Best Way To Shave Without Getting Bumps

Ways to Prevent Razor Bumps

1 436 3 minutes read

Everyone wants smooth skin after shaving, but the last thing anyone wants to deal with is razor bumps. Learn how to prevent razor bumps when you shave.

Ah, yes, razor bumps. An inevitable side effect of shaving or are they? It may seem like every time you shave especially your bikini line those oh-so-uncomfortable little red razor bumps pop up and refuse to go away. And to deal with them on your wedding day or right before a beach honeymoon? No, thank you.

So what causes razor bumps, and how do you get rid of them? Read on to get all of your razor burn questions answered by the pros. Here’s our comprehensive guide on how to prevent razor bumps and razor burn treatment,

Table of Contents

What exactly is razor burn?

Razor burn can affect any person who shaves part of their body. If you’ve ever had a red rash after shaving, you were likely experiencing razor burn.

Razor burn can also cause:

tenderness
a burning or hot sensation
itchiness
small red bumps

You can experience these symptoms anywhere you shave, such as your face, legs, underarms, or bikini area. Razor burn is usually temporary and will go away with time.

If your symptoms are causing your discomfort, there are things you can to find relief. Keep reading to learn how to treat razor burn and prevent it from happening in the future.

How to treat razor burn

Treating razor burn is often as simple as waiting it out and using gentle methods to reduce your symptoms. You should avoid shaving the affected area again to allow it to heal.

To soothe heat or itching: Applying a cool washcloth to the affected area can calm your skin. Aloe or avocado oil are both cooling and can be safely applied directly to the skin.

Shop for aloe vera oil.

Shop for avocado oil.

To relieve dryness or irritation: If symptoms are appearing, rinse your skin and pat it dry. Be careful not to rub the affected area, as this may further irritate the skin.

Once the skin is dry, apply an emollient. This may be a lotion, aftershave, or other moisturizer. Avoid products that contain alcohol because they can cause irritation. If you’d prefer to go the natural route, coconut oil may help hydrate your skin.

To reduce inflammation: When it comes to treating inflammation, you have your pick between home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) options.

Popular home remedies include:

apple cider vinegar
equal parts tea tree oil and water
oatmeal bath for up to 20 minutes

If you prefer to go with an OTC option, look for a topical cream containing hydrocortisone. This can help reduce any swelling and calm any redness on the skin.

To treat small bumps: If you experience razor bumps, avoid shaving the affected area until any sores and bumps heal. This may take up to three or four weeks. In the meantime, you should use a topical cream like cortisone to treat any related inflammation.

If the bumps develop signs of infection, consult your doctor. Symptoms of infection include welts and pustules.

If the area is infected, your doctor will prescribe an oral antibiotic. Your doctor may also recommend products to prevent future razor burns or bumps. For example, you may be prescribed a product with retinoids to exfoliate your skin and reduce the buildup of dead cells on the skin’s surface.

How to prevent razor burn

Prevent razor burn by practicing good shaving habits.

Tips and tricks

Regularly exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells.
Before shaving, apply a lubricant, such as soap or shaving cream.
Avoid the temptation to pull your skin tightly while shaving.
Shave in the direction that the hair grows.
Shave with light and short strokes.
Rinse your blade frequently during the shaving process.
After shaving, rinse your skin with cold water or apply a cold washcloth to close pores.
Replace your razor or blade frequently.
Try using an electric razor or another safe hair removal method.

You may find it beneficial to switch up your shaving routine. You may not need to shave as frequently as you currently do. If your skin is sensitive, you may find relief by replacing your daily shave with a shave every other day or just a few times a week.

Causes razor burn

You can develop razor burn for a number of different reasons. There isn’t any one specific thing such as a type of razor or shaving lubricant to avoid.

The following can lead to razor burn:

shaving without using a lubricant, such as soap and water or shaving cream
shaving against the direction of your hair
using an old razor
using a razor that’s clogged with hair, soap, or shaving cream
shaving a single area too many times
shaving too quickly
using shaving products that irritate your skin

It’s important to remember that your razor is a tool that must be maintained and replaced as needed. Even if you’re using an appropriate lubricant and shaving in the correct direction, a dull or clogged blade can cause you to develop razor burn.

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