Summers are here, and this means you would change your wardrobe from woolens to short skimpy numbers. With that being said, most of us girls would want to tweeze the unwanted hairs on our body, if not wax or shave.
When the tweezing isn’t done right, chances are that you may get irate skin later on. This is known as razor bumps or burns, and can trigger inflammation and itches that are so tiny, which cannot be noticed by the naked eyes, unless redness occurs. In this article, we will discuss everything about razor bumps – from what are razor bumps to how to get rid of razor burns and bumps.
What is a razor bump?
In medical terms, razor bumps and burns are referred to as ‘Pseudofollicultis Barbae’; where the new strands of hair curl backwards into the dermal layers of the skin, and they puncture what comes through and re enter as they grow back.
OUCH!
But worry no more. We are here to discuss the causes, and how to get rid of razor bumps, using home remedies. So let’s get started, shall we?
Causes
- Ingrown hairs: Hair that does not find a way to get out of the pores in our skin causes bumps.
- Hair removal in the wrong direction: When you use the wrong direction for shaving or waxing or tweezing the hairs out of the skin, chances are that the little red embarrassing bumps would come by.
- Wrong choice of products: Wrong products used when removing the hair from the pores of the skin too can make the razor bumps happen.
- When waxing, don’t use the wax too hot or it would burn the skin and cause bumps
- The wrong kind of lube to shave with should be avoided
- Never ever use someone else’s spatula or razor
With that being said, we now know a little more about what razor bumps are. However, now that you suffer from razor bumps, do you have an idea how to get rid of razor bumps? here are a couple of home remedies to use, which would work like magic.
Patience is a virtue here, but let this be a lesson! Take a look on how to treat razor burn!
Here are the effective home remedies for Razor Bumps
1. Aloe Vera
There is a very good reason why we have aloe vera in most medicinal and beauty products. This is because of the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties it has. It also has soothing and cooling properties.
What all you need:
- Gel from an aloe vera plant
- Or you could pick up an aloe vera gel from the drugstore.
Directions:
- Wash the area with cold water.
- Pat dry the area and apply a generous amount of aloe vera gel onto the area
- Massage gently the area for a couple of seconds.
- Wait for the aloe vera gel to reach inside the skin and submerge.
- Do this twice a day.
How it works:
The gel of aloe vera is anti inflammatory and anti bacterial, which is why it helps bring down the redness and the itchiness associated with razor bumps.
The gel goes deep into the layers of the skin, fights inflammation and infections, and in turn kills the pathogenic substances causing the pain and inflammation. How to treat razor burns is simplified with aloe vera.
2. Hot/Cold Compress
With a cold compress, there would be a lot of relief brought forth from the itchiness and the burning sensations associated with razor bumps. The same would be the feeling when you apply hot compress too. These compresses could be used for razor burns on legs.
What all you need:
For a cold compress, you would need:
- Ice cubes
- Clean wet towel.
For a hot compress, you would need
- Hot water
- Clean towel
Directions:
- When doing the cold compress:
- Wipe the area clean with a disinfectant first.
- Place the towel which contains the ice cubes onto the surface of the skin
- Dab for five minutes continuously.
- Even if the area shows wetness from the melting ice, carry on.
When doing hot compress:
- Disinfect the area
- Place a towel in the litre of warm water and wring it thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Now gently dab the area affected with the warm towel for five minutes.
How it works:
Cold compresses help numb the area and remove the ingrown hair
Hot compresses help satiate the cells and bring in the hydration the area needs, and in turn motivates the ingrown hair to come out.
Tip:
If the area is scalded and scathed, do not use either of these methods.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil has been used as a potent antiseptic agent and a beauty agent too. This is why we shall talk about the wonders of Tea Tree Oil helping remove nasty razor bumps too.
What all you need:
- A clean towel
- Few drops of tea tree oil.
Directions:
- Start by washing the area with cold water only,
- Dab dry using a clean towel.
- It is time to put a few drops of Tea Tree Oil to the towel.
- Instantly start dabbing the Tea Tree Oil over the affected area.
- Allow the Tea Tree Oil to settle in and do its magic.
How it works:
Tea Tree Oil is an antiseptic and an antimicrobial agent, which enters into the dermal layer of the skin and fights bacteria, virus and infections that have set in because of the razor bumps. It also helps medicate and soothe the area which is already inflamed and brings down the itchiness and redness too. Do this twice a day.
Tip:
Do not use Tea Tree Oil if you have sensitive skin, couperouse skin or skin with high allergies and scathing.
