In fact, shaving bumps are not only unsightly, they can become infected and cause very uncomfortable pain, especially in the genital area, which is highly sensitive. To get rid of them and prevent them from forming again in the future, try reading the simple tips listed in this article!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Treating Shaving Bumps
Step 1. Allow the hair to grow a bit longer before shaving again
In fact, shaving in areas that are still injured or bumps will only make the skin more irritated. In fact, the scar can reopen and become more susceptible to infection afterward. Also, if your hair isn't long enough, you probably won't be able to shave it completely. That's why, the skin should be rested for a few days to grow hair or even heal the bumps naturally before shaving again.
Step 2. Avoid the urge to scratch the genital area
Even if it's itchy, never scratch the bump to avoid scarring or infection. Therefore, do your best to resist the temptation!
Step 3. Use a product that is specifically intended to treat shaving bumps
If possible, buy products that contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid, witch hazel, aloe vera, or a combination of these ingredients. Some of them are even packaged in roll-on containers so they can be applied directly to the skin. However, there are also products that must be applied with the help of cotton.
- If you don't know what type of product is right for you, try contacting the nearest waxing salon or salon and asking for their recommendations. Chances are, you can also buy the product there or look for it in an online store.
- Apply the solution at least once a day. If possible, do this right after you shower, before your skin gets sweaty or exposed to dust and dirt.
Step 4. Treat the infection with aloe vera gel instead of lotion, leaving skin feeling smoother and cleaner afterwards
If you find an ingrown hair that has become infected, try treating it by applying an antibacterial cream every day. Several types of topical drugs commonly used are Bacitracin, Neosporin, and Polysporin.
Step 5. Treat scars with Retin-A
Retinoids, which are derivatives of vitamin A, can help smooth the skin and reduce post-shave scars.
- Most likely, Retin-A can only be purchased with a prescription.
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Do not use Retin-A if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be careful, the use of Retin-A in pregnant or lactating women can trigger severe fetal defects.
- Areas treated with Retin-A will become more sensitive to sun exposure. Therefore, protect the area with a sunscreen that contains an SPF of at least 45.
- Do not apply Retin-A to areas where the hair will be removed by waxing. Basically, Retin-A can weaken the skin so that it is prone to tearing when the waxing process is carried out.
Step 6. See a dermatologist
If the lump doesn't go away after a few weeks, and if you haven't shaved in that time, try setting up an appointment with a trusted dermatologist.
Method 2 of 3: Preventing Bumps From Forming
Step 1. Discard razors that are no longer sharp
A dull or even rusty razor can make shaving less clean because it is not able to trim hair optimally. In addition, the area of the skin around the hair follicles is also prone to irritation.
Step 2. Shave at least every other day
Because shaving every day can trigger new lumps, at least do it every other day or if possible, three times a day.
Step 3. Exfoliate with gentle movements
Exfoliating can help remove dead skin cells and other residue left on the skin. As a result, the shave will look cleaner and smoother! To do this, you can use a special scrub, loofah, rough gloves, a special brush for the skin, or similar products that are suitable for your skin.
- If you have sensitive skin, try exfoliating when you're not shaving.
- If your skin isn't prone to irritation when exfoliated, try doing this just before shaving.
Step 4. Do not press the razor against the skin while shaving
Be careful, this action can make the results of shaving look uneven on the skin. Instead, simply move the blade in a light motion across the genital area.
Step 5. Don't shave the same area twice
If there are areas that don't look clean, try shaving in the direction your hair is growing, rather than against it.
- Do you understand the concept of shaving against the direction of hair growth? One example is when you move the razor from the ankle toward the knee.
- Shaving in the direction of hair growth can minimize the risk of irritation, but cannot provide maximum results. Therefore, use this technique as often as you need to only on the shaved area.
Step 6. Shave in the shower
Steam from warm water can provide two benefits, namely softening the hair and protecting the skin from infection or shaving wounds.
- If you're used to shaving before you shower, try changing the pattern so that shaving can be a last resort. At least, stay in the shower for five minutes until the skin feels more moisturized before starting to shave.
- If you don't have time to shower, simply dampen a towel with warm water and apply it to the area to be shaved. Leave the towel for two to three minutes before you start shaving.
