Shaving is an important personal grooming practice but it is often a trigger for painful and ugly-looking razor bumps. Today we will take a look at some of the best home remedies for razor bumps, most of which uses common ingredients – some natural – that you are likely already have in your kitchen.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Razor Bumps Fast
Contents
- Home Remedies to Get Rid of Razor Bumps Fast
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Aspirin Heals Bumps
- Cornstarch Treatment
- Baking Soda Razor Bumps Remedy
- Cold Compresses Cure for Razor Bumps
- More Tips to Help You Get Rid of Razor Bumps Overnight
- Natural Remedies for Razor Bumps on Bikini Area, Thighs,
- Cucumber
- Lemon Juice for Shave Bumps on Legs
- Aloe vera
- Black Tea Bags Remedy for Razor Bumps on Face and Neck
- Honey
- Tea Tree Oil
- Witch Hazel
- Oatmeal
- Essential Oils
- How to Get Rid Of Razor Bumps Fast
Medically referred to as Pseudofolliculitis Barbae are unsightly and annoying particularly if they irritate your skin. They occur when the hair that regrows after shaving, tweezing or waxing curls back to into the skin.
When that happens, the body perceives them as foreign objects and triggers an inflammatory response from the immune system. Razor bumps are typically painful and may occur on any area of the skin including head, neck, legs, bikini area, thighs and face.
According to American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, Pseudofolliculitis affects as much as 60% of the men’s population . It tends to affect black men (African Americans) more.
In addition to black men (and women for that matter keeping in mind that part about shaving the armpits, legs and the bikini area), people with curvy beards are also prone to razor bumps as The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Health System says.
While these bumps typically go away on their own after the hair has had time to grow, several home remedies to get rid of razor bumps exist and include:
Apple Cider Vinegar
Ranking among the most popular home remedies for razor bumps, apple cider vinegar has great anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce the appearance of razor burns and minimize the itching associated with them. Moreover, the presence of acetic acid in apple cider vinegar helps to curb infections. To get rid of razor bumps with apple cider vinegar,
- Pour some apple cider vinegar into a small cotton ball. If you have sensitive skin however, start by diluting the apple cider vinegar with water in the ratio of 1:1 (e.g. 1 tbsp. ACV to 1 tbsp. water).
- Dab the affected area of the skin with it and allow it time to air-dry.
- Finish by rinsing it off with water
- Repeat 2-3 times every day until the problem has cleared.
Aspirin Heals Bumps
Aspirin has inflammatory properties that can help to get rid of razor bumps. Couple that with the ease of use, fast action, and wide availability and you have them making for one of the best home remedies for razor bumps. To us this remedy to remove razor bumps, follow the following steps:
- In a small basin, pound 2-3 aspirin tablets using the back of a spoon.
- Add 1 tablespoon of water and then stir to prepare a paste.
- Apply this paste on the affected area of the skin and leave it on till it has dried up (about 10 minutes)
- Rinse your skin with warm water
- Repeat the process twice daily to heal shave bumps.
Cornstarch Treatment
Cornstarch is one of those easy to use yet very effective remedies for removing shave bumps . All you need is to sprinkle some cornstarch on the bumps and then rinse it off with cold water after 20 minutes.
Baking Soda Razor Bumps Remedy
Baking soda ranks among the best home remedies for razor bumps with its use extending far back to times immemorial. It helps to relieve inflammation and is also a fantastic remedy for the stinging sensation, itching and redness that accompany most cases of razor bumps.
- To 1 cup of water, add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and stir thoroughly to mix them
- Soak a cotton ball with the resulting solution and then dab it all over the affected area
- Leave it on for 5-10 minutes and finish off by rinsing it off with cool water
- Repeat this home treatment 2-3 times daily until the bumps improve
Cold Compresses Cure for Razor Bumps
Cold compresses also ranks among the best home remedies to get rid of razor bumps. It helps to relieve the symptoms of razor burns such as inflammation, redness, itching and burning sensation.
- Place some ice cubes in a thin towel and pat the affected are with it for 5 minutes. Repeat several times throughout the day
- Alternatively, dip a clean cloth in a basin of ice-cold water and pat the affected area of the skin with it for a few minutes every day for a few days as is necessary to clear the razor bumps.
Splashing the skin with cold water and after every shaving, waxing, or tweezing session is a fantastic way to prevent the recurrence of the bumps.
More Tips to Help You Get Rid of Razor Bumps Overnight
All the above home remedies for razor bumps are proven to work but you may want to take the treatment process a little further by observing the following tips:
- Wear cotton underwear (any other breathable material is as well ok). This is especially important if you have razor bumps in bikini area (bikini bumps if you like). Synthetic materials limit air flow and may trap in bacteria and sweat, making the razor bumps worse.
- Skip the shaving for 2-3 days if you shave daily to allow your skin time to heal.
- Apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream on your razor bumps to reduce the swelling, itching and redness associated with razor bumps.
- Avoid picking at your razor bumps and/or rubbing the affected area as much as possible.
Natural Remedies for Razor Bumps on Bikini Area, Thighs,
We have listed some of the best home remedies for razor bump in the previous section, but it could as well happen that you are one of those people who would rather learn how to get rid of razor bumps naturally – the natural remedies bandwagon is pretty fast catching up with us. If you are, then here are some natural remedies for razor bumps that you may want to use:
Cucumber
The strong anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties of cucumber makes it one of the best natural remedies for razor bumps. It is also touted to help calm itchiness and pain. There are two options available to use this remedy as follows:
- Cut a fresh, clean cucumber into thin slices and refrigerate them for 30 minutes to cool them. Next, apply them on the affected area of the skin, leaving them on for 10 minutes. Finally rice the area with cool water. Repeat regularly throughout each day for as long as needed to offer relief from the symptoms of razor bumps.