4. Baking Soda
The wonders of Baking soda to be used in beauty and lifestyle cannot be undermined. And this is why we would want to praise this humble agent so much; Baking soda helps as a remedy for razor bumps too.
What all you need:
- A cotton ball,
- A tbsp of baking soda
- Cup of clear water, preferably distilled water
Directions:
- Start by mixing one cup of water to half a tbsp of baking soda.
- Now dip the cotton ball into this mixture and wait for five minutes.
- Gently take the wet cotton ball and apply it on the area affected.
- Wait for another five minutes and then gently wash off with cold water.
- Do this thrice a day with three hour gaps in the middle.
How it works:
With baking soda, the itchiness and the stingy burning sensations would be bygones over each time you use this remedy.
Tip:
This is best to use for those with oily to combination skin types.
5. Witch Hazel
The best way to clear the skin of the razor bumps you are suffering from would be by using witch hazel. And today we shall tell you in detail how to do so.
What all you need:
- A couple of drops of witch hazel oil
- A clean cotton ball
Directions:
- Start by first cleaning and disinfecting the area affected; allowing it to dry completely.
- Dab a cotton ball into the solution of witch hazel and then gently dab over the affected area.
- Wait for it to dry.
- Do this twice a day, with five to six hour gaps in the middle.
How it works:
- Witch hazel for long has been used as an antimicrobial and an antifungal agent to help with skin issues, disorders and diseases.
- It is also an antiseptic which fights off the germs and the bacteria, fungus and the infection too.
- Witch hazel can also help clear up the redness and the inflammation as well.
Tip:
Do not use concentrated witch hazel on the area or it would not work in your favour. Dilute one part of witch hazel to two parts of water.
6. Honey
For centuries, honey has been used as an antibacterial agent and a healer for cuts, nicks, wounds and almost every skin issue you could think off. And today we shall show you how honey can be used to reduce the symptoms of razor bumps too.
What all you need:
- Five tbsp of honey
- A cup of apple cider vinegar
- Cold water.
Directions:
Process 1:
- Start by cleaning and disinfecting the area where the bumps have housed themselves.
- Apply a generous amount of honey and gently massage the area for five minutes.
- Wait for the honey to completely dry up and then gently wash off with cold water.
Process 2:
- Start by cleaning and disinfecting the area where the bumps are with water and an antibacterial solution.
- The next step would be to mix one cap of ACV with five tbsp of honey.
- Mix the two and gently massage into the skin.
- Wait for ten to fifteen minutes and let it dry.
- Wash off with cold water and then pat dry.
Both processes are meant to be done twice a day.
How it works:
Honey is a natural antibacterial and an antimicrobial agent. And applying honey would bring down inflammation and redness on the skin, and relieve you of the razor bumps itchiness and swelling too.
Honey is also known to help coat the skin and protect it from further infection too.
Tip:
Do not use honey if the skin is of oily or combination types. It would not stick to the skin well for the healing to begin.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
Across the world, mothers and grandmothers swear by the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar to help heal razor bumps. And today we shall teach you on how to do the same the easiest way.
What all you need:
- A cotton ball
- A cup of apple cider vinegar
Directions:
- Start by cleaning the area affected and using a disinfectant to disinfect the skin.
- Next we would use a cotton ball to dip into the ACV concentrate.
- Gently dab the skin and allow it to sting for a while, which is normal.
- Wait for it to dry.
- This should be done thrice a day.
How it works:
The ACV solution dabbed onto the skin would help minimize and help to get rid of razor burns, by minimizing the inflammation and the pains associated with it. The presence of acetic acid in ACV will help beat the infections and dries up the bumps too.
8. Coconut Oil
Pure Coconut oil is what you would need to help with any skin issue or disorder and even with razor bumps as well.
Use it as a lotion potion or simply dab and massage the skin with it, Coconut oil would help.
What all you need:
- Three tbsp of coconut oil
Directions:
- Activate the molecules of the coconut oil by warming it up and allowing it to cool to lukewarm temperature.
- Now wash the area infected and use a disinfectant with cold water to do so.
- Gently dry the area and then generously use coconut oil to massage onto the skin affected.
- Allow the oil to get in and seep into the dermal layers of the skin.
- Wait for ten minutes and repeat the steps once more.
- Let it dry and then wipe off with a clean towel.
- Do this thrice a day with a gap of three hours.
How it works:
Coconut oil is an antiseptic and an antibacterial agent that kills the infection by fighting off the infections, dirt and grime. This is why even famous skin doctors and makeup artists use Coconut oil to clean the pores of the skin.
