Natural Home Remedies for Getting Rid of Razor Bumps
Shaving is that regular routine you can't do away with, even though sometimes you suffer mild after-effects. You are not alone if you often experience skin irritation, discomfort, and even the formation of red bumps after shaving.
Razor bumps occur after shaving when the remaining hair tips grow back into the skin instead of away from it. While razor bumps often don't cause severe problems, many seek ways to relieve the discomfort and get rid of the bumps.
There are different natural home remedies for getting rid of razor blades touted online. All of them may not work for everyone, and some may cause side effects depending on your skin type. So, you may need to get advice from your dermatologist before trying any home remedy for your razor bump.
The bait also lies in finding out which of the home remedies will work for you and also how best to shave without getting razor bumps.
What are razor bumps?
Razor bumps are minor bumps and irritations that appear on the skin after shaving. It is also called folliculitis barbae. If strands of hair curl back into your skin after shaving, it will lead to ingrown hair (hair growing back into the skin), which, in turn, leads to bumps.
Sometimes, the bumps cause skin irritation and scarring. In rare cases, they can become infected, leading to more serious complications.
Razor bumps occur more in people with curly hairs because their hairs have a higher tendency to curl back and grow into the skin instead of growing outward. However, some people don't get razor bumps immediately after shaving. It might take a while before it occurs.
Natural remedies to get rid of razor bumps
Your doctor can prescribe you medications and after-shave creams to get rid of razor bumps. However, there are some natural home remedies that may help get rid of the bumps.
Some of the natural home remedies include:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar contains citric and acetic acids. Acetic acid helps treat irritated skin, while citric acid unclogs the pores of ingrown hair.
To use apple cider vinegar for treating razor bumps, soak cotton wool in vinegar then, dab the affected area. Wait until it becomes dry, then rinse with cold water.
This remedy should be used with caution, especially if you have sensitive skin. Stop using it if you notice increased irritation or a burning sensation.
2. Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal contains starch, beta-glucan, and phenol, and has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.
This is why it is believed that oatmeal soothes the skin when used in the form of a bath. So, if you have razor bumps, you can soak in an oatmeal bath and experience the relief that comes with it.
3. Tea Tree Oil and Olive Oil
A combination of tea tree oil and olive oil has been found to soothe the skin. Tea tree oil has some anti-inflammatory properties, while olive oil contains fatty acids that help to smooth the skin.
To get the best result, mix the olive oil and tea tree oil properly. You can mix five drops of tea tree oil with a tablespoon of olive oil.
Apply the mixture to the affected area and rinse off after 15 minutes using warm water. This combination is a natural remedy for getting rid of razor bumps.
4. Aloe Vera
This is one of the most commonly used home remedies for getting rid of skin issues like razor bumps.
Aloe vera has a wide range of uses, one of which is treating razor bumps. Apply a little to the affected area and rinse off after some time.
5. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is acidic, and studies have indicated that it can help fight bacterial infections.
To apply lemon juice to your razor bumps, the first step is to squeeze the juice from 2 or 3 lemons, and dilute it with water.
Use a cotton ball and apply the mixture to the affected area. Wait for about ten minutes for it to dry, and then wash off.
6. Baking Soda
Baking soda, with its anti-inflammatory property, may be suitable for treating razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
You can add one tablespoon of baking soda and apply it to the affected area. It is best if you dab it gently across the affected area.
7. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is good for treating razor bumps caused by shaving. It contains lauric acid, which helps kill bacteria and has some antifungal activity.
However, some people are allergic to coconut oil. If you are allergic to it, do not try using it to get rid of your razor bumps; instead, try other remedies.
8. Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel can relieve pain and treat small skin irritation. This function can be attributed to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
Witch hazel is sometimes called winterbloom, hazelnut, tobacco wood, or hamamelis water. Its skin and bark can be used to naturally reduce inflammation, insect bites, acne, and blisters.
9. Honey
Honey may offer a fast way to heal and get rid of razor bumps. It helps reduce swelling, inflammation, and irritation. Honey also has very rich antibacterial properties.
How to prevent razor bumps in the future
Finding ways to prevent razor bumps in the first place is better than looking for remedies after they have appeared.
Following the tips below can help prevent razor bumps after shaving.
Shave frequently
Infrequent shaving will cause your hair to grow to a length that can curl back into the skin. When this happens, it will be challenging to get out all the hair through shaving, leading to the formation of razor bumps.
Give your skin a warm compress
Placing a warm, damp towel on the area you want to shave is an excellent way to prevent razor bumps. You can place it for 5 or 10 minutes, depending on what works best for you.
The hot compress will make it easier for you to shave by opening your pores, causing your hair shafts to swell and become soft.
Also, for people who already have a bump infected with bacteria from a previous shaving, applying a hot compress alongside antibacterial medication will help kill the bacteria.
Make use of moisturizer creams for shaving
There are good moisturizing hair creams out there that help to lubricate your skin. Lubricating your skin reduces the amount of irritation you feel while shaving.
Also, some moisturizing creams are anti-bacterial, so before getting one, ensure that you do proper research.
Make use of a sharp razor blade
It is advised that you use a blade or stick just once. This is because when the blade gets dull, it causes a lot of friction on the skin. But a sharp blade will reduce friction and lessen your chances of getting razor bumps.
Other best practices for shaving to prevent razor bumps include wetting skin before shaving and shaving in the direction of hair growth.
Considering that skin types vary, if you often experience razor bumps after shaving, it is best to speak to your dermatologist for more tips on how to prevent them.
When to see your dermatologist for razor bumps
In addition to the bumps, some people feel skin irritation and burns after shaving. This is often not a cause for alarm. Applying some natural remedies can get rid of razor bumps. It will also help if you adopt strategies that will prevent the appearance of razor bumps in the first place.
Most people can treat their razor bumps using home remedies, and in some cases, the bumps go away on their own.
However, if the bumps persist or become painful, you should visit your dermatologist. In some cases, the bumps might become infected, but you may not know this until you visit your dermatologist.
Also, in some cases, the bumps cause discoloration over time. In such a case, you should also visit your dermatologist to recommend treatment for skin discoloration.
Conclusion
There is no "one perfect" remedy for treating razor bumps. However, one of the numerous home remedies listed above might work for you.
Sometimes, the factors contributing to razor bumps are beyond your control, but you can take proactive steps to prevent future occurrences.
Also, if your bump becomes painful and severe and you start noticing an increase in bumps, increased pain, and widespread redness, you should pay a visit to your dermatologist.