Expert tips that will change the way you shave forever.
By
Harper’s Bazaar Staff
May 26, 2020
Guido MiethGetty Images
No matter how many years you’ve been shaving, razor bumps can happen to the best of us. To get to the bottom of why the bumps pop up and how to get rid of them, we spoke with Sai Demirovic, esthetician and co-founder of GLO Spa NY, and Lily Talakoub, a dermatologist at McLean Dermatology and Skincare Center.
WHY DO RAZOR BUMPS HAPPEN?
Razor bumps form when hair is either nicked irregularly or when hairs are curled under the skin and become inflamed, explains Talakoub. She says they occur more often in parts of the body that fold, such as the underarms, because of the skin-on-skin contact and the increased moisture that happens in that area. Demirovic adds that most of us get razor bumps where hair grows the thickest, like the face, neck, bikini area, and underarms because thick hairs cause more irritation and oil production than finer hair. This can lead to inflammation and possibly even infection.
Demirovic also says hair texture plays a role, and bumps happen more frequently with those who have naturally coarse hair and darker skin tones. “Hair that naturally grows into a curl has a larger risk of getting trapped into the skin than a straight hair can,” she says. These bumps can last up to two weeks, which can make it a never-ending battle when you shave frequently.
Expert-Approved Products To Treat And Prevent Razor Bumps
Razor Bump Stopper Roll On Shaving Gel
PFB Vanish
amazon.com
$22.95
Active Serum
iS CLINICAL
amazon.com
$138.00
Moisturizing Lotion for All Skin Types, Body and Face Lotion
Cetaphil
amazon.com
$36.79
Oil
Fur
dermstore.com
$46.00
Thayers Natural Remedies Witch Hazel Toner Pads
Thayers Natural Remedies
urbanoutfitters.com
$9.00
Solution
Tend Skin
ulta.com
$30.00
Women’s 5-blade Razor
Flamingo
target.com
$9.99
Mario Badescu Protein After Shave Lotion
Mario Badescu
amazon.com
$20.00
Original First Aid Antibiotic Ointment
Neosporin
amazon.com
$3.99
Medicated After Shave Gel For Bikini Area
Bikini Zone
ulta.com
$8.99
Soothing Cade After Shave Balm for Men with Shea Butter
L’Occitane
amazon.com
$34.00
Maximum Strength Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream
Cortizone 10
walgreens.com
$5.59
HOW DO YOU GET RID OF RAZOR BUMPS?
Talakoub suggests applying either a topical antibiotic solution (like Neosporin) or topical steroid (like cortisone) over the area with bumps. Try to refrain from shaving for a couple of days until the irritation calms down. She also suggests wiping the skin with a witch hazel pad post-shave and then applying a one percent hydrocortisone cream.
Demirovic likes using iS Clinical Active Serum or the PFB Vanish Razor Bump Stopper Roll On Shaving Gel, which she says has lactic, salicylic, and glycolic acids to exfoliate the skin above the trapped hair and kill bacteria trapped in the follicle. She then reaches for aloe vera to soothe the area and calm the lingering inflammation.
HOW CAN YOU PREVENT RAZOR BUMPS?
Source: www.harpersbazaar.com
