Razor Burn & Razor Bumps

Razor burn and razor bumps can be an annoying, reoccurring issue for both men and women.  Avoid these common skin issues with our tips on proper treatment and prevention.

Since these terms get thrown around quite a bit and are often confused, let's first learn the difference.  Both skin conditions can be painful and itchy with swelling, redness or irritation.  They can also be hard to get rid of.  Razor burn is a mild to moderate rash that occurs after shaving.  Razor bumps, often referred to as ingrown hairs, can resemble a pimple.  When the hair grows back after removal, it curls under the skin's surface, creating a bump.

Without proper treatment, continuing to shave over razor burn and bumps will only cause further irritation.

To calm razor burn: Apply ice to cool the burning sensation and calm swelling.  Next apply a soothing product with hydrocortisone.  Continue treatment until the rash has healed.

To treat an inflamed ingrown hair/razor bump: Disinfect the area and unclog the follicle by gently exfoliating with salicylic or glycolic acid.  Be advised that these ingredients may cause tingling or stinging on freshly shaved skin.

To avoid these conditions in the future, learn how to prevent them: Before shaving, prep the area to be shaved with an exfoliant or scrub.  Prepping will rid your skin of dead skin cells and surface oils, lifting hairs for a closer shave and prevent clogging the blade.  Be sure to glide the razor along your skin to promote a smooth shave.  It's not just how you shave, but WHAT you shave with that is important.  Dry shaving promotes irritation so use a shave lubricant that is best suited for your skin.  Plain bar soap is drying and will promote irritation, while a shaving cream is great to use for dry skin.  A dull blade keeps you from getting a close shave and creates friction with your skin, increasing the chance of razor burn or bumps so be sure to replace your razor blade on a regular basis.