Razor bumps or ingrown hair develops after shaving or using different hair removal techniques. Sometimes, the hair may get curled and turned inbound after shaving, plucking, or waxing. As a result, it becomes trapped inside and new skin cells grow over it. Finally, it forms a bump, which is known as a razor bump. The medical term for this disease is Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB). They can appear on different areas of skin such as the face, legs, head, pubic area, or armpits.
Here, you will learn about how to get rid of these razor bumps.
Remedies for Razor Bumps
The right Razor bump treatment or remedy will help you get rid of or control razor bumps. However, they take some time to disappear completely, but you can accelerate the process in different ways:
1. Pause Shaving
An affected person should stop shaving for some days. As a result, the bumps will disappear gradually. Numerous studies over the years have proved this theory.
2. Use Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid contains healing properties for razor bumps. It’s a type of beta-hydroxy acid that unclogs pores, relieves inflammation, and removes dead skin cells. According to the AAD, salicylic acid treats both the razor bumps and the acne. There are several skin-care products, such as toners, peels, cleansers, and lotions available in the market, which include this acid.
3. Brush the Skin
A soft skincare brush can remove dead skin cells and debris that lead to clogged pores. As a result, the hair grows out from the pores and doesn’t get trapped within. Moreover, you can use a soft toothbrush or bristle face brush to clean your skin.
This brushing activity also supports the growth of hair in the right direction and reduces the formation of ingrown hair.
4. Use Glycolic Acid
This alpha-hydroxy acid assists the skin in peeling off the old cells from the surface. It lessens the curvature of the hair and reduces the risk. Furthermore, this acid accelerates the natural disposal power of the skin. Thus, it easily removes razor bumps and smoothens the skin.
5. Apply Face Scrub
Scrubs help remove dead skin cells, debris, and ingrown hair. Today, scrubs are one of the leading ways to get rid of razor bumps. Generally, the skin care scrubbers include ground fruit pits or tiny beads, salt and sugar, which lowers the chance of any further skin condition.
6. Medical Treatments
A doctor may prescribe over-the-counter creams, cleansers, serums, or mild retinoids to prevent razor bumps. If these don’t help, then the doctor may recommend a stronger retinoid like tretinoin.
7. Try Warm Washcloth
A wet and warm washcloth softens the skin and helps remove the ingrown hair. Also, you can combine this method with a brushing activity. Otherwise, you can also choose a hot shower or sauna to treat a razor bump.
8. Consider Other Hair Removal Techniques
Most of the time, razor bumps occur due to shaving. Thus, using hair removal creams or depilatories prevent razor bumps and reduces the risk of developing these. Furthermore, one can opt for a laser hair removal treatment. However, this type of treatment is expensive and needs other treatment sessions.
Razor Burn Remedies
Razor burns are different from the razor bumps. They are the type of skin irritation caused by the friction of the razor. So, let’s explore the remedies for reducing the razor burn:
1. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera has a soothing and cooling characteristic, which helps provide razor burn relief. So, after shaving, you can try using aloe vera gel for relief and improve skin condition.
2. Sweet Almond Oil
This oil has excellent healing properties and is a natural moisturiser. Applying it directly on the inflamed skin after shaving reduces the chances of razor burns.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. This is why it is an excellent substance to reduce the effect of razor burn.
4. Cold and Warm Compress
People who tend to get bumps or ingrown hair can apply warm compress before shaving. It helps open pores and loosen ingrown hair. Also, cold compression aids in reducing skin irritation.
5. Colloidal Oatmeal Bath
Oats include phenols and they have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Thus, colloidal oatmeal helps heal, cleanse, and moisturise the skin. It is made by grinding the oats into powder. Applying colloidal oatmeal for 10-15 minutes regularly can also help get razor burn relief.
Conclusion
Here, we have enlisted several razor bump remedies. Now, find out the best razor bump treatment according to your condition severity and skin type. Also, contact your dermatologist in case the irritation goes beyond your control for further treatment and get better quickly.
