The Nitty Gritty: Razor Burn and Bumps
Last week we discussed some common summer skincare issues. This week, we'd like to get a little nitty gritty with these embarrassing issues: Razor Burn and Razor Bumps. Let's face it, no one feels comfortable in shorts or a bikini when suffering with razor burn or bumps.
What's the difference? While both can be painful, itchy, annoying and hard to heal, learn the difference so you can treat it correctly. Razor burn is a mild or moderate rash that occurs after shaving. Razor bumps, also referred to as ingrown hairs, often resemble a pimple. When the hair grew back, it curled under the skin's surface creating a bump. Here are a few tips for treating each issue and how to prevent them in the future.
How to treat:
Razor burn, bumps and ingrown hairs are often associated with swelling, redness and irritation. Continuing to shave over these areas will only cause further irritation and new bumps. To calm razor burn, you can first apply ice, then apply a soothing product with hydrocortisone. To treat an inflamed ingrown hair, you'll want to disinfect and unclog the follicle. Products containing salicylic or glycolic acid with help exfoliate the area while deeply cleaning the follicle.
How to prevent:
Before shaving, prep the area with a exfoliant or scrub. Exfoliating away dead skin cells and surface oils will promote a closer shave and will help prevent clogging the blade. Always use a shave lubricant to aid in shaving. Dry shaving will definitely irritate your skin! Choose a formula that is best suited for your skin too. Plain soaps can actually increase irritation, while shaving creams are great for dry skin. Make sure your razor is in good shape. A dull blade will hinder your shave and you got it - increase the chance of razor burn or bumps. When you're shaving, you should glide the razor along your skin. Pressing too hard can increase friction, and skin irritation.
We recommend:
Until next time... stay tuned and stay beautiful!
How to treat:
Razor burn, bumps and ingrown hairs are often associated with swelling, redness and irritation. Continuing to shave over these areas will only cause further irritation and new bumps. To calm razor burn, you can first apply ice, then apply a soothing product with hydrocortisone. To treat an inflamed ingrown hair, you'll want to disinfect and unclog the follicle. Products containing salicylic or glycolic acid with help exfoliate the area while deeply cleaning the follicle.
How to prevent:
Before shaving, prep the area with a exfoliant or scrub. Exfoliating away dead skin cells and surface oils will promote a closer shave and will help prevent clogging the blade. Always use a shave lubricant to aid in shaving. Dry shaving will definitely irritate your skin! Choose a formula that is best suited for your skin too. Plain soaps can actually increase irritation, while shaving creams are great for dry skin. Make sure your razor is in good shape. A dull blade will hinder your shave and you got it - increase the chance of razor burn or bumps. When you're shaving, you should glide the razor along your skin. Pressing too hard can increase friction, and skin irritation.
We recommend:
- gloTherapeutics Healing Gel: With 1% Hydrocortisone, this soothing gel with calm your razor burn and any other skin inflammations, including sunburn. It's a go-to in our beauty and medicine cabinet.
- Tend Skin Solution: This one is popular among men and women for its effectiveness in treating razor burn, bumps and ingrown hairs. It works great on your legs, underarms, bikini area and face.
- Relax & Wax Get the Bump Outta Here!: This convenient formula is applied by a roll on, and helps to treat and prevent skin issues associated with hair removal, whether it's shaving, waxing, tweezing or laser hair removal.
- Avene Dermo-K: Another product loved by both men and women, this treatment contains the soothing power of Avene Thermal Spring Water. It prevents and treats ingrown hairs, while protecting skin from bacterial risks.
Until next time... stay tuned and stay beautiful!
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