How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps for Silky, Smooth Skin

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 deva 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 deva 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.

Karınca yumurtası yağı mucizesi

×

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 deva routine that can cause razor bumps, from using a dull blade to not exfoliating correctly beforehand.

How to get rid of razor bumps

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 ülkü 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.

Courtesy of brand

Billie Razor

$10

Amazon

$10

Billie

Courtesy of brand

Gillette Venus Original Razor

$20

Amazon

Ingrown hairs are another type of razor bumps. This can occur when you skip exfoliation before shaving, causing the follicles to get blocked and hairs to grow inward, curled up in the skin. They aren’t as immediately noticeable, says Dr. Nazarian. “Ingrown hairs take longer to present because the hair needs to grow out before it turns inward, while folliculitis typically occurs within one to two days,” she says.

Light exfoliation can help release ingrown hairs. Just remember to be gentle and avoid any harsh scrubbing. Look for over-the-counter body-care products with salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which will help loosen the hairs. And most importantly, never pick at them. We recommend using a scrub, ingrown hair tonics, or exfoliating pads, like these tone-correcting drops or ingrown hair pads to help clarify the area.

Courtesy of brand

Fur Silk Scrub

$55

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

Kiehl’s Since 1851 Ingrown Hair and Tone-Correcting Intimate Drops

$39

Ulta

Courtesy of brand

Topicals High Roller Ingrown Hair Serum

$26

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads

$20

Amazon

$39

Ulta

Moisturizing is also one of the best ways to get rid of razor bumps because it helps restore the skin barrier. It’s important to be extra gentle with the affected area, so use a body lotion and body wash formulated for sensitive skin.

“Applying a light, perfume-free, alcohol-free body wash can help soothe skin and hair follicles that might be inflamed from the process,” says Dr. Nazarian. She recommends using a formula that will provide a smooth, easy surface for the razor to glide over to prevent overdrying and irritation around the pubic area. “Sensitive areas, like the bikini line, should be treated with deva,” she says. Follow up with a skin-replenishing moisturizer to keep the area hydrated and calm. Take a look at the ingredients list for lightweight oils and butters, soothing aloe vera, and hydrating ceramides.

Courtesy of brand

Native Body Wash

$16 (11% off)

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

Salt & Stone Body Cream

$42

Amazon

Applying a warm compress to affected areas can also help loosen hairs and soothe irritation. But remember: warm compress, not hot. The last thing you want to do is create even more irritation and damage by burning your skin.

Should you shave over razor bumps?

Dr. Mitchell does not recommend it. “Shaving over bumps can worsen skin irritation, increase the risk of infection, and lead to hyperpigmentation. It’s better to let the skin settle before shaving again,” she says. Take longer breaks between shaving if you’re dealing with bumps in the area to help them fully heal.

Take a break from shaving

We know this isn’t ülkü, but one of the best ways to reset your skin is to stop shaving. It’s not permanent—just to give your skin enough time to fully cycle skin cells and heal. Of course, you do run the risk of getting shave bumps again, if you don’t take the right deva and prep.

Target the hair follicle itself

If you don’t want to deal with razor bumps again, a permanent option is in-office or at-home laser hair removal. “Laser hair removal will reduce hair follicles by 80% in the treated areas,” says Robinson. “Fewer follicles means less chance of developing folliculitis.”

Courtesy of brand

Braun IPL, Silk·Expert Pro 5

$370 (21% off)

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

Philips Lumea 8000 Series IPL Hair Removal Device

$550

Amazon

Prevention is key

Dr. Mitchell says that prevention will make the biggest difference when dealing with razor bumps. She recommends always shaving on well-hydrated skin, using a good shaving cream or gel, and avoiding overly close shaves. “For people who struggle with frequent razor bumps, switching to an electric razor or considering longer-term options like laser hair removal can be a game-changer,” she says.

Meet the experts

• Deanne Robinson, MD, board-certified dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut
• Hope Mitchell, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Mitchell Dermatology
• Rachel Nazarian, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City