Do you wonder why you notice those small red bumps soon after you shave your face, legs or other body parts? Commonly known as razor bumps, those red bumps can be quite unsightly and may become painful if an infection develops. You can have these red bumps anywhere on your body because of some simple shaving mistakes, but it is possible to avoid red bumps in a right way. A simple combination of prevention and treatment can resolve the issue. Let's find out more about it.
Shaving Mistakes You Are Making That Cause Red Bumps
Shaving Soon After Entering the Shower
You are going to see red bumps after shaving if you start shaving soon after hopping into the shower. You should be staying in the shower for at least 15 minutes before you start shaving. This allows the hair follicles to open up. Do not wait any longer than this or your skin will wrinkle and make shaving difficult.
Shaving in the Morning
It is always better to shave at night instead of shaving in the morning. Your legs swell a bit during sleep, which makes hair follicles to close a bit. Avoid having a close shave in the morning.
Shaving Without Lathering Up
Never shave dry or you will experience all sorts of skin problems. Use a moisturizing cream to lather up your legs. This keeps your skin healthy, prevents red bumps, and saves you from nicks and cuts. Avoid using the bar soap though.
Shaving with Single-Blade Disposable Razor
This is another common mistake that leaves you with red bumps on legs after shaving. You’d better shave with a four- or even five-blade razor. You will be able to navigate tricky areas like your ankles and knees with much more ease. Those cheap single-blade disposable razors may drag against the skin and cause problems.
Shaving with the Same Razor
It means that you are going to experience problems if you do not replace your razor often enough. Even if you have invested quite a bit of money in a nice razor, you have to understand that its blade needs to be changed at some point. Most blades show sign of dullness after 10 shaves or so. Change them or you will have red bumps on the skin with an increased risk of developing bacterial infections.
Shaving in the Wrong Direction
It is best to start shaving down the leg first and then shave up the leg. In other words, you should be shaving in the direction your hair grows. You can shave upward after shaving down the leg, but it is good to avoid it at all if you have very sensitive skin.
Shaving with a Men's Razor
If you are a woman, do not do it. Even if you are under the impression that men's razors have to be more effective, just do not take the risk. You will be better off using a three-blade razor especially designed for women.
How to Avoid Red Bumps on Legs
Time Your Shaving Properly
To avoid skin irritation, you should time your shaving carefully. Ideally, you should be shaving at least a week after your period because your skin is likely to be more irritable during and right before your period. Don’t shave if you consume a lot caffeine or alcohol recently, both of which can cause your skin more sensitive.
Take a Warm Shower
For a closer shave, you may consider soaking in a warm shower for about 15 minutes before shaving. You can use your exfoliating soap as well to help open up your pores a bit. Once those hair follicles open up, you are less likely to have ingrown hairs, red bumps, or other similar problems.
Use a Three-Blade Razor
Try this if you are already using a four- or even five-blade razor and have experienced red bumps. High-tech razors are good but they can cause irritation if you have sensitive skin. Also, look for a razor with a jojoba, aloe or acai moisturizing strip.
Do Not Apply Too Much Pressure
Ensure that you make smooth strokes and avoid long, sweeping strokes. You should only apply moderate pressure while shaving or you will end up irritating your skin. Consider replacing the blade if it does not function well while applying moderate pressure.
Moisturize Your Skin
Once you have finished shaving your legs, be sure to apply some moisturizing lotion soon after getting out of the shower. Do not apply lotion on the wet legs though. Look for a lotion with menthol, urea, Shea butter, lactic acid, or other anti-inflammatory ingredients.
How to Deal with Red Bumps on Legs After Shaving
No Need to Panic
It is normal to get red bumps after shaving, so do not panic. In fact, you should forget they are there and stop picking at them. The more you pick at them, the longer they are going to stay.
Make Use of Aspirin
Aspirin contains salicylic acid that helps kill bacteria, removes dead skin cells, and cleans other pores. To use aspirin, simply crush it up and then mix with water to make a paste. You can apply this paste directly to the affected area and wash off after 10 minutes or so.
Try Green Tea Cold Compress
You can make a cold compress by using green tea or rose water and apply it on your razor bumps for relief. Regular application not only soothes your skin, but also reduces itching, inflammation, and redness.
Make Use of Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera gel has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, so you can always rely on it for the treatment of razor bumps. It reduces inflammation and prevents infections. Just ensure you are not allergic to Aloe Vera before using it on your skin.
Exfoliate Your Skin
Exfoliating your skin gently may help accelerate recovery. It helps get rid of dead skin cells and opens up any clogged pores, which in turn treats bumps and keeps them from coming back again.
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