One of the most annoying problem that anyone who shaves regularly have to face is a razor bump.
If you are suffering from them and wondering what is the best razor bump treatment, read the following compilation to find how to get rid of razor bumps fast!
More...
What are razor bumps?
A razor bump also known as barber’s itch or Pseudofolliculitis barbae (medical term) are small irritated bumps on the skin formed after a shaving session. They will appear red in color and you will have a burning sensation if you touch them.
These bumps can cause irritation, pain or even become infected in worse cases if not treated properly. For men they are seen on face or neck while for women it can appear on legs, armpits or sensitive areas.
What causes razor bumps?
These are caused by hairs that are not removed completely while shaving. These hairs have their edges sharpened due to shaving and can twist to re-enter the skin. Once the hair starts growing within the skin, the body sees it as infection and starts fighting it, causing swelling and pimples.
People with wavy or curly hair are more prone to razor bumps as the hair curl back towards the skin after a shave instead of growing straight. They are also caused by shaving too often, using a blunt or unclean razor blade that pushes bacteria into your skin.
How to get rid of Razor bumps fast?
We list here the most effective and fast remedies for razor bumps that you can do at your home.
1. Tea Tree Oil
They have anti-septic, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which will help cure the razor bumps naturally. Direct application may irritate the skin, so it is better to dilute tea tree oil with olive oil or coconut oil before applying to affected area.
You can mix 5-6 drops of tree tea oil in a tablespoon of olive or coconut oil and leave for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with water. Use twice a day for faster relief.
2. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and astringent properties that can reduce swelling and soothe razor bumps. This is another great natural product you can use to quell inflammation.
Apply witch hazel with a cotton ball to affected areas and wash off after 30 minutes. You can use it twice a day for quick relief.
3. Aspirin
Aspirin also known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), can serve as quick home remedy for razor bumps due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce the pain, redness and swelling of the affected areas.
Make a paste with one tablespoon or tablet of Aspirin with one tablespoon of lukewarm water and apply for 10 -15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and repeating twice daily will get rid of razor bumps fast. Those with sensitive skin should take care and avoid it if it worsens the bumps.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is quite popular for its natural soothing and healing properties. They have anti-microbial, anti-oxidant properties along with reducing inflammation of skin. The moisturizing effect of Aloe Vera reduces the pain and aids in the healing process.
To use apply Aloe Vera gel extract on to the bump and leave it on till it dries up. You can then rinse with warm water. Apply it 2-3 times a day will give relief from pain and irritation caused by razor bumps.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider vinegar have a wide range of useful applications and its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help in healing razor bumps. It contains acetic acid which can be strong for some people if applied directly.
To use dilute it in a 1:1 ratio with water and apply with a cotton ball over the bumps. For quicker results you can use without diluting if your skin is not sensitive and repeat the process 2-3 times a day.
6. Baking Soda
Sodium bi carbonate or baking soda though primarily used for baking is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
You can dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda with little water and spread over affected area and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse it with cold water and cotton ball. Repeat twice daily for clearing razor bumps fast.
7. Honey
Honey has been used for centuries to cure skin problems and heal wounds. Honey prevents any further infection and also moisturizes the razor bump for faster healing.
To use simply dab a generous amount of natural honey over the bump and leave it till it dries .Then rinse with warm water or cotton ball. Repeat this 2 to 3 times a day for best results.
8. Yoghurt
Yoghurt is another great natural soothing solution you can use for quick relief from pain and swelling caused by razor bumps.
You can mix one tablespoon yoghurt with one teaspoon honey and apply over the area for 10 to 15 minutes before washing it off. If you are thinking how to get rid of hair bumps in most soothing way then this is one methods to go for.
9. Olive Oil and Sugar
Olive oil contains vitamin E which fights inflammation and the moisturizing effect helps in healing the razor bumps. Using with sugar act as a scrub in removing infected skin cells and prevent further infection.
To use mix 2 tablespoon olive oil with 1 tablespoon sugar and apply for 20-30 minutes before washing with warm water.
10. Cold Compress
If you are wondering how to get rid of shaving bumps the fastest way, then use the cold compress method. In this you need to apply ice cubes over the affected region either by wrapping ice with a soft cloth or dipping the cloth in ice water.
It will bring down the swelling and get rid of the burning sensation caused by razor bumps. Repeat as often as needed till the pain and swelling subsides.
11. Essential Oils
Essential oils like lavender calendula, eucalyptus have been used for centuries to heal wounds due to their anti-inflammatory cicatrisant and anti-septic properties. They also have agents that promote new tissue growth and speeds up the removal of any scars or marks from the skin.
Always dilute them before applying on skin with cold water. Take 1/4th cup of water and add 8-10 drops of essential oil and apply with a cotton ball. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and repeat 2-3 times a day for maximum benefit.
12. Black Tea Bags
Black tea contains tannic acid that reduces inflammation and redness. Take a fresh tea bag and dip in warm water for 10 minutes.
Remove the tea bag and place it in a refrigerator for 15-20 minutes and rub it over the bumps for few minutes.Repeat several times for quick relief from razor bumps.
13. Cornstarch
Cornstarch generally used to thicken liquids in cooking can be used as quick remedy for razor bumps. It will absorb moisture and microbes from the razor bump to prevent further infection and aids in healing process.
Clean the area and apply directly or mix with water and leave for 20 minutes before rinsing with water.
14. Coconut Oil and Honey
Coconut oil has been traditionally used for curing all types of skin issues owing to its excellent healing properties. It has antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties in addition to speeding up the healing of damaged tissues.
Mix and apply one tablespoon of coconut oil with one tablespoon of honey and sugar each to affected area for 15-20 minutes for effective relief. This is one of the best razor bump treatment methods using natural ingredients.
15. Lemon Juice
Lemon contain pectin which gives it powerful antibacterial properties and is rich in vitamin C that boosts immunity. Lemon juice prevents further infection and aids in healing the bump fast.
Squeeze the juice of a half lemon and apply with a cotton ball on the razor bumps. Wait till it dries and wash with warm water.
Tips To Prevent Razor Bumps
“Prevention is better than cure” approach will also help fight razor bumps. You can prevent or minimize the chance of getting razor bumps by following these simple steps listed below.
- Prepare your skin before a shave by washing with warm water followed by shaving gel or soap to soften the skin and to open the pores for a smoother shave.
- Regularly exfoliate the area to be shaved that will remove all dirt and impurities from the skin to give a clean shave.
- Make sure that you don’t stretch your skin too much while shaving and use the razor in the direction of hair growth with short strokes and at the correct angle to the skin.
- Regularly change your blades as dull and old blades increases the chance of getting razor bumps.
- Wash with cold water after a shave to close the pores and use after shave lotions or gels to moisturize and disinfect the skin.
- Switch to a traditional single blade safety razor instead of the multi-blade cartridge type razors if you have severe bumps while using them.
We hope these easy methods and useful tips on how to get rid of shaving bumps can give you immediate relief.