Buzz
Have you ever wondered what you might be doing wrong after shaving your beard or hair? Well, it’s not as complicated as you think! Luckily, with a few adjustments to your routine, you can become an expert in no time. Start with step 1 below to get started!
Steps
Comprehensive Treatment Method
Try exfoliating. The main culprit behind your discomfort is ingrown hairs. They might look like acne at first glance, but they’re not. To alleviate this issue, start by exfoliating. Exfoliation removes the top layer of skin and can help free trapped hairs.
- Make sure you’re dealing with post-shave roughness. If you notice pink or red bumps (or dark spots if you can see the hair) and itchiness, these are likely razor bumps. They might also resemble whiteheads if there’s pus on top. So satisfying to fix!
If the above method doesn’t work, try using salicylic acid or glycolic acid. Since we’re dealing with ingrown hairs, the goal is to remove the top layer of skin. Salicylic acid and glycolic acid are perfect for this task.
- These products accelerate the shedding of dead skin cells, meaning the outer layer will peel off faster when applied. While they won’t directly expose the ingrown hair, they can speed up the process.
If the previous method also fails, you can use a sterilized needle and tweezers or a medical tool to extract the trapped hair. Make sure the needle is clean! Disinfect it with rubbing alcohol if it’s not brand new. Gently insert the needle into the bump (blood or pus may come out), then use tweezers to carefully lift the hair out, similar to removing a splinter. Avoid pulling forcefully, as this could cause another ingrown hair.
- This process requires extreme care. Mishandling can damage your skin and, in the worst case, leave scars. That’s just as bad as the bumps themselves!
Avoid shaving the irritated area. Hopefully, this makes sense. Your skin is rough due to shaving, so shaving more will only worsen the situation. Try to avoid this if possible. If school or workplace rules prohibit beards, consider getting a doctor’s note to avoid penalties.
Stay away from alcohol-based products. These can dry out your skin, causing irritation, burning, and damage. If your skin is already rough after shaving, alcohol will only bring more pain and trouble! If your lotion contains alcohol, it’s best to toss it out.
- The only time you should use alcohol is to disinfect your skin before using a needle, and even then, only use medical-grade alcohol.
Use products containing lidocaine and bacitracin. Many post-shave skincare products include lidocaine, which helps reduce itching and irritation. Bacitracin, found in products like Neosporin, has antibacterial properties. You probably don’t need an explanation for why these are helpful!
- You can apply these products to both the affected and unaffected areas. They work as both treatments and preventive measures.
Don’t scratch! Razor bumps can become infected if scratched. Scratching spreads bacteria and transfers dirt from your hands to your face, even if they appear clean. In general, it’s best to avoid touching your face altogether!
Facial Care
Wash your face twice daily with a cleanser or a specialized brush designed for treating bumps. Keeping your face clean is a crucial part of combating post-shave roughness. You need to prevent bacteria buildup and ensure the top layer of skin stays clean.
- If you shave… (which you shouldn’t do on irritated skin), use warm water to soften the hair and open pores. Cold water tightens the skin and won’t help your cause.
Apply post-shave bump treatment cream. Do this every morning and evening. There are plenty of products available on the market, and their quality is often comparable. Simply visit a pharmacy and ask for recommendations to find what you need.
- If you prefer using something readily available at home, hydrocortisone cream or antibacterial ointment can help reduce inflammation and redness. Retin-A cream is also highly effective.
Shave in the direction of hair growth. Shaving against the grain might feel closer, but shaving with the grain helps hair grow straighter. When hair grows in alignment, it’s less likely to curl and become ingrown.
Choose the right post-shave skincare products. Avoid chemicals like alcohol or alcohol-based products on freshly shaved skin. Your skin is extremely sensitive at this stage, so opt for alcohol-free and fragrance-free options. Always check the product label if you’re unsure.
- Look for “ultra-moisturizing” products. Choose lotions that are oil-free, alcohol-free, and fragrance-free to prevent irritation. According to the dermatology department at Langone Medical Center, products containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid are most effective for treating razor bumps. These ingredients unclog pores, moisturize, and prevent infections.
Consider laser therapy or electrolysis. If the situation calls for a stronger solution, explore long-term treatments. Consult an experienced dermatologist to discuss these options.
