Getting a clean shave without any nicks and cuts can be a challenge in itself. Add in unsightly razor bumps, and it makes you want to toss out the razor. You may think that it's an inevitable side effect of shaving, but the good news is that it's not. Here are some tips to prevent and get rid of razor bumps.

What Are Razor Bumps?

Razor bumps and razor burns are two different conditions. A razor burn usually occur as a result of friction from shaving. The skin irritation is caused by shaving dry skin, shaving that's a little too aggressive, or shaving with a dull blade. Razor bumps also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, are trapped hairs that forms under the skin's surface after shaving or using other hair removal techniques.

How Do Ingrown Hairs In Razor Bumps Develop?

Razor bumps occur when hair gets stuck inside the hair follicles. Instead of hair growing straight out, it curls back into the skin. New skin then grows over the hair causing it to be trapped and a bump forms. It can result in irritated skin, painful, and with red bumps. Razor bumps tend to be more prominent in those with curly hair and darker skin tones. Razor bumps can develop anywhere a person shaves or removes hair, including the face, head, legs, armpits, and pubic area.

How To Prevent Razor Bumps?

Having proper shaving habits is a good way of avoiding razor bumps. The following steps can help you achieve a smooth shave.

Prep The Skin

Soften the hair by taking a hot shower or washing the area with warm water. It helps to add moisture to the skin and open the pores. Gently exfoliate the skin with a soft bristle face brush or other exfoliants to help release any trapped hair.

Use A Pre-Shave Product

Moisturizing shaving cream or shaving gel provide lubrication, which allows for the razor to glide more smoothly. It causes less friction and catches the hair in one pass. It will not only help with razor bumps but will also a prevent razor burn.

Use A Sharp Razor

Using a dull razor will cause tugging and pulling. That friction aggravates the hair follicle and creates an ideal situation for ingrown hairs and inflamed skin. Also, shave in the direction the hair grows to minimize the friction. A sharp and new razor blade will also reduce the risk of bacteria, which may cause inflammation and infection.

Moisturize After Shaving

Keeping the skin hydrated and the hair soft makes it easier for the new hair growth to grow out of the follicle rather than become trapped. Doing so and reduce new razor bumps significantly.

Razor Bump Remedies?

Preventing razor bumps from forming in the first place is ideal but isn't always possible. The tips below may help to get rid of razor bumps fast.

Exfoliate

Salicylic acid and glycolic acid can help remove dead skin cells allowing for the ingrown hairs to make its way to the surface. Manual exfoliants made with small granules do exfoliate, but the scrubbing action may irritate the skin. Another option to exfoliating is using a soft bristle face brush. It can help guide the ingrown hairs out of the clogged pore so that it does not become trapped underneath.

Use Warm Wet Washcloth

Applying a warm washcloth to the razor bumps and exfoliating can help soften the skin and draw the ingrown hair out.

Use Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. It opens up the pores, loosens the ingrown hair, and soothes the redness and inflammation of the razor bumps and provide razor burn relief. Combine several drops of tea tree oil with hot water. Soak washcloth and apply on the face for 30 minutes.