Step 7. Use shaving cream or other products that can have a similar effect
Shaving cream softens the hair and makes it easier to shave. In addition, you can more easily monitor the areas that have been, and have not, shaved.
- Look for creams that contain aloe or other moisturizing ingredients.
- If you're in a hurry and/or don't have shaving cream on hand, use conditioner instead of nothing!
Step 8. Rinse the genital area with cold water
Turn on a cold shower or wash the genital area with a cold towel. This method will make the skin pores tighten temporarily so they are not easily exposed to irritants or bacteria that cause infection.
Contrary to popular myth, actually cold water can't "close" your skin pores. Instead, the cold temperatures may tighten your pores, but the effect is temporary and not optimal. Therefore, you can rinse your skin with cold water, but you can also not if you don't like the sensation
Step 9. Lightly pat the shaved area dry
Do not rub the skin with a towel! Instead, dry the genital area by gently patting it so the skin doesn't get irritated afterwards.
Method 3 of 3: Taking Long Term Precautions
Step 1. Do waxing as a long-term preventive measure
If only done for a short time, waxing can indeed increase the risk of ingrown hairs than shaving. However, if done consistently and consistently, waxing can actually slow down hair growth! Therefore, wax consistently to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs and get the results you want.
- If possible, wax every six to eight weeks. In the future, the duration may be extended as hair growth has slowed down.
- Choose a trusted waxing or salon. If necessary, ask for recommendations from those closest to you or read reviews of various nearby waxing places on the internet.
- Understand the side effects. Chances are, your skin will look red and irritated after waxing. However, you shouldn't find any dark cuts or bruises on your skin! If the skin shows signs of infection a day or two later, immediately apply an antibiotic cream and consult the therapist who treats you.
Step 2. Remove hair with laser therapy
Contrary to popular belief, this method is only able to significantly reduce the intensity of hair growth, but does not completely remove hair permanently.
- Understand that the laser method may work better on fair skin and dark hair. Therefore, if your skin and hair are almost the same color (too light or too dark), this method probably won't work.
- This method costs a lot of money, and needs to be done at least six times to get maximum results. Therefore, find information about the costs you need to spend and monitor various promotions that are profitable for your financial condition.
Tips
- Aloe vera is one of the natural ingredients that are very beneficial for skin health! To get rid of shaving bumps, simply apply aloe vera to the shaved area at least twice a day, until the bumps and/or shaving scars are completely gone.
- Don't shave too often! Be careful, shaving too often can leave microscopic scars and are prone to make the very sensitive genital area more easily irritated. Both are triggers for the appearance of post-shave bumps.
- Take a bath with antibacterial soap and rub the soap on your body with the help of a loofah. After that, lightly pat the genital area to dry it, then apply witch hazel and hydrocortisone with a cotton swab to treat the problem of ingrown hairs. The results are guaranteed to be satisfying!
- Some products claim to be able to reduce the risk of post-shaving bumps. However, not many people believe this claim. Some people even think that buying such a product will only be a waste of your money, especially since it is less effective. If you still want to try it, at least choose a product that is suitable for sensitive skin (the less content, the better). If possible, choose products that contain lidocaine or oats to soothe the shaved area.
- Moisturize your skin regularly throughout the day, ideally with an unscented lotion, to prevent flaking, cracking, and/or itching. In addition, the skin will get extra protection afterwards.
- Wear cotton underwear instead of nylon or spandex after shaving.
- Never shave on dry skin. In other words, make sure you always wet your skin with warm or hot water before shaving. Both warm and hot water can open the hair follicles and soften the skin to be shaved. As a result, the risk of skin injury will be reduced. On the other hand, the skin pores will not open if wetted with cold water. Therefore, only use cold water after you have finished shaving. If you want, you can also apply aloe vera gel which is proven to be good for moisturizing, refreshing, and reducing irritation to the skin.
Warning
- It's best to consult a doctor before trying to remove buried hair using a needle. Be careful, piercing the skin with even a sterile needle can be dangerous if not done properly. If the sterility of the needle is not guaranteed, the infection can spread to other areas of the body.
- Do not pull out ingrown hairs to avoid scarring and/or infection.
