Struggling With Bumps After Shaving? Dermatologist Recommends a 4-Step Routine to Prevent Ingrown Hairs

One of the most popular, simplest, and fastest methods for removing facial hair is shaving. Even though the skin may appear smooth initially, it can quickly turn troublesome when irritation bumps after shaving, nicks, pimples, and ingrown hairs ruin the fun. However, shaving need not be a battleground but a way to unwind. Smooth and peach-fuzz-free skin can be achieved by shaving properly and using the right products. With the correct shaving technique, your skin will look radiant, healthy, and free from irritation.

Dr. Aamna Adel, a consultant dermatologist in London, shared her simple shaving regimen on Instagram. It includes how to prepare with the appropriate materials and how to clean up after shaving.

She began by dispelling the most widespread misconception about facial shaving: can shaving cause your hair to regrow thicker? “Anyone who says that shaving makes your hair grow back thicker, it absolutely does not,” she remarked, refuting the claim.

Here’s the full routine she shared:

1. Exfoliate
   
   A certain amount of preparation helps you avoid post-shaving problems like pimples or ingrown hairs, so you can’t just put the razor to your skin.

“I exfoliate twice a week already,” she remarked. I use glycolic acid, which is crucial in preventing ingrown hairs.

2. Avoid shaving while your skin is dry
   
   Most people frequently make the error of shaving directly on dry skin since facial hair is less coarse. You can believe that your razor is sufficient for shaving, but you must set a proper base; otherwise, dry shaving is a serious red sign that will exacerbate your skin condition.

“We are not going to be dry shaving because that is the worst thing you can do for your skin,” Dr. Adel added. “Instead, you can use an oil, which is what I love to do, or you can use a conditioner shaving foam, or anything else you want.” The goal is to make your skin smooth and slick, but you also want to soften your hair so that shaving is easier.

3. Using the proper shaving method

What makes all the difference is the shaving technique and directions. Dr. Adel explained the proper shaving technique, which defies the popular assumption that one should shave in the opposite direction of hair development.

You will pull your skin up nice and tight, and you will use short strokes in the direction of hair growth rather than the opposite direction,” she explained. Once more, this will only prevent ingrown hairs, so I simply work in small areas and go all the way around my face before using a cotton pad to remove any extra hair that my razor may have missed.”

4. Care after shaving

To calm the skin after shaving, adequate care is necessary. Use soothing skincare products to soothe the skin, which naturally becomes slightly irritated after touching the razor.

She said, “Then I just remove my excess hair with a micellar water and put on a moisturiser because you want to hydrate your skin cause it can be a little bit dry and irritated.”