Beat those Bumps: How to prevent razor bumps

We’ve all been there. It’s a special occasion – a date, a big function, maybe even an interview, and we want to look our very best. We’ve laid out the perfect outfit, polished our shoes until they’re spotless, and even invested in a little bit of expensive cologne just for the occasion.

 

 

As the final step, we hop in the shower and take a shave. Apprehension mingles with excitement, so we don’t know whether it’s knots or butterflies taking up the most space in our stomachs. We step out into the steamy bathroom, the penultimate step before we face the music, wipe down the mirror and… oh. Oh NO!

 

What manner of dermal eruption is this? Clusters of vibrant inflamed dots line the neck. A small mountain range of irritation skirting the edge of the chin. This is, not to exaggerate, the end of the world. We’ve gone and gotten razor bumps.

 

What are razor bumps? 

 

Apart from “very irritating,” razor bumps are those little bumps that develop in areas where you’ve done hair removal. They form by hair getting trapped under the skin and forming spots of ingrown irritation. The medical term for razor bumps is pseudo folliculitis barbae (PFB), and they’re a surprisingly common phenomenon.

 

Up to 60% of people commonly experience razor bumps after shaving and they can be relatively tricky to get rid of. Razor bumps can appear immediately after hair removal or develop over a few days, specifically in areas where hair grows quickly and coarsely. We’re looking at you, beard hair! 

 

Do razor bumps ever go away? 

 

We’ve got good news, and we’ve got bad news. The good news is that yes, these bumps do go away. You are not cursed with itchy speckles for the rest of your life for wanting a smooth chin. The bad news is that when left to their own devices, these little bumps can take up to three weeks to clear up.

 

If they don’t follow proper razer bump prevention procedures, some people will erupt in these ingrown every time they shave. This leaves you with a dilemma: you’re forced to pick between “hairy” and “bumpy” without an in-between option. As you can imagine, this is not a great predicament to be in. 

 

 

How to get rid of razor bumps? 

 

Listen up - we’ve got better news! Razor bumps ARE preventable if you follow the proper steps before, during and after shaving. 

 

Before shaving…

Try washing your face (or other areas that you shave) using a product that contains “salicylic acid” as an ingredient. This ingredient is an acid that works to unclog pores, slough off dead skin cells and treat inflammation. This allows razor bumps to heal AND actively works to treat acne, so it might be the right solution for you if you’re suffering from skin problems, too. 

 

While you’re shaving…

The most important thing you can do is to make sure the blade you are using is both sharp and clean. A great way to ensure this is by using disposable razors from Bic. When you use a new razor every time, there’s no way you’re using a dull or dirty blade!

 

We also recommend taking a close look at your hair to figure out the direction it’s growing in. If you shave in that direction, you’re much less likely to get ingrown hairs. Also – NEVER shave dry. That’s a recipe for itchy disaster. You’ve been warned!

 

After shaving…

As soon as you’re done shaving, splash cold water on the areas where you’ve removed hair. This works to shrink your pores and reduce the likelihood of razor bumps flaring up. Then, apply plenty of moisturiser. The more supple your skin, the less likely hairs are to get trapped underneath it. Plus, you’ll have the added benefit of smelling great, which is never a bad thing. 

 

So… where to buy razors?

 

Now that you understand just how imperative your choice of razor is in preventing razor bumps, you’re probably looking at the old one perched in your shower with a lot more suspicion. We don’t blame you. It’s probably why you’ve been getting razor bumps this whole time.

 

Since you’re in the market for a new shaving solution, we’d recommend trying out Bic’s range of easy-to-use, works-every-time disposable razors. Our shaving products prioritise precision, smoothness, convenience, value and quality – while staying at an accessible price point.

 

You can get your hands on Bic razors wherever our products are sold, which is almost everywhere. Say hello to Bic hair removal solutions and say goodbye (and good riddance) to razor bumps!