Razor bumps and razor burns

Razor burn is irritation of the skin usually caused by not using a sharp enough blade so the skin is dragged and chafed or by not using the correct technique. Razor burn usually presents itself as a mild rash and some redness of the skin may occur usually 2-4 days after shaving. It can be short lived and disappear in a few days or can last for days if severe enough. If you experience a rash at the time of shaving it is usually more to do with the skin being too dry during the shaving process, applying too much pressure, going against the natural growth direction or shaving too closely.

Razor bumps can occur on the face after shaving but also in areas where the hair removed is coarse and the area sensitive such as genital area shaving. Curly hair also tends to curl inwards as it grows and can curl back into the skin causing inflammation and can also cause pimple like bumps. These papules or pustules that form can be red and sore especially if the area becomes infected.

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae is the medical term for ingrown hairs and these can be two gifferent types -   transfollicular and extrafollicular. The transfollicular hair never leaves the hair follicle and the extrafollicular hair is a hair that has exited the follicle and reentered the skin.

Tips for Prevention:

• Keep the face or area being shaved well lubricated.
• Shave in the direction of the hair growth.
• Use a sharp blade and avoid dull blades.
• Cleanse the face first to soften the hair growth.
• Shave lightly –don’t apply too much pressure.
• Use an aftershave that has no irritating ingredients and is an effective moisturiser. Skinsaviour Cream was formulated for sensitive skins and is ideal for use after shaving.
• Avoid colognes and aftershaves on the affected area.
• Gentle exfoliation – lightly rub over with a washcloth the area after shaving to help prevent razor bumps forming. Ingrown hairs may be gently squeezed to release the hair.
• Severe chronic cases may need to let beards grow or investigate other forms of hair removal such as laser or electrolysis.
• Seek medical advice if the rash or bumps do not heal.

Top 10 Tips For Shaving

#1 – Wash the skin in lukewarm water – this will soften the skin and open the pores making it easier to shave and avoid tugging on the hair follicle that can cause irritation. A cleanser with ingredients that help to soothe and calm will help minimise irritation.

#2 – Use a sharp razor. A dull razor will only drag at and irritate the skin and can be the cause of razor burn and ingrown hairs.

#3 – Don’t rub at your face to dry it – it will dry just as well patted gently with a whole lot less irritation to your skin.

#4 – When you have finished shaving rinse the area thoroughly in lukewarm water. Residue of shaving soaps can cause the skin to be irritated and itchy.

#5 – Avoid the use of alcohol based and harsh astringent type aftershave lotions. These can often dry out the skin causing dry skin and itching in the area shaven. They are not really necessary  – if you want to close pores, cold water is just as effective and less drying.

#6 – If your hair is coarse or thick avoid disposable razors. They are seldom up to the job and may pull and drag at the hairs and the skin.

#7 – Multiple blades give a very clean shave and the less irritation there is to hair follicles the less chance of ingrown hairs, razor bumps and razor burn occurring.

#8 – Shaving twice against the grain or across the grain can give tougher hair growth a very close shave but may irritate the skin for some people.

#9 – Razor burn can be reduced by keeping the face moist during shaving and not creating too much drag on the skin. The less drag the less irritation there will be.

#10 – Shaving is hard on the skin and is both drying and damaging It is important to use a moisturiser after shaving that has no irritating ingredients such as perfumes and colours. Skinsaviour Cream is ideal as it has ingredients that are calming and soothing and has a mild antibacterial action to help with shaving nicks and cuts.