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How to get rid of Razor Bumps using natural home remedies.

Razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae) irritating bumps on the skin that appear after you shave. 

They happen when strands of hair curl back on themselves and grow into the skin and start growing inwards. These ingrown hairs cause irritation to the hair follicle, which swells into a small red lump that looks a bit like a pimple.

What Causes Razor Bumps?

Razor bumps are caused by improper shaving tools and products. When you shave any part of your body, you remove the top layer of your skin, which can create ‘micro-injuries’ that eventually cause the irritation, burning, redness and dryness.

A few things that can make razor burn even worse? Shaving dry skin, using a dull blade and not moisturising as soon as you are done shaving.

How to avoid ingrown hair from appearing.

One of the best ways to stop red razor bumps is to prevent them from showing up in the first place.  

There are number of steps you can take to ensure you’re reducing your risk for these bumps as much as possible:
  • Make sure your razor is sharp and doesn’t have any nicks or dings in it. A dull blade is more prone to pulling on and irritating the skin, and causing uneven growth in the hairs. Change your blades often, and if the problem persists with a new razor, consider an upgrade.
  • Dry your blades after use to prevent rust and increase its longevity.
  • Shave in the direction of hair growth in sensitive areas. Shaving against hair growth will also cause more pulling in irritation to your skin. Although you may not get as close a shave shaving with the direction of the hair, it will contribute much less trauma to your skin.
  • Ensure you are applying shaving cream that helps moisten your skin and soften the hairs. You can use a moisturizer after shaving as well to soothe and prevent irritation.
  • Remember you may not need to shave every day. Constant shaving may not give the area proper time to recover and heal before you’re dragging a blade right back over it.
Natural Home Remedies for Razor Bumps 

A hallmark symptom of razor bumps is itchiness. Therefore, it’s normal to experience a strong urge to scratch the affected area. However, you should resist scratching or picking at razor bumps since they could break open and become infected.

If you can wait it out, most razor bumps disappear within a few days. But, why wait and endure all that irritation when you do not have to? The next time you shave the bikini area and experience itchiness or swelling, try any of these natural home remedies to alleviate discomfort and speed up recovery:

1. Aloe Vera

Razor bumps can be treated quickly with Aloe Vera gel. The healing power of Aloe Vera is well known and in fact, many people use this herbal remedy to treat all sorts of cuts and burns.

By moisturising your skin with Aloe Vera, you will be helping your skin speed up the healing process. This all-natural gel is also effective at soothing swelling and the burning sensation that accompanies razor bumps.

Method
  • Get a fresh leaf or buy Aloe Vera juice from a herbal drug store.
  • Cut the leaf open and rub the gel on the razor-bump affected area. Alternatively, simply rub the juice on the affected area using a cotton ball.
  • Give the gel time to dry then rinse the treated area with cold water.
  • Start this remedy immediately after shaving and repeat 2 to 3 times daily for one week.

2. Hot/Cold Compress

When the burning sensation on razor bumps begins to irritate you, a cold compress can provide instant relief. The cold temperature numbs never endings on the affected area temporarily, thereby alleviating discomfort. To get even better results, use a cold compress right after shaving. This will help to prevent razor bumps in the first place.

A hot compress on the other is great for soothing itchiness and treating ingrown hair. When you apply heat on the affected area, this will cause skin pores to open up and free trapped hair. Simply place a heating pad or towel soaked in moderately hot water on the bikini area after shaving. Allow the heat to warm your skin for about 5 minutes then moisturize the treated area as usual.

3. Baking Soda

The anti-inflammatory properties of baking soda can help to soothe the skin and prevent any irritation that may promote razor bump development. Additionally, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) can restore pH imbalances on red, irritated skin thanks to its amphoteric nature.

Method

The following is a simple home treatment for razor bumps that uses baking soda to reduce itchiness and redness.
  • Combine one cup of water with one tablespoon of baking soda.
  • Soak a piece of cotton wool in the solution then rub it on the affected area.
  • Keep the razor bumps wet with baking soda solution for about five minutes before rinsing the area with cold water.
  • Repeat this treatment several times daily until all signs of razor burn disappear.

4. Tea Tree Oil 

Tea tree oil has many medicinal qualities that make it a good treatment for skin related problems. It’s rich in antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory agents. When applied on shaved and irritated skin, this essential oil helps to bring down swelling and prevent razor bumps from becoming infected.

Method (i)

Dilute some tea tree oil with water using the ratio of 2:5 drops respectively. Apply this solution on the itching razor bumps and let it stay on for about 10 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this treatment at least twice every day until you are contended.

Method (ii)

Alternatively, you can mix tea tree oil with another antiseptic base such as lavender oil. Simply mix 3 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon of lavender oil. Rub the mixture on the affected area and give it about 15 minutes to penetrate the skin. Rinse off with cold water and repeat this process 2 to 3 times daily for as long as it’s needed.

5. Honey

Honey can work wonders on razor bumps that are already showing signs of infection. This ingredient is found in many skin care products because of its anti-bacterial properties. As a result, honey heals infected razor bumps or provides protection against infection. What’s more, it will reduce swelling and keep your razor-bump-affected skin moisturized.

Method (i)

All you have to do is apply a liberal amount of honey on the irritated skin then allow it to air dry 
before rinsing off with cold water.

