How to Get Rid of Shaving Bumps
It's swimsuit season, and you're probably wondering how to get rid of shaving bumps so you can hit the beach feeling comfortable, right?
Even if you won't be visiting the beach this season, shaving bumps are incredibly frustrating and uncomfortable. And they can pop up pretty much anywhere razor meets skin.
Fortunately, there is hope! With a few high-performing, antimicrobial skincare products, you'll be able to clear those razor bumps right up. Here's your guide on how to get rid of shaving bumps on your bikini line, legs, or wherever they may occur.
Is it Normal to Have Bumps After Shaving?
It's definitely normal to experience bumps after shaving. It happens due to skin irritation caused by shaving with dull razors or without shaving cream, resulting in red bumps surrounding the hair follicle.
Most people will experience shaving bumps at some point or another. However, they are easily preventable provided that you follow good shaving practices.
What Causes Shaving Bumps?
In order to know how to get rid of shaving bumps it's good to know what causes them in the first place. Shaving bumps, also known as ingrown hairs, refer to inflamed skin that often form after shaving. They happen when the strands of hair curls back and grows into the skin.
The symptoms of shaving bumps include pain, itching, and pimples, as well as irritated skin. Razor bumps typically appear on the legs, pubic area, and underarms, but they can also occur on your face or anywhere else you shave.
Even hair texture plays a part, with bumps more frequently occurring in those with thick, curly hair. That's because there's a greater risk of trapped hair in tresses that curl.
There could be a few reasons why you're dealing with shave bumps. First, you could be using a dull razor which puts more pressure on your skin, leading to inflammation. Second, if you're skipping shaving cream, you're not giving your razor blades any slip which can lead to bumps. And finally, even if you do follow those two steps you'll still need to adopt some aftercare practices to keep your freshly shaved skin healthy and irritation-free.
How to Get Rid of Shaving Bumps
Shaving bumps are by no means fun to deal with. How do you get rid of razor bumps fast? Here are some of the best steps you can take to treat shaving bumps asap.
Loosen the Hair With Exfoliation
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Alpha and beta hydroxy acids are chemical exfoliants that gently lift dead skin cells, sebum, and impurities. They're great for healing shaving bumps because they loosen the hair while removing dirt to prevent future irritation.
Some of the best AHAs and BHAs to look out for are lactic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, and salicylic acid. You'll find these in cleansers, serums, masks, and creams.
Truly's Cherry Jelly Cleanser combines salicylic acid with mandelic acid and niacinamide to cleanse away bumps.
Soothe With Tea Tree Oil and Primrose
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Together, tea tree and primrose oil boast anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties which can help when it comes to how to get rid of shaving bumps. They're known to heal wounds, soothe burns, and speed up the overall healing process.
What's more primrose strengthens skin barrier function to retain skin's moisture and prevent irritation.
Truly's Cooka Routine features our Cooka Concentrate + Cooka Oil, both infused with tea tree, primrose, lavender, and jojoba oil to soften, soothe, and get rid of shaving bumps.
Hydrate With Coconut and Vitamin E
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Coconut oil and vitamin E are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that help to hydrate and nourish skin while preventing shaving bumps. Thanks to their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, they're a great duo for easing shaving bumps.
Truly's Glazed Donut Shave Oil is a bestselling topical post-shave treatment enriched with coconut, passion fruit, and vitamin E. It cools, replenishes lost moisture, and combats shave bumps while smoothing and softening the skin.
How Long Do Razor Bumps Last?
Shaving bumps can take 2-3 weeks to go away. To speed up the process, make sure you're using aftercare treatments on a daily basis. Since shaving bumps can come back each time you shave, it's also essential that you improve your shaving technique and routine.
What Can I Do to Stop Bumps After Shaving?
Now that you know how to get rid of shaving bumps, here's a guide on how to prevent them. The best way to prevent shaving bumps is by shaving right in the first place. Here's how.
1. Start With Exfoliation
Using a washcloth or gentle scrub, exfoliate the skin on your bikini line to slough away dead skin cells and prep the area for an effortless razor glide.
"If you're prone to razor bumps and irritation, you may want to exfoliate the area beforehand to ensure that the hair can come cleanly out," says Dendy Engelman, M.D., a dermatologist in NYC.
2. Always Use Shaving Cream
Think soap and water suffices? It doesn't. You should always be using a hydrating shaving cream or shaving gel when removing your pubic hair (or any body hair) to prevent shaving bumps from forming.
"When you shave, you’re shaving your skin, too," says Eileen Bischoff, esthetician and hair-removal specialist at Eve Salon in New York City. "If you don’t use enough shaving cream to create enough slip, you’ll lightly abrade your skin, leaving it irritated."
3. Reach for a Sharp Razor
Shaving with sharp razor blades is the number one secret to how to get rid of shaving bumps and how to stop them from forming altogether.
Ensure your bikini line, legs, and pits stay smooth and bump-free by investing in a razor with more blades. When there are more blades, the razor dispenses more pressure, delivering a more effective shave. It also reduces your risk of getting a cut or irritation.
4. Shave in the Direction of Hair Growth
Using a clean razor, pull your skin taut and shave in the direction of hair growth. If you're shaving in multiple directions, you're immediately putting yourself at risk of shaving bumps.
While gliding your razor along your bikini line, keep the blade faced downward. One pass should be enough to effectively remove unwanted hair.
5. Treat the Area
For your aftershave pamper session, use a serum specifically targeted at treating shaving bumps and skin irritation. Apply to the affected area straight after shaving. Look out for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ingredients like tea tree, lavender, aloe vera and witch hazel.
7. Finish With a Soothing Moisturizer
Moisturizing post shave is crucial when it comes to how to get rid of shaving bumps -- and how to prevent them. By hydrating the skin, you help the skin retain moisture and in turn, bolster the skin barrier function for improved skin health.
Look for a body cream, lotion, or butter enriched with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut, jojoba oil, and cocoa butter.
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Quick Tips for Preventing Shaving Bumps
While you may know how to get rid of shaving bumps it's also worth knowing how to prevent them so you don't have to deal with them again.
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Leave shaving until the end of your shower routine
The hot water from a shower opens up your hair follicles and softens the hair, lowering your risk of shaving bumps.
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Swap out your razor blades regularly
Don't rely on disposable razors. They're usually meant only for one use and yet people tend to use them repeatedly. Choose a high-quality reusable razor instead.
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Never dry shave your bikini line!
Dry shaving is practically asking for painful ingrowns. In order to achieve a smooth, blemish-free shave, you should always be using warm water and shaving cream. If you don't have time, reschedule your shaving session. You're better off doing that than dealing with the painful side effects of dry shaving your bikini area.
Now you have all the tips on how to get rid of shaving bumps, you can put them into practice and enjoy silky, bump-free skin.