It also hydrates the skin, brings down inflammation and redness, and clears the skin of future infection threats too.
Tip:
Don’t use Coconut oil if you are allergic to it; some people are!
9. Tea (Black/White)
If you fancy a cup of white or black tea each morning and evening, good for you! Now use that unsweetened tea to get the answer to the question on ‘how to get rid of razor bumps’ too.. Here is what you need to follow and do.
What all you need:
- Few white or black tea bags
- Water to moisten it
Directions:
- First, clean the areas infected and use a disinfectant as well.
- Let the area dry and then begin.
- Start by moistening the tea bags and gently dabbing the area with the bags.
- Dab around the area and on the area for five minutes.
- Wait for the liquid to seep into the skin and then stop.
- Let the liquid dry up and repeat the process once again after a couple of hours.
How it works:
Tannins in the tea and the antioxidants fight the onslaught of free radicals, infections and the skin infection.
Tip:
Do not use sweetened tea or USED TEA BAGS which are hot and moist at the same time!
10. Lemon Juice
If you fancy drinking a glass of lemon juice, use it to your advantage to get rid of razor bumps too. And today we shall show you how to do the same. Please check the guidance below.
What all you need:
- A glass of lime juice concentrate
- A cotton ball
Directions:
- Start by cleaning and disinfecting the area with an antibacterial soap and water.
- Next we would cut and squeeze out the juice from a lime, and gently place a cotton ball in the concentrate.
- Gently dab the cotton ball onto the area affected and wait for five minutes.
- Wait for another five minutes or until the area dries out.
- Wipe off the remnants with a clean wet wipe
- Do this thrice a day with a gap of three hours in between
How it works:
Lime has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties associated with it, along with plenty of vitamin C in it for the skin’s nourishing needs. All of this seeps into the dermal layers of the skin and fights bacteria and the infections, reduces swelling and inflammation too.
Tip:
Do not use lime on dry and couperouse skin types.
11. Baby Powder
Baby talc is used to treat nasty razor bumps on the skin. Some of the most brilliant ways of using baby powder would be one of this.
What all you need:
- Baby talc
- A piece of clean cotton cloth
Directions:
- First get the area infected cleaned and disinfected with water and a disinfectant.
- Next allow the area to dry and then gently dab generous amounts of baby powder onto the area.
- Do not massage and do not rub.
- Let the powder be on the skin for ten minutes and then wipe off dry.
How it works:
The cooling and soothing properties along with active ingredients such as zinc in baby powder helps bring down inflammation and redness, itchiness and the swelling on the areas affected.
12. Strawberry Paste
With the yummiest fruit around filled with antioxidants, why wouldn’t we want to share this secret formula of getting razor bumps dealt with? And today we shall teach you how the paste of strawberry can help you rid the skin of razor rash and bumps.
What all you need:
- Few strawberries mashed into paste,
- tbsp of sour cream.
Directions:
- Start by cleansing the area with an antibacterial lotion and water.
- Allow the area to dry and then gently make a mixture of strawberry paste and sour cream.
- When it turns into a light pink shade, take a generous amount of this mixture and gently massage it onto the area affected.
- Wait for ten minutes and then gently wash off with cold water- ice cold preferably.
- Repeat the action thrice a day with three hour gaps in the middle.
How it works:
With plenty of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins in strawberries, the nourishment and protection of the skin is assured. Once the paste seeps in, the free radicals and infections are killed by the paste, and the mallic acid from sour cream also helps disinfect the area too
Tip:
Not to be used on skin which is highly inflamed and swollen.
13. Sugar Scrub
Sweeten up your day and liven up the mood with a thorough sugar scrub exfoliation. This will help pull out the ingrown hair and treat razor rash.
What all you need:
- 4 tbsp of sugar scrub
- 1 tbsp of honey
- 2 tbsp each of white and brown sugar
Directions:
- In a blender, mix all the ingredients until it forms a paste.
- First wash off the area with water and an antibacterial solution.
- Thereafter, massage the paste onto the skin and wait for half an hour.
- Once the mixture dries up, gently under cold water rub the solute away.
- This would help exfoliate the dirt, grime and the ingrown hairs that cause the razor bumps.
How it works:
Once the exfoliation process is in progress, the dead skin cells and the layers of ingrown hairs are pulled to the forefront, which can be gently removed using a warm wet towel.
Tip:
This is a remedy not meant for dry and couperouse skin.
14. Essential Oil
Diluted essential oils have always been part and parcel of beauty treatment and active ingredients for many products in the beauty world. Some of them are essential oils such as lavender and calendula and even chamomile too. We shall tell you how to use them to get rid of the nasty rash bumps and razor bumps.