- Depending on the type and amount of hair to be removed, laser hair removal might not be as expensive as you think. Treating the neck area could cost around 3 million VND per session. It might be worth considering!
Bikini Area Treatment
Always exfoliate. Exfoliating before and after shaving should be part of your routine. Pre-shave exfoliation helps hair stand upright, removes dead skin cells, and ensures a smoother shave; post-shave exfoliation clears away bacteria buildup and keeps pores open.
- If you have razor bumps, exfoliation removes the top layer of dead skin cells, revealing the trapped hair underneath. The more you exfoliate, the faster you’ll resolve the issue.
Use creams and lotions to combat redness and itching. After every shave, finish your routine with a moisturizer. Aloe vera, baby oil, or fragrance-free lotions work well. However, consider using specialized post-shave bump creams or anti-inflammatory ointments to address skin roughness.
- Hydrocortisone creams, Retin-A, and products like Neosporin reduce redness and itching. Products with salicylic acid or glycolic acid (found in razor bump treatments) remove the top skin layer to tackle ingrown hairs.
Switch to waxing (or stop shaving altogether!) Some people have highly sensitive skin, especially in the bikini area. To remove hair without shaving, consider waxing. However, keep in mind that waxing can also cause allergic reactions and ingrown hairs, so proceed with caution.
- Another option is to stop shaving entirely. Yes, you heard that right! But can you handle the bumps and ingrown hairs? It’s a trade-off. If you shave regularly, try spacing out your shaving sessions by a few days. You’ll be fine!
Wear loose-fitting underwear. Avoid irritants when dealing with post-shave bumps, and tight clothing tops the list. Tight clothes restrict your skin’s ability to breathe, leading to clogged pores, bacteria buildup, and worsening conditions. Oh no!
- Opt for loose clothing whenever possible. Skinny jeans or tight leggings won’t do your thigh bumps any favors. If someone asks why you’re wearing sweatpants, just ignore them! Or tell them you’re conducting a Mytour experiment and will share the results later.
Try home remedies. If your mom’s medicine cabinet is out of cream and your car is out of gas, look for alternatives in your kitchen. Post-shave bumps aren’t a new issue, and many home remedies have proven effective.
- Make a “mask” with blended cucumber and milk (1 part cucumber, 2 parts milk). Apply the mixture to your skin for 10-20 minutes, then rinse. Your skin will be significantly less red.
- Sprinkle cornstarch on the affected area, leave it for 20 minutes, then rinse. Cornstarch helps reduce redness and flatten bumps.
Post-Shave Bump Care Routine
This is the 3-step routine I’ve used to tackle razor bumps and ingrown hairs. The products mentioned in each step are crucial. I followed each step precisely, and within a week, the bumps were gone. The results inspired me to share my experience. I hope it helps anyone struggling with post-shave bumps. Note: This is a repost I’m allowed to share on Mytour.
Open your pores: This first step is perhaps the most crucial yet often overlooked. Opening your pores allows the special ingredients in Alpha Mane Cleanser and bump treatment cream to work effectively. How do you open your pores? Apply a warm towel to the affected area and leave it for 3-4 minutes or until the towel cools. Repeat, but this time only for about a minute.
Cleanse your skin: Once your pores are open, gently massage Alpha Mane Green Tea Cleanser in circular, upward motions. Massage for about 1-2 minutes. Let it sit for a minute, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Pat the area dry with a soft towel.
Apply post-shave bump cream: Gently apply Alpha Mane Razor Bump Cream to the affected area. Ensure the cream is fully absorbed into the skin. That’s it! Do this step in the morning (after showering) and at night before bed.
Crush a few aspirin tablets with a bit of water to reduce itching and swelling on irritated post-shave skin. Aspirin works because it contains a small amount of salicylic acid.
Tips
- A recommended product is "Barc Bump Down"; it contains glycolic acid and avoids irritants like alcohol, fragrances, or soap.
Warnings
- Avoid double-blade razors as they cut hair below the skin surface, leading to razor bumps.
What You'll Need
- Razor bump treatment cream
- Facial cleanser
- Exfoliating cream
- Neosporin/hydrocortisone cream
- Needle and tweezers
- Salicylic acid or glycolic acid
