What are razor bumps, and why do they happen?
When shaving, the goal is clean, smooth results – every time. There’s simply nothing worse than having your shaving routine followed up by a prickling, irritated, or burning sensation. And this shouldn’t happen, either. So why is it so common?
Razor bumps or burns are typical symptoms of poor shaving procedures. Razor bumps, often known as ingrown hairs, occur when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells, sweat, or dirt, leading to pus-filled bumps. Razor burn, on the other hand, appears immediately after shaving as an irritated, burning sensation. Both conditions can cause itching, papules (small, rounded bumps), pustules (blister-like lesions), and skin discolorations.
Beyond being uncomfortable and disrupting our dreams of smooth skin, razor bumps risk leaving permanent damage to the skin, which is why it’s essential to treat the concern from its root; your shaving method.
How do I prevent razor bumps and burns?
A fundamental advice is to never shave when you’re in a hurry. Slow movements, damp and moisturized skin, and careful strokes are important parts of perfecting your shaving ritual – especially if your skin is sensitive. Try not shaving your skin too often to avoid overwhelming it, and remember these caring steps:
Use a sharp, clean razor: A dull or dirty razor can cause irritation and infection.
Dampen the skin: Use lukewarm or warm water to soften the skin, hairs, and to open pores.
Cleanse thoroughly: Use a mild body wash with natural cleansing actives to remove any build-up.
Apply a shaving gel or body oil: This helps the razor glide smoothly over the skin.
Shave carefully: Use steady, long strokes in the direction of your hair’s growth. If you wish to do so, you can then shave against this direction, but remember to keep the skin moisturized to avoid irritation.
Moisturize afterwards: Use a hydrating body lotion or oil to soothe the skin. Our Niacinamide Repair Body Lotion with 5% niacinamide, wildcrafted berries, and organic shea butter works effectively to smooth, calm, and strengthen the skin.
Using a mild exfoliation can also be highly beneficial to clear out congestion within the hair follicles. For facial bumps, an exfoliating mask or scrub can assist with unclogging properties. At woods_, we offer two options that are effective for this specific purpose:
Deep Cleansing Scrub: Contains volcanic rhyolite micrograins that physically exfoliate the skin, while glycolic acid penetrates the skin layers for a deep cleansing.
Deep Cleansing Mask: Combines the AHA glycolic acid and the BHA salicylic acid for a thorough chemical exfoliation, removing impurities and preventing build-up.
Both treatments works to purify and rejuvenate the complexion, effectively removing the particles that can lead to build-up filled bumps and irritation.
For facial and body areas, like legs and arms, our Skin Perfector 2% BHA with salicylic acid effectively clears congested pores and lifts away build-up to prevent future breakouts.
Our to-don't list for shaving
Sometimes, it’s easier remembering what you shouldn’t do. Therefore, we’ve selected a few honorable mentions as to what you should definitely opt out of, when it comes to shaving.
Don’t use a dull or dirty razor, as this can lead to irritation and accumulation of bacteria.
Don’t skip moisture before, during, or after the ritual. The best results demand dedication.
Don’t shave directly against your hair growth to begin with.
Don’t shave too often or in the same areas repeatedly.
Don’t use harsh ingredients on the shaved area.
How do I treat razor bumps and burns?
As is the case for several treatments, patience is key. Most occurrences of razor bumps or burns will heal over time, if the skin is given the peace it needs to restore itself.
Topical treatments like aloe vera and coconut oil can soothe irritation and speed up the skin’s healing processes. Cold compresses can also help alleviate the pain and discomfort.
In the end, practice makes perfect, but with our curated tips, you can come a long way on your journey to smooth and soft results time after time.
Sources:
- McDermott, A. (2023) How to Get Rid of or Prevent Razor Burn and Ingrown Hairs, medically reviewed by Cobb, C., healthline.com.
- Evans, J. R. (2023) Razor Bumps: Causes, Home Remedies, and Treatment, medically reviewed by Cobb, C., healthline.com.
