How To Get Rid Of Razor Bumps and Irritation
Let’s tackle maybe the most annoying problem for any man that shaves, razor bumps.
To properly understand how to avoid them we first need to understand what they are. Our Barber Supplies experts are breaking down how to get rid of razor bumps and irritation.
What Are Razor Bumps?
“Razor bumps are ingrown hairs that develop after shaving”. The medical term for razor bumps is pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB).
Ingrown hairs develop when hair starts to grow back into the skin, rather than up and out. After shaving, the hair may curl and turn inward creating an infection. As the new skin cells grow over the hair, it becomes trapped and causes a bump to form. This is the “razor bump.”
Pro Tips to Prevent Razor Bumps and Irritation
Most men will use alcohol-based Aftershave as a part of their daily routine, and in most cases assume that “the burning is a sign that it is actually working.”
However, alcohol is a major irritant and will dry and severely damage your skin. Let's explain why!
While alcohol will break bacteria and work as astringent (agents to clean the skin) a freshly shaved skin is also damaged skin. During shaving, sharp blades will remove all skin barriers that protect and keep our skin healthy, including all-natural oils that nourish the skin.
The most common side effects of alcohol aftershaves are:
- redness
- dryness
- flaking
- itchiness
- peeling
- pain
Prolonged use of alcohol will increase the risk of absorption and can create toxic effects. Bottom line, alcohol dramatically increases the appearance of ingrown hairs or razor bumps.
Warm Your Skin Before Shaving
Skin will always be softer if you shave after a hot shower, as an alternative you can use a warm towel (1-3 minutes) on your skin prior to shaving. The heat from a hot shower or a warm towel opens up your pores. When your pores are opened then it’s easier to shave. Any easy shave also leaves minimal damage to your skin, which prevents razor bumps and irritation.
Use A Slick and Protective Soap or Shaving Cream
Shaving soaps or shaving creams are the best options for shaving since in most cases it will contain premium butters and oils that create a thick barrier between the skin and your blade. Minimizing the damage created by the blade while shaving. Less damage to the skin means you’re less likely to get razor bumps and irritation.
Use Double Edge Blades To Prevent Razor Bumps & Irritation
Double edge blades always do a better job since safety razors won't clog as easily as a razor cartridge, this is a game-changer. When shaving with a razor cartridge, you’ll
notice some areas of the face need extra passes. This creates more irritation and unnecessary damage to the skin. Double edge blades do a better job in just a few passes, which doesn’t put excess stress on the skin. Also, your double-edge razor blade won't clog as easily as a razor cartridge.
Start Off Shaving First Following the Direction of Your Facial Hair
Shaving following the direction of hair growth will immediately reduce all irritation in the skin. If you’re looking for a close shave then try a second pass against the grain (direction of hair growth). Do this only after the first pass was made in the opposite direction, that way you’ll achieve a super close shave with minimum damage possible. Less damage to the skin is the best way to get rid of razor bumps and irritation.
Rinse with Cold Water
Rinse the skin with cold water, this will tighten the skin and help close the pores. Do this immediately after shaving. When the skin is tightened it leaves it closed off from dust, debris and dirt that your skin may come in contact with. Overall, this prevents any razor bumps and irritation from happening.
Finish Shaving With An Alcohol-Free Aftershave
Alcohol-free aftershave contains natural cleaning agents such as witch hazel, which doesn’t damage the skin but soothes it. These natural cleaning agents also prevents aftershave burns, razor bumps, and unnecessary irritation.
We at Buy Barber, offer several alcohol-free aftershaves like DBA Barber. It’s manufactured in beautiful Las Vegas and produced with premium ingredients and amazing fragrances, which are also Alcohol, Paraben and Sulfate-Free.
Give it a try, you won’t ever use any other aftershave! Turn your shaving ritual into an amazing experience following these easy tips. Say ‘Goodbye’ to razor bumps and irritation!
