Causes of Razor Bumps

Causes of Razor Bumps who has shaved their legs, arms, face or neck knows the itchy, red bumps that are sometimes caused by shaving. They are not a serious medical condition, but they can be very uncomfortable and unsightly. Fortunately, there are many at-home treatments that can help to alleviate razor bumps and keep them from returning.

Razor bumps develop when ingrown hairs form after shaving. The sharp tips of hair growing back into the skin pierce and curl inward, causing them to get trapped under the surface of the skin and become irritated. This condition, which resembles pimples, can affect any area where hair is shaved and is most common in people with curly or coarse hair and on the faces of men who shave beards.

Common Causes of Razor Bumps and How to Avoid Them

It’s possible to prevent razor bumps by using a good shaving technique and by following some simple skincare habits. For instance, use a moisturizing shaving cream and rinse your razor in warm water before shaving. Also, shave in the direction that your hair grows and make sure to shave with short strokes, and not too quickly. Lastly, a good exfoliator can help to clear out the pores and keep them from getting clogged with dead skin cells, so use one that contains salicylic acid or glycolic acid to gently lift away dead skin cells, allowing the hair to come through without irritation.

If the at-home remedies don’t help, a dermatologist can recommend over-the-counter or prescription corticosteroids that decrease inflammation and help the hairs to break through the skin without irritating it. They may also recommend chemical hair removers to stop hair from growing in the follicles, or laser hair removal.