Razor bumps or shave pimples are a common problem for many men who shave regularly. They can be unsightly and even painful, making it difficult to get a close shave. But what exactly are they? How do they form?
How do they differ from a breakout? And how to get rid of razor bumps fast? In this write-up, we’ll shed light on all of these questions and how to avoid them in the first place. So, keep reading to find out more!
What Exactly Are Razor Bumps?
Razor bumps are small, red bumps on your skin after shaving. They are also known as shave bumps or ingrown hairs. Razor bumps happen when the hair is cut too close to the skin and grows back into the skin.
What happens is that after shaving or waxing, some of the hair may curl up and turn inward. When brand new skin cells grow over the hair, they become trapped inside, causing a bump. This can lead to skin irritation, redness, and swelling.
While the primary symptom of a razor bump is a raised red bump, other symptoms are also associated with it. These include itchiness, irritation, and pain. In some cases, you may also notice pus-filled blemishes or even scars.
Furthermore, razor bumps can appear anywhere a person shaves or removes hair, such as the face, legs, chest, head, under the arm, and groin area. But, they are more likely to occur in areas with coarse and curly hair.
The Difference Between Razor Bumps And A Breakout
The main difference between razor bumps and a breakout is that razor bumps are usually small and red, while breakouts can be either small or large and are usually pus-filled.
Moreover, razor bumps appear only in areas where you shave, while breakouts can occur anywhere on your body.
Razor bumps can also be itchy and painful, while breakouts are usually uncomfortable. If you’re unsure whether you have razor bumps or a breakout, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist.
10 Tips On How To Get Rid Of Razor Bumps Fast At Home
If you leave ingrown hair untreated, it can lead to infection. So, taking care of them as soon as possible is important. Here are our tips on how to get rid of razor bumps fast:
1. Don’t Shave The Infected Area For 2-3 Days
Well, depending on how your skin looks after the infection, avoiding shaving for a few days is best. One of the worst things that can happen to your skin is going over the same area with a razor again. Like an acne breakout, it can spread the infection to other areas of your body, causing further infection.
2. Don’t Pick At The Razor Bumps
It can be tempting to pick at the bumps but resist the urge. Picking will only make them worse and can lead to infection. They’re not acne and won’t secrete any white puss. The only thing you can accomplish by picking at your razor bumps is getting a scar. You will disrupt the skin’s natural healing cycle if you are constantly picking at your razor bumps.
3. Apply A Cold Compress On The Infected Region
As soon as you start feeling any irritation on the skin, go cold. Splash some cold water on the razor bump as soon as you notice one. Cold water can shrink the pores and soothe the skin almost immediately. A wet, cold compress can also provide immediate razor burn relief. Just make sure you are applying it for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Use Hot Towel To Reduce Inflammation
Once the initial itchiness subsides, you can get a hot towel to soothe the bumps and reduce inflammation. A warm towel can perform two functions. First, the heat from the towel will kill any harmful bacteria. Second, the warmth will shrink the bumps. Repeat with another warm towel if necessary.
5. Apply A Cornstarch Or Baking Soda Mask
Both cornstarch and baking soda are natural ointments for a number of skin conditions like acne. All you need to do is mix either one of these ingredients with some lukewarm water (in a 50:50 proportion) to form a paste. Apply the paste on the infected region and leave it there for about 20 minutes till the paste dries out completely. Repeat twice a day until the bumps go away.
6. Apply Aloe Vera Gel Directly From The Plant
Wondering how to get rid of razor bumps on your neck overnight? The answer is pure Aloe vera. it’s a natural remedy for razor bumps because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. So it can reduce inflammation almost immediately.
The most effective way to use Aloe vera gel is to squeeze it directly from the Aloe leaves and then apply it on your skin. If you don’t have an Aloe plant, you can use any good commercially available aloe vera product to do the trick.
7. Use Astringent Liquids On Your Skin
This is a very common at-home remedy for many skin-related issues and is also very effective. You can use an astringent like witch hazel or apple cider vinegar to eliminate razor bumps.
Soak a cotton ball in the astringent of your choice and apply it to the infected region. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it with cold water. Use this remedy 2 to 3 times a day until the bumps completely disappear.
