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Razor bumps are women’s constant foe. This was the case many years ago, and nothing has changed today. Sure, shaving is a quick hair removal method that you can do anytime. But with shaving often comes red, unsightly bumps.
Although bumps, irritated skin, and ingrown hairs are common results of shaving, we cannot help but wonder if there’s a way to get around them. And when shaving down there, even as common as razor bumps can turn into a living nightmare.
Well, the good news is that you can totally shave your bikini area without getting bumps.
Why Do You Get Razor Bumps?
Before we delve into the tips, let us first learn what causes razor bumps in the first place. Shaving removes the top layer of your skin, regardless of which part of the body you're shaving. Surprisingly, such practice can lead to micro-injuries, according to dermatologists. These tiny injuries to the skin can cause irritation, redness, dryness, and burning, in short, razor bumps.
Razor bumps are just as they sound - red, small raised spots that appear in the skin after shaving. They are the result of shaved hairs growing back and developing into ingrown. Aside from appearing like pimples, razor bumps can really be a pain in the neck.
For people with curly hair, razor bumps are more prevalent. That is because curly hair is more likely to grow back into the skin. Over time and especially when left untreated, these seemingly minor bumps can become permanent scars. Although this very rarely happens, it pays to be extra careful.
Nonetheless, it’s also important to know that shaving doesn’t always lead to razor bumps. There are few things, however, that can make your razor bumps worse. Using a dull blade, for starters, is one leading cause. Another is when you shave on dry skin, as well as failing to moisturize the area as soon as you’re done shaving.
Also check : Best Bikini Epilator Article Here
How To Prevent Razor Bumps When Shaving Bikini Line?
Prevention is and will always be better than cure. As such, here are essential tips on how to ensure a bump-free and smooth bikini line.
1. Choose a Good Shaving Tool For the Bikini Area
Quite honestly, using a dull razor blade when shaving is a stupid move. Doing so could irritate your skin and cause razor bumps. Using the right razor is the first step to achieve a bump-free bikini area.
Make it a habit to replace your razor blade regularly. If you notice that it’s starting to pull at your hair, or it feels rough, replace it immediately. Try to pick a razor that has many blades. The more blades there are, the lesser force it’ll need to cut, but with more effect.
Throwaways are also good enough to get the job done. However, there’s a reason why they’re called disposable razors. They aren’t meant for several uses.
So, consider investing in a firm, high-quality razor. And while you're at it, you may also want to opt for one that has soothing strips. Try Gillette Venus Simply 3 Sensitive Women's Razors. It's gentle on sensitive skin and comes with a moisturizing strip.
2. Prep The Bikini Area Before a Shave
For 5 to 10 minutes, soak your bikini area in warm water. You can also hop in a warm shower or take a bath if you want. This hydrates and softens the outer layer of your skin, making it a breeze to remove hair. Once the time is up, pat your bikini area dry.
After hydrating, consider exfoliating your bikini line with a wet washcloth. You can also use a gentle scrub to get rid of dead skin cells. Doing so can help get a closer shave to the skin. Check out Asian Exfoliating Bath Washcloth. It’s a great scrubby mitt to exfoliate your bikini area.
3. Don’t Skimp on Shaving Cream
Using shaving cream is important, even more so on extra sensitive skin like your bikini area. Not having enough shaving cream when you shave can lightly abrade your skin and cause it to be irritated. Plus, shaving gel helps your razor glide more easily. As a result, it reduces the likelihood of razor bumps and irritation.
And like your razor, look for a good quality shaving cream. Don’t just buy anything cheap. Remember your bikini area has more sensitivity. Thus, it needs extra care as well. When applying the cream, put a thin layer, enough for the skin and the hair shaft to be visible. This way, it’ll be safer to shave since you won’t have to move the razor back and forth.
4. Shave in The Right Direction
There are varying opinions about which direction to shave when it comes to the bikini area. How you shave can be a determining factor for women who are prone to razor bumps.
The best way is to lightly shave in the direction of hair growth. Stick to one direction only. If you go in random directions, your bikini area could get cuts and ingrown hairs. Going against the grain of your hair increases the chances of getting skin irritation.
While gliding your razor, make sure to use steady strokes and keep the blade downward. You don’t need to apply too much pressure. Leave it to your razor to do most of the work. After all, it’s what razors are made for.
Also, one pass should suffice, especially if your razor has many blades. The more blades, the lesser the need to re-shave over your sensitive bikini area.
5. Soothe Your Bikini Area After Shaving
Rinse off as soon as you're done, ideally with cool water. To help calm the area, apply a cold compress for around five minutes. If the temperature is too cold for your bikini area, you can cool it off with a cold washcloth. Just hold it to your skin for two minutes.
If you have a natural antiseptic like tea tree oil at home, use it for fast relief of razor burn. It’s always better to go for a natural remedy when it comes to sensitive areas like our bikini zones.
6. Moisturize
Keeping a newly shaved area moisturize afterward is important. To avoid over-drying, which could result in irritation, use an unscented, alcohol-free moisturizer. Apply it lightly on the sides of your bikini line.
Moisturizing ensures that your skin barrier is moist after the micro-trauma from shaving. When looking for a good moisturizing lotion, choose products that contain aloe vera, jojoba oil, or vitamin E.
7. Clean your razor
Lastly, make sure to properly clean your bikini razor after every shave. Use rubbing alcohol and hot water to sanitize it. Don't be stingy with your razor. If it starts to look rusty, or you've been using it for a long time, don't hesitate to replace it.
Switch your old blades with new ones after using them for more than 5-7 times. Another way to avoid those angry red bumps is to store your blades in a dry, clean place. This way, they won’t be collecting bacteria staying anywhere or around your shower.
How To Treat Razor Bumps?
If you've reached this point in the article, then you're probably getting some razor bumps. It's entirely possible to get rid of them if you're mindful of the tips above. However, on the off chance that they're annoyingly persistent, don't fret. You're not alone, girl. This is why I have here ways to cure those pesky razor bumps.
1. Use Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid helps exfoliate the old, dead skin cells to reveal newer skin. It works by penetrating into your skin to unclog pores. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory, which makes it a great option to combat razor bumps.
Once the bump is alleviated, the ingrown hair will be released from the pore. Salicyclic acid also minimizes the appearance of the bump.
2. Consider a Tweezers
If you can see the ingrown hair, it may be good to use tweezers to get it out. Getting rid of the trapped hair could help the razor bump go away faster. Make sure to sterilize the tweezers using alcohol.
However, if the hair isn’t visible, don’t use tweezers. It could aggravate the razor bump and cause even more irritation. Or worse, your bikini area could get infected.
3. Use a Physical Scrub
Physical scrubs can slough off dead skin cells that are keeping the hairs trapped inside. Most skincare scrubs contain salt, tiny beads, or sugar. Be careful when using physical scrubs as your skin could react negatively to the rough texture. If you have sensitive skin, use it with caution.
4. Gently Brush The Area
Another DIY remedy to unclog the pores is by using a soft brush. Make sure to use a gentle brush since you're dealing with the area down there. Opt for a skincare brush or a soft toothbrush.
Brushing the area can help free the hair out of the clogged pore. Doing this every day may help remove your razor bumps, as well as prevent new ones from developing.