Most of you who shave regularly know the frustrations that go along with shaving – razor bumps!
We have all had them! Those sometimes painful, small or big, red bumps on the skin really ruin that suave and smooth look on your skin.
Razor bumps, also called a razor burn, refers to the hair that do not come out with shaving and remain inside the hair follicles, beginning to grow into the skin. These hairs tend to curl and bend as they grow, thus forming unsightly bumps. Besides appearing ugly and uneven, these ingrown hairs are irritating and dang painful. (1)
Contents
Causes of Razor Bumps
There are multiple causes that may lead to razor bumps like improper shaving tools, a dull blade, shaving dry, a hard soap and sensitive or unconditioned skin. While razor bumps are mostly associated with men, women may also develop them on their inner thighs and armpits.
Preventing Razor Bumps
Although using a single-blade razor, a high-quality pre-shave oil and after-shave lotion can definitely reduce the chances of developing razor bumps to a considerable extent, many of you might still encounter these when shaving in a hurry.
It’s important to change out your razor blade often to avoid accumulation of bacteria that can further lead to a skin infection.
Natural Treatment Options
Here are some simple remedies using your kitchen ingredients that can help you get rid of these painful, itchy bumps on your skin.
Method 1: Using Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera contains natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help heal a
and soothe the skin and treat a variety of conditions. (2)
Things you’ll need:
- Aloe vera gel
- Cotton ball
Soak and dab
Soak a cotton ball in aloe vera gel and dab it on the affected area. If you have a plant at home, you may also snip the tip of a leaf to extract fresh gel and apply it directly on the affected area.
Allow it to dry completely, then rinse it off using cold water.
Repeat the treatment 2 or 3 times a day for effective results.
Method 2: Using Honey
Honey possesses exceptional antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and reduce irritation and inflammation on the skin. Honey also has wonderful acute wound healing properties and helps avoid scarring. (3)
Things you’ll need:
- Honey - 2 tablespoons
- Plain yogurt - 1 tablespoon
- Cotton ball
Assemble the ingredients together, mix and use
Pour honey and yogurt into a bowl and mix thoroughly.
Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and apply a thin coat over the affected area. Allow it to dry for 15 minutes before rinsing it off using lukewarm water.
Repeat the treatment 3 or 4 times every day for as long as needed.
Optionally, you may splash a small amount of apple cider vinegar into the above treatment for further soothing effects.
Method 3: Using Aspirin
Aspirin contains large amounts of acetylsalicylic acid that removes dead cells from the skin, (4) cleanses the pores and kills the bacteria that attack hair follicles to cause bumps on the skin.
Moreover, aspirin contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and inflammation in the affected area.
Things you’ll need:
- Aspirin - 2 to 3 tablets
- Rubbing alcohol - 1 tablespoon
- Lukewarm water - 2 tablespoons
- Spray bottle
Step 1. Dissolve aspirin in lukewarm water
Dissolve 2 to 3 aspirin tablets in 2 tablespoons of lukewarm water.
Step 2. Add rubbing alcohol and pour into a spray bottle
Pour 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol into the aspirin solution. Rubbing alcohol acts as an antiseptic for the skin and helps clean small cuts and wounds.
Mix well and pour the solution into a spray bottle.
Spray the solution on the affected area. Allow it to dry on its own before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
Use this treatment 2 or 3 times a day for 2 to 3 days to see effective results.
Method 4: Using Roll-On Deodorant
Roll-on deodorant helps soothe the itchiness and redness and prevents rubbing, chafing or any kind of further irritation on the affected area. Fragrance free roll-on is recommended as fragrance can further irritate the skin and make the breakouts worse.
Simply apply an unscented roll on deodorant to the affected area.
Leave it to dry on its own.
Repeat the treatment 2 or 3 times a day for as long as needed.
Method 5: Using Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil contains antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and heal razor bumps.
Things you’ll need:
- Tea tree oil - 5 to 7 drops
- Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
- Dispenser bottle
- Cotton swabs
Combine the ingredients and apply
Put 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a bowl.
Add 5 to 7 drops of tea tree oil and mix thoroughly.
Pour the solution into a dispenser bottle. Shake well before squirting a small amount onto a cotton swab. Dab the solution on the affected area.
Use the treatment twice every day for up to 3 weeks for excellent results.
Additional Tips
- In case of irritation, you may apply heat on your razor bumps for 5 to 10 minutes. Using a hot compress helps kill any germs and shrink the bumps. Pat dry area gently after applying the hot compress.
- Once you discover razor bumps, do not shave for at least 2 to 3 days. Give your razor bumps a chance to heal. If you must remove the unwanted hair, do not shave. Use a depilatory cream or hair removal wax until the razor bumps have healed.
- To get rid of itching and inflammation, use a thin layer of hydrocortisone cream on your razor bumps. The itching will subside in 2 to 3 days. Stop using the cream thereafter.
- Wear breathable clothing or cotton underwear to allow your skin to breathe and heal. Synthetic undergarments trap in bacteria and sweat, thus worsening the condition.
- Do not pick or rub razor bumps, as this slows down the healing process and can cause scarring.
Resources:
- Puhan MR, Sahu B. Pseudofolliculitis Corporis: A New Entity Diagnosed by ... International Journal of Trichology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387696/. Published 2015.
- Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, et al. The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and ... Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328413306. Published October 2018.
- McLoone P, Oluwadun A, Warnock M, Fyfe L. Honey: A Therapeutic Agent for Disorders of the Skin. Central Asian Journal of Global Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29138732. Published August 4, 2016.
- Arif T. Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4554394/. Published 2015.
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