One of the most common questions I receive from men deals with razor bumps. It is estimated that up to 80% of men suffer from razor bumps at some point during their lives. For this reason, one of the most common questions that we usually receive from many of our potential clients at Kampala Dermatology is how to deal with razor bumps. We have been recommending laser hair removal as the best razor bump treatment because of its wide range of advantages.
Razor bumps, also called Pseudofolliculitis Barbae, can occur in any area that hair is temporarily removed by shaving, waxing or tweezing. These painful bumps and pustules occur when hairs curl back into the skin causing your body to perceive them as “foreign” (like a splinter) and produce an inflammatory response. This inflammation can cause bumps, pus, discolouration and keloidal scars.
As every man cannot wear a full beard, there are many who desire a more conservative look. For those that “fear the beard,” the prospect of razor bumps can be daunting.
Here are a few tips to help put the bumps to rest and keep you smooth, neat and office-ready.
Preventing Razor Bumps:
1. Don’t cut hair too closely. Focus on looking “clean-shaven,” not necessarily feeling “silky smooth.” If using a razor can be avoided, use electric clippers to trim hair to about a millimetre in length. This is short enough to be considered office appropriate and keeps bumps at bay.
2. Change shaving techniques. If you must use a razor, use a single-edged razor and shave in the direction your hair grows. Remember, “Go with the grain!”
a. Do not repeatedly shave the same area. Do not stretch or pull the skin while shaving.
b. Shave while your hair is wet and use a moisturizing shaving cream or gel. Softening and hydrating the hair allows the razor to cut the hair cleanly with less force causing less irritation and reducing irregularly cut hairs that are prone to becoming ingrown.
c. Shave at least every 3 days to reduce the time hairs have to grow and curl back into the skin.
3. Use proper post-shaving care.
a. Starting 1 day after shaving, use a soft bristle brush, washcloth or Buf- Puf (ask a female friend about it) to gently massage the face and neck at night to help remove and loosen dead skin and hairs to keep them from curling back into the skin after shaving.
b. Alternatively, use a daily moisturizing product that contains salicylic acid or glycolic acid to gently exfoliate the skin and keep hairs growing in the right direction. I recommend the products at Kampala Dermatology skin clinic hand-picked from verified American origin. They contain many moisturizers and soothing agents. Remember to see product instructions regarding how soon the product should be applied after shaving.
Treatments for Razor Bumps.
Avoid shaving until all bumps have healed. Remove ingrown hairs by gently inserting a toothpick or sterile needle under the hair loop and releasing it. Do not pluck. Using warm compresses can help soothe discomfort and open pores.
Laser Hair Removal As stated earlier, the best razor bump treatment that we recommend is laser hair removal. Dermatologists use light beams to destroy hair follicles, which is the source of hair growth. Damaging the hair follicles reduces the chances of developing those painful bumps and pustules.
Below is more information on why we recommend laser hair removal.
1. Most Effective
Laser hair removal for razor bump treatment brings permanent results within two to three treatment sessions.
2. It Is Very Fast
Razor bump treatment with laser hair removal is very fast. However, the treatment time will depend on the size of the bumps and the area being treated.
3. Works Anywhere on the Body
You can use laser hair removal to eliminate razor bumps anywhere on your body including the pubic area, bikini line, chin, neck, and lower cheeks.
4. It Is Painless
This option for razor bump treatment is painless. Your technician may use ice or numbing cream to avoid any discomfort you may feel.
Other Treatment Options You don’t have to worry if you fail to eliminate your razor bumps with laser hair removal. You can try other razor bump treatment strategies such as getting facial treatments frequently which we provide at Kampala Dermatology, applying cold and warm compresses and shaving the right way.
Most importantly, be patient and remember that razor bumps are stubborn annoyances that can last for many weeks but in most cases will resolve. With a little preparation and by employing consistent, healthy skincare techniques, you can stop them before they begin.
Schedule Your Consultation Today If you want to try this latest razor bump treatment, feel free to contact the experts at Kampala Dermatology skin clinic to schedule your initial consultation. Our licensed dermatologists at our location in Bugolobi Bandali Rise are ready to help you get rid of razor bumps schedule a consultation call +256 780 907156 today.
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