Razor bumps are as painful as they are unsightly. Fortunately for your face and neck, we’ve gathered the best tips on how to get rid of them and prevent them in the future.

First, it’s important to understand what razor bumps are. Pimple-like in appearance, razor bumps are actually irritation caused by ingrown hairs. If your hair is curly, you’re more susceptible to this common nuisance since the hair naturally rotates into itself or the follicle next to it. If you’re vigilant about following the tips below, you’ll be able to enjoy your shaves without having to worry about those aggravating bumps.
 
 
How to:

• Prep:
  Similar to preparing for a shave, make sure to get those pores open. Plan on tending to your razor bumps after a warm shower or applying a warm washcloth to the affected area. The steam will open the pores and make it easier for you to remove the ingrown hair. This step is crucial and can protect your skin from unnecessary tugging and pulling.

 

• Exfoliate:
  To get rid razor bumps, you must essentially slough away the top layer of dead skin to expose the ingrown hair. To free the hair, use a fine-grained facial scrub to thoroughly exfoliate.

 

• Apply treatments:
  If exfoliation isn’t enough, try treatments containing salicylic or glycolic acid. These treatments will speed up the process of getting rid of dead skin and will make it easier to remove the hair.

 

• Natural Remedies:
  There are a few natural remedies to look into when getting rid of razor bumps. Applying Aloe Vera to the bumps will help soothe inflammation, as will products containing tea tree oil, a natural astringent with antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Dab a little bit on to the affected area and let dry.

 

• Skip the Shave:
  Try not to disturb the affected area as much as you can. That means no scratching or picking of any kind, which can easily spread bacteria and lead to an infection. If you can, skip shaving the area altogether. Shaving will only exacerbate the irritation.

 

• Tweeze:
  When you see the tip of the exposed ingrown hair begin to surface, take a pair of tweezers, making sure they’re sterilized, and very carefully coax the hair out. You’ll want to be gentle—forcibly plucking the hair straight out can lead to the next hair to also become ingrown or worse, potential scarring.

 

Prevention:

Proper preparation before your shave is key to lessening your chances of razor bumps. Steer clear of razor bumps by following the tips below.

• Warm Water:
  Prepare your skin by washing your face with a mild cleanser. This will wash away any bacteria that may be on your skin’s surface and loosen the hairs within their follicle for easier shaving. It’s always best to shave right after a shower to take advantage of the built-up steam.

 

• Moisturize:
  Hydration is key. Use a daily moisturizer to protect and replenish skin’s moisture barrier before shaving.

 

• Lather:
  Make sure to use shaving cream that contains hydrating ingredients and steer away from drying canned foam that could irritate skin even more. Try using a shaving brush to create your own lather instead.

 

• With the Grain:
  Shaving against the grain can cause hair to grow back into itself and can quickly lead to ingrown hairs. While it’s said to yield a closer shave, the results don’t justify the razor bumps you may sprout a few days later. Shave with the grain to keep hairs aligned.

 

• Pressure:
  When you press down with your razor, the skin around the blade dimples, increasing your chances of nicks and exposing your face to unnecessary dragging. Save the exertion for the gym and use a light hand.

 

• Cold Water:
  After you shave, splash your face with cold water. This will cause your pores to shrink, protecting against bacteria that may cause razor bumps and infection.

 

• Aftercare:
  Remember to always moisturize at the end to replenish your skin’s protective barrier.

 

• Razor Care:
  Your razor blade should be replaced every seven shaves or at the first sign of wear, depending on your hair and skin type. Keeping up with replacements will make sure you’re protecting your face against irritation caused by a dull blade and the harmful bacteria it may be harboring.

 

Make sure you’re using the best razor on the market to keep the bumps at bay. Dorco invites you to try the Pace Comfort Thin II. Its double blades provide the perfect close shave without over-irritating and its pivoting head glides over problem areas with ease. To keep skin conditioned, the lubricating strip contains chamomile, olive oil, and allantoin, keeping your face protected and primed for your next great shave. Dorco provides shaving solutions with a focus on performance and innovation—all at 35% less than the price of leading brands. Feel the technology and value the difference.