Shaving should be easy, but for some reason, many people fear it. Time is always an issue, but the potential for irritation after shaving is another reason why some guys detest shaving. Razor burns, bumps, and scrapes are unpleasant. The founder and head dermatologist of Skin Ethics Clinic in Akola, Maharashtra, Dr. Piyusha Bhagde, told HT Lifestyle that razor bumps can result in “inflammation, redness, and irritation, often resulting in itchy, painful bumps that resemble small pimples.”
What exactly are razor bumps? Symptoms and causes
According to her, males get razor bumps, sometimes called pseudofolliculitis barbae, when their shaven hair curls back into their skin rather than sprouting outward. They are especially prevalent in places like the face, neck, and underarms where hair is coarse or curly. An immunological reaction from the trapped hair results in discomfort and swelling.
Razor bumps are irritated areas brought on by ingrown hairs and can make your skin feel uncomfortable and irritated, Dr Piyusha continued. “Improper shaving techniques, wearing tight clothing, and using dull razors can exacerbate the condition and make it more difficult for the skin to heal,” she said. Razor bumps are not harmful, but they may cause infection, scarring, or hyperpigmentation if they are not treated.
“Shaving-related skin inflammation is common among men, leading to redness, razor bumps, and irritation, sometimes PIH,” Dr Debeshi, the founder of Lueur Aesthetics and a clinical cosmetic and aesthetic expert, added in an interview with HT Lifestyle. The primary culprits are ineffective shaving methods, dull razors, inadequate skin preparation, and post-shave care. Inflammation can also be made worse by shaving too closely, using alcohol-based aftershaves, and shaving dry skin.
How to avoid skin inflammation caused by shaving
Everyone might use some professional advice, thus Drs. Debeshi and Piyusha provide their detailed instructions on how to shave properly below:
- Get your skin ready
By softening the hair, hydrating your skin with warm water or a nutritious shaving gel makes shaving considerably smoother and less likely to cause discomfort. - Throw away the boring razor
Instead of cutting the hair neatly, a blunt blade pulls at it, increasing friction and inflammation. Always use a high-quality, sharp razor, and change the blades regularly. - Shave in the hair’s growing direction.
Do this to stop hair from curling back into the skin and creating pimples. Don’t push the razor too hard on your skin; use delicate, gentle strokes. - After shaving
To seal pores, rinse with cold water. Using a calming aftershave is also essential. Alcohol, a common ingredient in aftershaves, can irritate and dry up skin. Therefore, choose moisturizing, fragrance-free, alcohol-free products that contain chamomile or aloe vera. Additionally, keep your hands away from the shaved region. - Hydrate and protect
To avoid irritation from UV exposure, use sunscreen and a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer while you’re going outside. - Avoid going overboard
While shaving daily might seem important, shaving too much can irritate and make your skin more sensitive.
