The bikini area is a tricky area to groom and is more prone to razor bumps as the hair is generally coarse and is in a delicate part of the body.
Razor bumps is a general term for redness and bumps after shaving and can include
in-grown hairs. Not only are they unsightly, but can become tender, itchy and infected if not looked after properly. Here are 10 ways to get rid of and prevent razor bumps around the bikini area.
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1. Wait
The razor bumps will eventually go away with time as the ingrown hair grows longer and with gentle exfoliation, this can assist with releasing the ingrown hair. The trick is to leave it alone and not shave the area. Shaving may tear the skin on the bumps, causing further inflammation and potential infection. Also, as it may become itchy and red, there may be the temptation to pick at it but this actually makes it worse. So, leave the bumps alone.
2. Aspirin
Aspirin has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing redness and inflammation. Crush up an aspirin and mix it with warm water to form a paste. Apply the mixture over the razor bumps, let dry, and then rinse off with lukewarm water. Where you can, try to do this at least 2 times a day and the bumps should disappear quickly.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda has long been known as an effective home remedy against itchiness. Baking soda has mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that will keep the burning and itching skin cool and calm. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to a cup of water and mix well. Soak a cotton ball in this mixture and apply to the affected skin. Once dried, rinse off with water. Repeat 2-3 times daily for the bumps to go away faster.
4. Aloe Vera
While there are lots of aloe vera gels available on the market, for example this organic aloe vera gel from Amazon, the real thing is more potent and effective. It is soothing and cooling with amazing properties that heal almost any type of skin discomfort including cuts and burns. Where available, squeeze the gel from a freshly cut aloe vera leaf to the affected area and allow the gel to dry. Once dry, rinse with cool water and repeat two to three times a day until the area recovers.
5. Honey
Honey is a great natural solution for clearing up the razor bumps and reducing the red marks due to its natural antibacterial qualities. That is why honey can be found in a myriad of homemade treatments.
More so than ever, try to source your honey local to help out the local economy. Also, sourcing locally reduces the miles the honey has to travel to get to you, thereby reducing the environmental impact due to transportation and packaging.
Simply massage a small amount of honey over the irritated skin then allow it to air dry before rinsing off with cold water. Another option is to combine 3/4 tablespoon of honey with one tablespoon of plain yogurt. The probiotics in the yogurt is said to hydrate the skin and help with restoring the protective barrier of the skin. Allow this mixture to remain on the treatment area for fifteen minutes then rinse with warm water. For both methods, repeat at least 2 times daily for effective results.
Steps 1-5 are to help remove razor bumps. Let’s look at how to prevent them when you next shave.
6. Exfoliate
A few days before your next shave, exfoliate the skin to clear off any dead skin cells and/or other materials on your skin; ensuring for a close and clean shave as this allows the blade to smoothly glide over the skin. Consider a cotton washcloth paired with a natural exfoliating body wash such as The Seaweed and Bath Co. Body Scrub on Amazon.
As mentioned earlier, gentle exfoliation should release the in grown hairs of existing razor bumps. Once they are released, let the skin heal before shaving, otherwise you risk infecting the exposed skin and prolonging the heal time.
7. Shave in the Shower/Bath
Shaving at the end of a warm shower serves three purposes: cleanses the body of dirt and grime, opens the skin pores and softens your skin and hair. This allows for a closer, smoother and less irritating shave. Alternatively, soak yourself in a nice warm bath for at least 15 minutes and pat the area dry before shaving.
Do not attempt to shave without shaving cream as this can lead to cuts which would be very painful in such a sensitive area. Find a moisturizing cream that is fragrance and alcohol free to avoid irritation. Apply a thin layer of shaving cream to help the razor glide over the skin smoothly. Remember, the idea is to help the razor to glide over the skin as smoothly as possible.
For best results, use a sharp clean razor. After shaving, clean the blade, wipe it dry and store in a dry place. Leaving it around in a moist area encourages bacterial and mold growth which could lead to infections on your next shave. For a closer and smoother shave, change your disposable blades or shaver after 3 – 5 shaves.
After shaving, wash the area with an antibacterial soap or cleanser. Like the shaving cream, avoid alcohol and fragrance to avoid irritation. A good tip from my dermatologist friend is to finish off with a cold water rinse or a 10 minute cold compress to help the pores close and to calm the skin down.
8. Moisturize
Your skin will be a bit drier after shaving. The warm water dehydrates the skin and the friction against the skin from the razor blade exposing the skin layers below.
Remember to moisturize right after shaving and continue to moisturize regularly in between shaves to keep the skin soft, supple and less irritated. Again, where possible, consider a moisturizer that is fragrance free and is as natural as possible to avoid harsh chemicals irritating the skin such as The Seaweed Bath Co. Body Cream on Amazon.
9. Wear Loose Clothing
The bikini area is such a sensitive area, particularly after shaving. To help the area heal, wear loose and comfortable sweat pants to avoid clothing rubbing against the skin and causing irritation. Avoid scratchy fabric so wear cotton clothing as it is a natural fiber that is breathable and is soft against the skin.
10. Waxing
Some people are prone to razor bumps and if you are still getting razor bumps after trying the above tips, may be consider a professional bikini wax if it’s your first time.
Unlike shaving, waxing removes completely removes the hair at the root and so the hair takes longer to grow back. Also, the chances ingrown hairs are reduced as the tip of the new hair is thin and grows upwards. When done, keep the area moisturized and gently exfoliate every day to prevent pore blockages.
Remember, go and see your doctor if your razor bumps don’t improve within 2 or 3 days or if it has become infected.
