Get Rid of Razor Bumps - Shaving Skincare

Get Rid of Razor Bumps - Shaving Skincare

Razor bumps are minor irritations that form on the skin after shaving. In the form of tiny bumps like pimples, razor bumps are often the product of sensitive skin or curly hair. They are usually the result of ingrown hairs, and are sometimes called shaving bumps or shaving pimples. When a freshly shaved hair that is cut at an angle curls into the face and becomes an ingrown hair, irritating razor bumps are the product. This can happen anywhere on the body, but is most prevalent on the face.

Razor irritation in the form of razor bumps is often concentrated in one area, and so cluster together to look like acne. Ingrown hairs curling back into the skin causes the body to react with swelling and red bumps, which are the razor bumps. Though there are many ways to avoid or alleviate the problem, for some people razor bumps are inevitable. Sensitive skin and the necessity to shave every day are realities for some people, but clean razors and proper techniques can help the problem.

Stopping razor bumps can be easy and practical, and razor bump solutions take on many different forms. Among the easiest is to stop shaving. Giving your face a two or three day break between shaves can help ease irritation and help rid your face of razor bumps. Rinsing a blade with alcohol can also help, and frequent changing of the razor to avoid dullness on the blade. Using an alcohol or iodine-based aftershave will also help to alleviate the irritating razor bumps.


Other basic techniques for stopping razor bumps include using a good shaving cream and leaving it on the face to soften the skin and hair. Shaving with the grain of the hair, and not against it, will also help to lessen razor bumps. Other razor bump solutions are just as simple: you can soften your face with a shower or a warm towel, and avoid using multiple blade razors, as they tend to pass over hair more than once. Also, razors should never be passed over the same patch of skin or hair twice.

Razor bumps, known medically as pseudofolliculitis barbae, can escalate into a larger problem if not treated or helped. Known as Barber’s Rash, this larger problem can be avoided by using antiseptic or antimicrobial treatments. Though the inflammation associated with razor bumps can be alleviated by a dermatologist, methods such as less frequent shaving, proper techniques, skin softening, clean razors, and alcohol-based aftershaves should be attempted first.

Why It Happens
There are several main causes for razor burn, but skin sensitivity is often the most to blame. When a razor is pulled too fast or pushed too hard against skin that is not used to such force, the burn’s signature redness often appears. The main idea in shaving is to clip hair follicles as close to their source as possible; there is a certain skill involved in removing just the hair and not the top layer of skin, however.

Pushing too hard can cause the razor to grab skin cells as well as hair. This does not usually cause bleeding, but will frequently lead to irritation. People most at risk are those who are new to shaving, those who are shaving a new area for the first time, and those who are working with a dull razor. The sharper the equipment, the less resistance is required.

Lubrication and Temperature
Proper lubrication is also an important part of preventing razor burn. Shaving usually works best when the area is coated either with soap or with a specially-formulated gel or lotion. These products moisten the skin and soften the hair while also serving as something of a protective barrier between the skin and the razor. Many people also begin by washing the area to be shaved in warm water. Skin that is either unwashed or splashed with cold water tends to constrict, which makes it more sensitive to irritation; warmer temperatures, on the other hand, can promote relaxation, which leads to plasticity and reduced resistance.


Care and Healing
Once razor burn has appeared, most medical professionals recommend leaving it alone and shielding the affected skin from outside irritations whenever possible. Gentle lotions and topical creams can also be used to calm the itch and pain. It is usually a good idea to avoid shaving around the rash until it has completely disappeared in order to prevent further inflammation.

Prevention
Instead of finding methods to get rid of them, here are some methods to prevent the development of razor bumps.

• The most important rule of shaving is to shave in the direction of hair growth and not in the opposite direction. This will leave the skin smooth after shaving.
• Moisturizing the skin after shaving is a must to stimulate the follicles and encourage the hair to grow out and not beneath the skin.
• Avoid using old razors as they become blunt and don't function as effectively.
• Ideally, women should not shave! Instead, they should try safe hair-removing creams. These soften the hair and gently remove them, thus, preventing the harsh effects of shaving. Also, these contain moisturizers that are essential for the skin. As such, they leave little possibility for the appearance of razor bumps or ingrown hair.
• Before shaving, soften the hair by washing the area with warm water thoroughly. The process of shaving will become less rough, and will prevent the occurrence of razor bumps.

The agony of shaving to look neat and tidy and ending up with a cluster of razor bumps! It can be frustrating indeed. Ending up with exactly the opposite of what you were aiming for, can make you want to pull the hair off your head. The real problem of razor bumps is that of ingrown hair, or hair that grows beneath the skin, while shaving, as a method of unwanted hair removal. It mostly appears red and inflamed, and is commonly misunderstood as acne. A closer look will reveal the ingrown hair that can cause itching and sometimes, even rashes. This problem occurs when the razor used is blunt, or old. Sometimes, the lack of knowledge about proper shaving methods are the reason. Men are faced with the problem of razor bumps on the face, while women mostly face this problem on the arms and the legs. Here are some solutions to this problem.

Helpful Tips
Razor bumps can even become infectious in rare cases. Though there is no miraculous overnight treatment, these tips will help them heal faster than they usually do.

• Several lotions have been developed specially for razor bumps. They are hypo-allergenic in nature and are, therefore, useful when applied immediately after shaving. Apart from these, you may also use a mild, unscented moisturizing lotion to soothe the irritation caused by these bumps.
• For men, using a cleanser to wash the face everyday can get rid of razor bumps.
• Applying some cornstarch on the affected area for 20 minutes, followed by rinsing it off, has proven to be an effective home remedy for razor bumps.
• Using an ice pack or cold water on the affected area will take care of the consequent inflammation and itching.
• Do not try to squeeze out the ingrown hair as it will only aggravate the condition.
• Rubbing an astringent that contains alcohol, or an antiseptic solution after shaving will help prevent any possibility of an infection.
• Aloe Vera gel is known to soothe itchy and irritated skin. Not only that, its uses have been effective even in attaining clear skin. Apply it on the affected area twice a day for best results.
• Using a cucumber and milk mask is a good remedy to clear those razor bumps. Add ½ a pureed cucumber to ¼ cup of milk, and cool in the refrigerator. Apply this solution on the affected area with cotton and rinse after a few minutes. See and feel the difference for yourself.
• Allow the bumps to heal before attacking them with a razor again.

Myotcstore Related Products:

Bump patrol after shave bump treatment, original formula - 0.5 oz

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Shave zone medicated gel after shave skin treatment for men - 1 oz