Unless you are the most precise person with a razor, you will most likely develop razor bumps at some point if you shave. They are unappealing red bumps that you want to get rid of as soon as you can. Most people are self-conscious about these, especially if they appear on the neck (most common for men), underarms, or bikini area.
What Are Razor Bumps?
Razor bumps are known as pseudofolliculitis barbae and they appear when the hair follicles don’t exit the skin during regrowth, or they turn back and reenter the skin in a different place. The irritated bumps occur because the body interprets the rogue hairs as intruders, which explains the inflammatory response.
Ideally, the best way to get rid of razor bumps is to prevent them from initially appearing. You can take a few measures to help decrease your risk of developing razor bumps.
- Make sure to shave in the direction of hair growth, especially in more sensitive areas. When you shave against the grain, you can cause more trauma to the skin and increase your chances of razor bump development.
- Never shave with a dull blade because this can cause uneven hair growth, and can pull on or irritate the skin. You may want to consider upgrading your razor if your blades persist to dull.
- Always apply something that works to moisten your skin and soften the hair. A moisturizing soap is typically recommending. You can also apply a pre-shaving oil like olive or coconut oil to help moisten the skin.
Home Remedies
Apple Cider Vinegar
You should always have apple cider vinegar in the pantry because it has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to helping with inflammation reduction, it can also help to combat any infection in the area. Dab a cotton ball in raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar and gently apply it to the razor bumps, allowing it to dry on the spot before rinsing with water. Repeat twice a day.
Tea Tree Oil
The antibacterial, antibiotic, and astringent properties of tea tree oil help to cleanse the area around razor bumps. Because bacteria work to inhibit the healing process, it is recommended to cleanse the area in order to tighten pores. Don’t put tea tree oil directly on the skin! Mix tea tree oil with coconut oil or add about 10 drops to a lukewarm bath and soak in it for about 25 minutes.
Baking Soda
In case you didn’t know, baking soda can be used outside the kitchen. Baking soda works to fight itchiness because it has anti-inflammatory properties. That’s why some people put baking soda on rashes, sunburns, or bug bites. Mix three parts water with one part baking soda in a bowl until you get a pasty consistency. Spread this on your razor bumps and allow it to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing away with water.
Raw Honey
The antibacterial and antiseptic properties in raw honey work to cleanse your pores and moisturize the skin in the process. It also helps to decrease inflammation and hydrate your skin! Apply raw honey on razor bumps and let it sit for 10 minutes and then rinse with cold water.
Aloe Vera
Remember that fresh is best when it comes to using aloe vera. Don’t buy the gel because that often contains alcohol. Applying fresh aloe vera to razor bumps can help to kill bacteria and soothe the skin. Aloe is commonly applied to eczema, sunburns, or psoriasis because of its potent antibacterial properties. Cut a fresh piece of aloe and apply directly on the razor bumps a couple times a day.