What all you need:
- A few drops of any of the oils (lavender or chamomile, preferably)
- A cup of ice cold water.
Directions:
- Dilute a few drops of any essential oil of your choice in a cup of ice cold water.
- Now take a mug of water and immerse some disinfectant in it, and wash the affected area clean of the same.
- Wait for it to dry and then dip in a cotton towel into the diluted essential oil solvent.
- Dab the towel which is very cold onto the skin and do so for five minutes.
- Gently remove and wipe the area dry.
- Use this formula thrice a day.
How it works:
Essential oils are antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal and relieve the skin from redness, inflammation and swelling too. They go deep into the skin and fight bacteria, germs and fungus, and with cold compresses added in, it helps numb the pain and to pull out the ingrown hair too.
Tip:
Not to be used on dry and flaky skin. And never use any essential oil in the undiluted form.
15. Aspirin
We shall now look at the wonders of an aspirin that gets the headaches off for sure, but also the razor bumps that can be literally a pain. A razor rash gradually disappears with the usage of aspirin.
What all you need:
- 2 aspirin tablets
- A tbsp of water.
Directions:
- Clean the area affected with an antibacterial solution and water.
- Crush the two aspirin tablets with a spoon and then add water to it, to form a paste.
- Apply the paste onto the area and DO NOT MASSAGE OR RUB.
- Let the paste dry up on its own and then the remnants can be wiped off.
- Repeat after five hours.
- Do this everyday.
How it works:
Aspirin is an anti inflammatory agent which will help soothe the swelling and the pain, and it is a fact acting ingredient that can remove the bumps in no time.
Tip:
Not to be used on dry and sensitive skin.
16. Cucumber
While enjoying a fresh salad, you can spare a few slices of cucumber to help heal the skin from razor bumps and rashes. Cucumber is manna to the skin and it would hydrate and heal the skin too. While its mostly used on the eyes, see how it heals razor burns on legs and other body parts too.
What all you need:
- Chilled, sliced cucumber
- A cup of milk
Directions:
- Start by cleansing the area affected with an antibacterial solution and water.
- Allow the area to dry and then gently place cucumber slices on the skin.
- Wait for ten minutes and then wipe off the area
OR
- Dip cucumber slices into ice cold milk
- Place them on the skin for ten minutes.
- Wait and then wash off with cold water.
How it works:
Cucumber is a natural antiseptic, an antimicrobial agent and also helps hydrate the skin and acts as an astringent too.
The cucumber slices with milk forms a coating on the skin and allows no infection to set in. This helps bring down the inflammation and swelling, redness and itchiness associated with razor bumps and rashes.
Tip:
Do not use cucumber on skin which is highly inflamed and bumpy.
17. Cornstarch
Since time immemorial and across various products and health services in the world of beauty, cornstarch has been used. Surprisingly so, cornstarch has been used for treating razor bumps and rashes too.
What all you need:
- Half a cup of cornstarch powder
- Ice cold water
Directions:
- Start by cleansing the area affected with an antibacterial solution and water.
- Allow the area to dry.
- Mix enough water into the cornstarch powder to form a paste.
- Apply the paste onto the area affected and then let it dry.
- Wash off when dry and pat the area with a clean towel.
- Repeat after five hours and do this daily.
How it works:
The paste of cornstarch can help provide collagen to the skin and form a coating to prevent the skin from itchiness and swelling caused by microbes and infection.
18. Oatmeal
Oatmeal has immensely become popular as a soothing salt to unwind with. Apart from leaving your complexion unmatched, oatmeal has also found place in the remedies to razor bumps.
What all you need:
- Honey (1 tbsp)
- Oatmeal
- Yogurt
Directions:
- Mix equal amounts of yogurt and oatmeal together.
- With the paste formed, add a teaspoon of honey.
- Apply this mixture to the affected area with bumps.
How it works:
The anti-inflammatory properties of oatmeal help in alleviating the inflammation resulted by the razor bumps. Oatmeal also has soothing properties that reduce the discomfort.
Tip:
Repeat this procedure twice daily for 2-3 days. This will bring out the best results.
19. Yogurt
Yogurt is the new go-to comfort food, but let’s see how it works on razor bumps that we are longing to part ways with. The simple recipe of yogurt might be the perfect cure to your problem.
What all you need:
- Yogurt (1 tbsp)
- Honey (1.5 tbsp)
Directions:
- Mix the yogurt thoroughly with the honey in a bowl.
