Shaving is supposed to leave you with a clean, refreshed feeling. But anyone who’s noticed those little red bumps after using a razor knows they’re a pain in every sense of the word. Razor bumps occur often, but there are helpful steps you can take to avoid and prevent them. Today, we’ll tell you how to get rid of razor bumps.

How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps

Understanding Razor Bumps: Causes and Symptoms

If you’re reading this, you’re probably already familiar with razor bumps. The medical term for them is pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), and these little red blemishes can pack a painful punch. They form following a shave when the hair curls and grows into the skin instead of above the skin surface, resulting in an ingrown hair. 

You likely noticed the bumps forming on your skin. Or perhaps you found yourself scratching a recently shaved area only to discover a group of bumps. Sometimes, you can even see the trapped hair under the skin.

Razor bumps most often occur on the face, underarms, legs, and groin, and any other area regularly shaved.

Soothing and Treating Razor Bumps

There are some quick-fix strategies to deal with razor bumps when they arrive, including using a cold or warm compress, and exfoliating as a way to release the trapped hair(s). You can also consider more aggressive approaches like over-the-counter medications.

These sometimes help remove dead skin cells and bacteria that clog the pore and result in a razor bump and may help with symptom relief. They are effective because of their anti-inflammatory properties.

Milan Laser Clinical Support Nurse Anne L. provided additional helpful tips to combat razor bumps.

“Exfoliation, making sure your skin is hydrated, making sure you’re using a good razor,” said Anne. “A gentle exfoliation a few times a week will help avoid getting those razor bumps.”

Preventing Razor Bumps: Shaving Techniques and Aftercare

If you prefer to continue with an outdated hair-removal method like shaving, some helpful tips to decrease the chance of dealing with razor bumps include:

  • Shaving smarter, not harder: Shave slowly in the direction of the hair growth, and if you have a single-blade or electric razor, try shaving at a longer setting to avoid any skin-pulling.
  • Exfoliation: Doing this will help clear away any dead skin cells and unclog pores. It will also help you shave closer with less irritation.
  • Moisturizing: Keeping a moisturizing cream or shaving gel handy can help prevent irritation and also gently exfoliate the skin.
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Razor bumps most often occur on the face, underarms, legs, and groin, and any other area regularly shaved.”

Laser Hair Removal: A Long-Term Option

The pain of shaving alone would make anyone consider alternative methods of hair removal. And the best way to get rid of these pesky razor bumps is by getting laser hair removal.

Instead of removing the hair above the surface, the laser targets the follicle – the source of hair growth – and disrupts its growth cycle. Your razor bumps will disappear over time because no more hair is left to grow in the area.

Not only will the bumps and ingrown hairs fade away, you’ll also be left with healthy smooth skin. And you won’t need to worry about razor bumps returning since you’ll no longer need a razor for your hair-removal needs.

Happy redhead smiling and wearing sunglasses while getting treated at a Milan clinic after learning how to get rid of razor bumps.jpg

Ready To Book Your Free Consultation?

Are you one of the many people who daily deal with razor bumps and ingrown hairs? Put a stop to it today and contact Milan Laser Hair Removal to book your free consultation. We’re the largest laser hair removal provider in the country with more than 390 locations conveniently located nationwide. We would love to help you achieve your hair-free goals!

Milan Laser consultation session

Frequently Asked Questions

Razor bumps often go away on their own, but some tips can help speed up the process. They include exfoliating, using both warm and cold compresses, applying aloe vera, and replacing your razor often to avoid bacteria.

Razor bumps will go away on their own usually within a few days to a week. They’re usually a side effect of shaving, and if symptoms persist beyond a week, contact your doctor.

Razor bumps appear when, after shaving, the hair curves and grows back into the skin instead of above the skin. The ingrown hairs then yield a red, painful bump on the skin.

No. You need to let the impacted area heal before you shave again. Shaving over razor bumps could worsen your condition and lead to even more razor bumps, prolonging your discomfort.

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