning sensation that lingers on. A cold compress can give instant relief and soothe the area to reduce the pain. As soon as you experience itching or pain after shaving use this remedy to prevent bumps from forming.
Take an ice pack or a few ice cubes wrapped in a thin towel or cloth and place it on the affected area.
Continue this for a few minutes.
Repeat it a few times a day to get quick relief.
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2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and the presence of acetic acid prevents any bacterial infection from developing.
Apply some apple cider vinegar to the affected area using a cotton ball.
If you have dry or sensitive skin then use only diluted vinegar. Concentrated vinegar can make your skin further dry. Use water to dilute the vinegar.
Let the apple cider vinegar dry and then wash it with cold water.
Repeat 2 – 3 times daily.
3. Baking Soda
Just like apple cider vinegar baking soda also balances the pH of the skin and relieves from the irritation.
Make a paste by mixing 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 cup of water.
Apply it on the affected area using a cotton ball.
Rinse with cold water after 5 minutes.
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4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known for its soothing properties. It also keeps the skin moisturised which is required for faster healing.
Take an aloe vera leaf, cut it in half and extract the gel using a spoon.
Apply it generously over the affected area.
Let it dry naturally and then wash with cold water.
Repeat 2 – 3 times daily till you get relief.
4. Black Tea
The tannic acid present in black tea helps reduce redness and inflammation.
Take a black tea bag and dip it in warm water.
Let it stay for a few minutes and then keep it in the refrigerator to cool down.
After 5 minutes place the chilled tea bag over the affected area for a few minutes.
You can also use any other tea such as green tea.
Repeat the same several times a day.
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5. Honey
Honey has healing properties and its antimicrobial properties prevent any risk of developing an infection.
Apply some raw organic honey on the affected area.
You can also mix honey and yogurt in equal quantities and apply the mixture on the affected area.
Irrespective of whichever way you use honey, let it dry for 15 – 20 minutes and then wash with lukewarm water.
Repeat 3 – 4 times daily.
6. Cucumber
Cucumber is another soothing agent. The presence of Vitamin A and C in cucumber relieves pain.
You can either use frozen cucumber slices or chilled cucumber juice to apply on the affected area.
Leave it for a few minutes and rinse off with water.
Repeat several times a day.
Or you could make a paste consisting of 1 tablespoon pureed cucumber and 2 tablespoons milk. Refrigerate it for 15 minutes and then apply it to the affected area.
Let it dry naturally and wash off with cold water.
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7. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Add 3 drops of tea tree oil in 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Apply it on the affected area.
Rinse it off after 10 – 15 minutes.
Repeat this twice daily.
8. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is also a good option to get relief from the burning sensation and redness.
Mix finely grounded oatmeal and plain yogurt in equal quantities in a bowl.
Add a tablespoon of raw honey and make a fine paste.
Apply this paste on the affected area.
Let it stay for half an hour.
Wash with lukewarm water.
Repeat twice a day.
9. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel contains tannins, it is also a very powerful antibacterial and astringent. However, never apply witch hazel on dry or sensitive skin without diluting.
Apply witch hazel directly to the affected area.
Let it stay for a few minutes and rinse with water.
10. Lemon
The citric acid in lemons makes them antibacterial and anti-fungal.
Apply some fresh lemon juice diluted in water on the affected area using a cotton ball.
After a few minutes, rinse the area with water.
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11. Rubbing Alcohol
Alcohol is a disinfectant and helps in healing.
Apply alcohol using a cotton ball and let it air dry.
Repeat twice a day.
12. Aspirin Paste
Aspirin also has anti-inflammatory action.
Crush 3-4 aspirin tablets and mix with water to form a paste.
Apply the paste on the affected area.
Let it dry for 10 minutes.
Rinse with lukewarm water.
What Else Can You Do To Avoid Razor Bumps
Shave while taking a hot water bath as the skin is soft at that time and you can easily shave.
Apply hydrocortisone cream to the affected skin bumps to reduce irritation and inflammation.
Keep the shaved area moisturised at all times.
Always wet your skin before shaving.
Avoid tight clothing in the affected area to prevent further irritation.
Picking or scratching the bumps can cause infection.
Use a new razor every time you shave.
Shaving against the direction of hair growth can cause ingrown hairs. So, always move the razor in the direction of hair growth.
Do not press the razor too hard.
Avoid shaving frequently.
Use an aftershave lotion to avoid infection.
Wash the razor with alcohol before and after shaving to prevent infection.
Use a shaving gel or cream. You can also use coconut oil or olive oil.
Exfoliate your skin before shaving to release ingrown hairs.
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