Method (ii)

Another option would involve mixing 3/4 tablespoon of honey with one tablespoon of plain yogurt. Allow this mixture to remain on the treatment area for fifteen minutes then rinse with warm water for easy removal.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can be helpful in three ways when used to treat razor bumps. Apple cider vinegar is a Cure It All remedy that shows up for many diverse and surprising things. This home remedy is very versatile, apple cider vinegar typically works great for relieving itching, inflammation, and reducing your risk for infection. To treat razor burns with apple cider vinegar use a cotton ball to apply the vinegar evenly to the affected zone. Let the area you apply the vinegar to dry out, then rinse with water and pat dry.

This should not only relieve the symptoms but actively promote the healing process as well.
If you have sensitive skin or your razor bumps are in a sensitive area make sure to dilute the vinegar with water before applying.

  • To begin with, its acetic acid content will keep infections at bay.
  • Secondly, apple cider vinegar is a natural anti-inflammatory. This means that it will reduce swelling on irritated skin after shaving.
  • Thirdly, this ingredient will keep you from scratching razor bumps courtesy of its anti-itching properties.

You can take advantage of the healing power of apple cider vinegar to treat razor bumps using this simple and fast remedy.

Method.
  • Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar then pat it on the irritated area. If you have super-sensitive skin, dilute the vinegar before applying it on your already irritated skin.
  • Wait for about 10 minutes so that the treated area can air dry.
  • Repeat this procedure 2 to 3 times every day until the razor burn stop itching.
Note: Those who have touchy skin must weaken apple cider vinegar with water before applying it.

7. Black Tea

Black tea is a rich source of tannin. This organic compound is a natural astringent that helps to reduce inflammation and redness caused by razor bumps. The best part about black tea is that you can also simply save a few tea bags after enjoying a relaxing cup of tea and use them later for treating razor bumps.

Method
  • Chill a moistened tea bag in the refrigerator for about ten minutes. The cold temperature will provide an even more soothing effect on itching razor bumps.
  • Rub the cool and moist tea bag on the affected area and then give the tannic acid five minutes to work its healing properties.
  • Rinse the treated area with cold water and moisturize your skin as usual.
  • Do this several times daily while razor bumps last to get rid of discomfort.
8. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is slightly acidic in nature. As such, it will eliminate the microbes that irritate inflamed skin. Citric acid in lemon juice is also a natural astringent. This quality allows it to dry out razor bumps and reduce inflammation. Here are simple steps on how to use lemon juice on irritated skin after shaving.

Method
  • Use a juicer to extract the liquid from 3 lemons. Ensure to dilute the lemon juice with water so that it is doesn’t cause any further irritation. Alternatively, buy a bottle of fresh lemon juice from your herbal drug store.
  • Use a cotton ball to apply the lemon juice on the razor-burn afflicted area. Store any excess juice in the refrigerator for later use.
  • Leave the lemon juice on the treatment area for about 10 minutes then rinse off with lukewarm water.
  • Follow this treatment at least twice daily to control itchiness and redness on razor bumps.
9. Witch hazel

Witch hazel has skin soothing properties and it’s a natural anti-inflammatory that works great at reducing redness and swelling on razor bumps. You can also count on witch hazel to prevent further infection on razor bumps since it’s a natural antiseptic.

There are many skin treatment products that contain witch hazel as one of the active ingredients. Visit your herbal drug store and ask for one that treats razor bumps.

For the best results, just apply the witch-hazel based treatment as directed on the instruction label.

Method

You simply need to slather it on the skin and some individuals like to catch up with a rich and thick cream to truly facilitate the mending properties of the witch hazel.

Note: Apply this once a week.

10. Baby Powder

Baby powder can be used as a substitute for an aftershave and works great on sensitive areas. Sprinkle small amounts of baby powder onto the problem area and gently rub it around. This will cool the area and soothe any irritation you are suffering from. Baby powder works great in this way due to its cooling properties and ability to calm inflammation. Baby powder also smells great and will leave your skin feeling soft.

If you are having a problem but the area is much too sensitive for vinegar, try baby powder as an easy and gentle solution.

Method

Simply sprinkle baby powder on your legs or wherever you plan to shave around 10 minutes prior to shaving.

Note: This is an incredible solution for ingrown hairs when you utilize it before shaving.

11. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of those amazing cures that seem to pop up as a treatment or fix for a mind blowing number of things. This miracle organic coconut oil is good for the skins overall health and for keeping it soft and smooth. It provides moisturizing effects as well as providing nutrients and protection to the skin. It also smells pretty great. You can add exfoliating elements to your coconut oil by adding sugar and creating a coconut and sugar scrub.

Relieve rashes, moisturize skin, give your hair nutrients and reduce bacteria all at once.

Method

You can make lotion from it and utilization it to clear up any kind of razor burn and numerous individuals swear by it for clearing up keratosis pilaris. You simply need to rub it onto the skin and let it absorb.

Note: It smells completely great and makes an extraordinary showing with serving to clear up skin inflammation, dry skin and various other skin conditions.

12. Cucumber

Cucumbers are used in a variety of ways to help the skin heal. You can simply take a slice of cucumber and rub it gently over the problem area for a few minutes; this should hydrate and soothe the area. Chill the cucumber in the freezer for a few minutes for an added soothing effect.

You can also make a makeshift cream with cucumbers and milk. Smash or dice the cucumber and mix it with the milk. Apply this creation to your razor burn and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse with cool water and pat dry.

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