- Make a fine paste of it and apply it to the affected area.
- Keep it for 15 minutes before washing it off.
How it works:
Yogurt has anti-bacterial properties that help it in reducing the inflammation and swelling caused by the bumps.
Now that we have shown you the various methods of treating razor bump at home the natural way, we will now talk about the prevention of the same. Please read on
How to Prevent Razor Bumps:
1. Do not shave consistently
If you have curly hair on the body, chances are that the hair which is shaved wouldn’t fully come out and it would turn back inwards. This would cause the embarrassing bumps and redness which can be painful
2. Do not use dull razors
Always use brand new razors to shave hair off the body. This would allow for better closer shaves at one go and you wouldn’t have to repeat shaving the same spot over and over again.
3. Wash the razor with alcohol before using it
Disposable razors are best to use, but the cost would amount to a lot depending on how many times a month you shave and which brand you use. This is why cleaning your razors with isopropyl alcohol is suggested, so that the razor head remains bacteria free and can be reused once again.
4. Exfoliate
Read above the remedy on sugar scrub, and use the same formula to exfoliate your skin. This helps remove the dead skin cells, cleanses the pores and even tones the skin as well. Do this before and after you shave, so the hairs are softened and removed easily.
5. Use shaving cream or substitute
Cream helps lube the cutting process, and the keratin of the hair swells up too. This also in turn helps with skin desensitization, emulsifying the hairs and cleaning properly too.
6. Shave in the warm shower
When you are in a warm shower setting, the pores of the skin would open up and this would help the ingrown hairs from being pushed out faster. Also, with warm air and moisture around, the keratin in the hair would swell up, making hair removal easier.
7. Do not press down the razor while shaving
We consistently tell you not to press down when shaving with a razor because less is more when you use this hair removal method. When you press, an uneven surface is created, and the right angle isn’t achieved. You also risk the act by digging into the skin and cutting it.
8. Avoid shaving against the grain
Never ever shave against the grain, which means, do not flip the razor upside down when shaving and then sweep it back. This would irate the skin and then create painful bumps and redness too along with ingrown hairs to deal with. Shave the whole area and then repeat only once very gently if need be.
9. Rinse off with Cold Water
The best way to close the pores of the skin instantly after shaving the area would be to dab ice or cold water on it. This will instantly close the pores, allowing no infection to set in.
10. Pat the area dry
Always pat the area dry after your shaving ritual. This helps with circulation as you pat the skin and also helps keep the area dry and free from housing bacteria and infections.
11. Apply some cream in that area
Once the shaving and cleaning is done, you should moisturize your skin as per your skin type. This will help keep the area moistened, soft and supple, and the case of ingrown hairs wouldn’t be a cause of concern.
12. Wear cotton underwear or breathable clothing
If you have recently waxed or shaved your body, chances are the ingrown hair situation might happen. This is why, breathable clothing and loose cotton clothing for the first few hours should be worn. Air flow is a must for the skin to breathe and to dry up sweat, which if left unchecked can lead to growth of infection.
Now that we know about the preventative measures to take, let’s take a look at some tips to avoid nasty razor bumps, shall we?
Tips:
1. Do not let someone else use your razor
This act could lead to the spreading of germs and infection from one person to the next, through the shaving razor.
2. Do not pick your razor bumps or scratch the area
This act could lead to scathing and scarring which may never leave your body for lifetime.
3. Do not apply perfume or deodorant in the affected area
This act would introduce to the affected area the chemicals in the perfume which could further irate the skin.
We hope this mini guide on how to treat nasty razor bumps comes in handy. Do write in with your thoughts and queries, if any.
Disclaimer: This information is for reading purposes only and should not be taken as a medical substitute. If you are unsure about what the redness on your body is or what has caused it, speaking to a dermatologist would help. Also, the remedies here mentioned may or may not work for your needs- in that case, a dermatologist would be able to guide. His or her words would take precedence over what is written here and elsewhere online.
Stay happy and beautiful always!
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4 comments
My skin is very sensitive and easily gets razor burn. Can you please suggest me a razor which is perfect for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, the most preferred brand would be Gillette and Schick. As the huge range of razors in these brands aid sensitive skin, are refillable and disposable at comfort. The ‘Schick Hydro Silk Sensitive Care Razor’ has got brilliant reviews in taking care of sensitive skin.
Will razor bumps leave scars? How to get rid of that?
There is a probability of razor bumps leaving behind scars and dark spots. The best way to get rid of these is daily routines such as putting sunscreen, avoiding direct sun exposure, using skin products with lactic and salycylic acid in it etc.