- Puree half a clean cucumber and mix it with ¼ cup of milk. Place the mixture in the fridge for 10 minutes and then apply it as a mask on the affected area of the skin. Rinse the skin with warm water after 10 minutes. Repeat the treatment twice each day for 2-3 days or until the razor bumps have vanished.
Lemon Juice for Shave Bumps on Legs
Lemon juice is yet another natural remedy for razor bumps that some people swear to its effectiveness. It helps to not only reduce the redness associated with shave bumps but also protect the affected area from infections. To treat razor bumps with lemon juice, follow the following steps:
- Cut a fresh lemon juice into two halves
- Squeeze its juice out and then dab it to the affected area of the skin using a clean cotton ball
- Allow the juice some time to dry and then rinse the area with cool water
- Repeat this razor bump treatment 2 times each day until those razor bumps reduce and every time you shave, tweeze or wax your hair in the future.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera has been used to soothe and heal the skin from a whole lot of dermal conditions. It also works great on razor burns . Its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties help to relieve pain and swelling. In addition, it has rich moisturizing action which helps to speed up the healing of the razor bumps.
- Get a fresh aloe vera leaf and squeeze its gel onto the affected area of skin
- Allow the gel to dry (15-20 minutes are okay) and hen wash it off with cool water
- Repeat the process 2-3 times each day for best results
If you don’t have access to an aloe vera plant, you can as well use an over-the-counter aloe vera gel. Ideally choose a product that has no added fragrances or artificial colors.
Black Tea Bags Remedy for Razor Bumps on Face and Neck
The same tea bags that you use to prepare a refreshing morning cup of tea at breakfast can also help to get rid of razor bumps. Black tea is rich in tannic acid which reduces the inflammation and redness associated with razor bumps while helping to soothe the burning sensation.
To use this remedy,
- Drop a black tea bag into warm water and allow it to get soaked in it
- Remove it and give it a few minutes to cool off, then pat it onto the affected area of skin for 2-3 minutes. Some people place the tea bags in the refrigerator for 10 minutes or so for an even higher healing action
- Repeat this razor bump treatment 3 times daily and your razor bumps will soon be gone.
Honey
Honey is perhaps best known for its antibacterial activity but it can also help to relieve you of the symptoms of razor bumps. Its anti-bacterial properties can also help to prevent infection. To use this natural remedy for razor bumps alleviation,
- Apply a layer of honey on the affected area of the skin and allow it time to set in (5 minutes or so) before washing it off with cold water 2 to 3 times each day.
- You may also follow up the treatment above (1) with a splash of apple cider vinegar for even further soothing effects. Simply pat the affected area dry after washing off the honey and then apply some apple cider vinegar on it, then leave it to dry.
- You can also mix 1 teaspoon of honey with 2 tablespoons of plain yoghurt and then apply the mixture on the razor bumps afflicted area for 15 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water 2-3 times each day until the razor bumps have subsided.
Tea Tree Oil
With its powerful antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil can come to your aid when waxing or shaving wreak havoc on your skin. Because tea tree oil is very strong, you will want to dilute it with water first to avoid skin irritation. This is especially likely when tea tree oil is used to treat razor bumps in bikini area . To use tea tree oil to get rid of razor bumps:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of water with 5 drops of tea tree oil and then dab the solution on the affected area of the skin. Rinse it off with tepid water after 10 minutes. Follow this treatment regimen 2 times daily and those razor bumps on the neck, face, thighs, legs, head, name it, will soon be history.
- Alternatively, mix 3 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and then apply it to the affected region before washing it off with warm water 10-15 minutes down the line.
Witch Hazel
Known for its antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, witch hazel is yet another great natural way to clear up razor bumps . Simply pour some witch hazel onto a cotton pad and dab the razor bumps-affected area. Repeat two times each day and those shave bumps will soon be healed.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal also holds a special place among natural remedies for razor bumps. Its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties do a great job at alleviating the symptoms of razor bumps. It is particularly helpful for shave bumps when used in combination with plain yoghurt and honey as follows:
- Mix 2 tablespoon of finely grounded oatmeal with 2 tablespoons of plain yoghurt and 1 teaspoon of honey.
- Slather the mixture on the affected are and allow it to sit on for 30 minutes
- Finally, rinse the mixture off with warm water
- Repeat the treatment 1-2 times each day for a time span of 2-3 days and our razor bumps will have healed significantly.
Essential Oils
Many essential oils possess razor bump soothing and healing abilities. Calendula, chamomile, and lavender oils make for an especially great razor burn treatment options.
- To a ¼ cup of ice-cold water, pour in 5 to 10 drops of an essential oil of your choice. Dab the diluted oil onto the affected area of the skin. Repeat two times per day. That is all it take to cure razor bumps with essential oils.
How to Get Rid Of Razor Bumps Fast
As you can see, the list of home remedies for razor bumps is quite huge. But what if you want to learn how to get rid of razor bumps fast. Maybe you have just a couple days to a special event, say a date for example, and you are wary that those bumps could ruin your day
Well, to be sincere, it is not very easy to answer this question since results are not typical. What works great for one person may not work as fast for another.
Tea tree oil and aspirin are two bets I would take if I personally had to choose among the above home remedies. The two have particularly powerful anti-inflammatory properties and may help to cure those pesky bumps in no time at all. Hydrocortisone cream is also a good option if you don’t mind over-the-counter treatments.