We’ve all been there. You go to shave for smooth skin, but instead you’re stuck wondering how to get rid of razor bumps. Here’s the thing: proper care and quality razors can really make a difference in preventing these painful bumps.
“What people refer to as razor bumps is most often a condition called pseudofolliculitis barbae, which typically looks like small red bumps or white-headed pimples,” says Deanne Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut. Razor bumps can range from ingrown hairs to folliculitis, which occurs when the hair follicle becomes inflamed. And it’s important to care for it before a superficial infection develops.
So how to address razor bumps in the first place? Ahead, we’re sharing what you can take to treat current bumps and how to prevent them from happening in the first place.
What causes razor bumps?
According to Hope Mitchell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Mitchell Dermatology, razor bumps happen when hair grows back into the skin instead of outward, leading to inflammation. “I see this most often in people with coarse or curly hair, and it’s usually triggered by very close shaving or shaving against the direction of hair growth,” she says. There are also factors within your skin care routine that can cause razor bumps, from using a dull blade to not exfoliating correctly beforehand.
How to get rid of razor bumps
Step 1: Choose the right razor
Choosing the right razor is the first step in mitigating bumps and itchy razor burn. “Shaving with a dull blade pulls and twists the hair follicle, triggering irritation and inflammation,” says Dr. Robinson. Plus, “a dull blade means that the razor has likely been sitting in your shower for a while, which is a bacteria’s ideal environment to thrive in: wet and warm. If your razor is harboring bacteria or fungus, you will most certainly see folliculitis.” What this means: change out your razor often, and use a sharp, clean blade every time you shave. Rachel Nazarian, M.D, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, recommends replacing your blades after a few uses. “Toss them out by the fourth shave, or even earlier if you see buildup of dirt or dead skin on the blades,” she says.
Pro tip: Shave toward the grain of where your hair grows.