8. Try Over-The-Counter Lotions And Creams
Many lotions and creams are available in the market that can help you get rid of razor bumps. Look for products that contain glycolic acid or salicylic acid, as these two ingredients are very effective in treating razor bumps. Studies have shown that glycol acid can reduce razor bumps and lesions by 60% after a single use. Moreover, products that contain hydrocortisone also help reduce swelling and soreness of the skin.
9. Use An Aftershave Product
If nothing else is available, use an aftershave product. These products are literally manufactured to be put on razor burns to heal and help soothe the skin.
With that said, not all aftershave products are created equal. Avoid products that contain alcohol, as they will only dry out your skin and make the razor bumps worse. Instead, go for a product that contains allantoin or witch hazel.
10. Take A Warm Bath
Last but not the least, you can always take a warm bath to get rid of razor bumps. Soak yourself in lukewarm water for about 15 to 20 minutes, as this will help open up the pores, soften the hair follicles and relieve any swelling. This may make it easier for the ingrown hairs to grow back out.
How To Prevent Razor Bumps In The Future
Now that you know how to get rid of razor bumps, it’s time to learn how to avoid them. The best way to do this is to take proper care of your skin before and after shaving. Below are a few tips that can help you avoid razor bumps:
1. Use A Sharp Razor
A dull razor is more likely to cause razor bumps because it doesn’t cut the hair cleanly. Instead, it shreds the hair, which can lead to ingrown hairs. So, make sure to use a sharp razor when shaving.
2. Use Warm Water
When shaving, always use warm water to soften your hair and open up its pores. This will make it much easier for the razor to glide over your skin and avoid irritation.
3. Use A Shaving Cream
A good shaving cream can help lubricate your skin and reduce friction. This will again help the razor glide over your skin without causing any irritation.
4. Always Shave In The Direction Of Hair Growth
When shaving, always shave in the direction of hair growth. This will minimize the chances of razor bumps.
5. Rinse With Cold Water
After shaving, rinse your skin with some cold water to close the pores and soothe the skin.
6. Apply A Moisturizer
Always apply a good quality moisturizer after shaving. This will help hydrate your skin and prevent razor bumps.
7. Change Your Razor Regularly
Another important thing to remember is to change your razor regularly. A dull razor can cause razor bumps and lead to other skin problems like infection. So, make sure to change your razor every 5 to 7 shaves.
8. Don’t Shave Too Often
Shaving too often can also lead to razor bumps. So, if you can, try to shave every other day or every two days. This will give your skin some time to heal between shaves.
9. Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliating your skin regularly is also a good way to avoid razor bumps. This will help remove dead skin cells and prevent the hair from getting trapped under the skin. You can exfoliate your skin 2 to 3 times a week.
10. Use A Topical Treatment
If you are prone to razor bumps, you can also use a topical treatment like witch hazel or hydrocortisone cream. These products will help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – a complete guide about how to get rid of razor bumps. Razor bumps are a common problem for many men who shave regularly. But, with the right precautions and treatments, you can get rid of them quickly.
Remember, the key is to start treating the razor bumps as soon as possible. The sooner you start, the faster they will go away. And always make sure you take precautionary measures to avoid razor bumps in the first place!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is It Okay To Pop Razor Bumps?
No, it’s not okay to pop razor bumps. Popping razor bumps can lead to infection and irritation of the skin. Moreover, it can also cause the bumps to spread the infection to other regions of the body. So, it’s best to avoid popping razor bumps altogether.
How Can I Get Rid Of Razor Bumps?
There are a number of ways to get rid of razor bumps. Some of the most effective methods include using an over-the-counter lotion or cream, a warm compress, an astringent, and an aftershave product.
How Can I Prevent Razor Bumps?
The best way to prevent any razor bumps is to take proper care of your skin before and after shaving. This includes using a sharp razor, using warm water, using shaving cream, shaving in the direction of hair growth, rinsing with cold water, and applying a moisturizer.
What Are The Symptoms Of Razor Bumps?
The most common symptom of razor bumps is red, irritated skin. Other symptoms can include swelling, itchiness, and pain.
Are Razor Bumps Contagious?
No, razor bumps are not contagious. You cannot catch them from someone else. However, you can spread razor bumps if you shave over them. This can cause the razor bumps to become larger and more irritated.
How Long Do Razor Bumps Last?
If you are wondering how to get rid of razor burns in an hour, we have bad news. It’s not possible! Razor bumps usually go away within a few days. However, if they are not treated properly, they can last for weeks or even months.
