First of all though, it is worthwhile understanding what razor bumps actually are, and what causes them in the first place. Knowing this makes it easier to eliminate the cause of the problem, and hopefully, razor bumps will be a thing of the past.
Although razor bumps can sometimes seem like pimples, this is only half true. What happens is that when the hair is cut on an odd angle, this tends to make the hair grow back at the same odd angle and, unfortunately this angle can make the hair curl back into the skin. When the hair actually penetrates the skin, the skin then starts reacting to this intrusion, and sees it as an infection, which of course, our own antibodies kick into action and surround the spot with their germ killing abilities, which are what results in the slight swelling and redness all too common with razor bumps.
If this infection gets more out of hand, and a staphylococcal bacterium enters the site, then we have a more serious problem that needs specific antibiotic treatment from a medical practitioner. But we don’t want it to get that bad! How to get rid of razor bumps is easy, when we know how. The following steps take focus on how to take care of your neck.
Step 1: Don’t shave everyday
The first recommendation is to give your skin a rest, where possible. If it is not vital to look clean shaven every day, leave it for a day or two, to give your skin a break from the constant abrasion that the razor blade can cause. You might even consider using an alternative shaving device like an electric shaver, on these in-between days.
Step 2: Soften Your skin
It is common knowledge that warm water opens the pores of our skin. Of course, hairs grow out of pores. The principle here is that if we warm the skin first with warm water, this will soften the skin, making it more subtle. This will result in the hair being cut at a more even angle. The only downside to this treatment is that it will take time. But to eliminate this problem, it is possible to have a mirror in the shower and to shave at the end of a shower, when the skin is already moist and warm. If this is not possible, then you will need to hold a moist warm face cloth over your face for about 5 minutes, to achieve the same level of moisture and subtleness.
Step 3: Proper shaving methods
The importance of this cannot be over-estimated. Further to this regime, when you want to know how to get rid of razor bumps, you need some good quality shaving cream. You also need to not rush this. Ideally leave the shaving cream on for 5 minutes to enjoy maximum moisture. Here is another very important aspect. Be careful to shave with the grain of the hair, never away from it. You will know when you are rubbing against the grain of the hair because this will be more prickly and abrasive, than if you are rubbing with the grain. Shaving with the grain, and only once, none of this scraping over the same spot, will reduce the occurrence of razor bumps.
Step 4: Take care of Your skin.
Now, the final process requires you to apply an after shave lotion. This is because your face is most susceptible to razor bumps just after you have shaven, so the purpose of applying after shave is because it reduces the growth of bacteria, the nasty cause of shaving bumps.
Step 5: Leave the bumps alone!
Last but not least, don’t irritate any bumps any further! Don’t pick or scrape them. This is only going to inflame the cells even more. However now that you know how to get rid of razor bumps the correct way, and if the odd one or two might still persist, then there are special preparations on the market that are antiseptic or alcohol based and there are natural products also, like tea tree oil or witch-hazel which are equally as effective.
Give it time, and be patient, and the results will happen. Just remember that razor bumps do go away and you can enjoy a fresh looking complexion again.
*I recommend using the Shea Moisture Shave Tea Tree Herbal Bump Preventer after you shave.
