Make sure what you’re dealing with is razor bumps. If they’re pink or red (or dark if you can see the hair) and itchy, then they are razor bumps. They also may resemble whiteheads if pus has formed on top.
These two products quicken the turnover of dead skin cells—that is to say, the layers you shed will be shed more quickly when this stuff is applied to your skin. Though it may not expose the ingrown hair, it will speed up the process.
This needs to be done very carefully. It can potentially damage the skin and in the absolute worst-case scenario, result in scarring. Almost as bad as the bumps themselves!
The only time you should use alcohol on your skin is the cleanse the area before using a needle. And then you should use rubbing alcohol—no other kind.
These products can be used on bumps and on unaffected skin. They’re good treatments and preventative measures.
If you’re shaving (. . . which you shouldn’t be doing on the bumps), use warm water to soften the hairs and loosen the follicles. Cold hair just tightens up your skin and won’t do you any favors.
If you’d rather look for something that may already be in your bathroom cabinet, a hydrocortisone cream or other antibacterial cream can help lessen inflammation and redness, too. Retin-A cream works as well.
Use a sharp razor so you can avoid tugging and pulling on the hair and skin. [11] X Expert Source Navid Malakouti, MD, FAADBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 19 July 2021. Be sure to use a shaving cream or gel to help the razor glide along smoothly and moisturize the skin. [12] X Expert Source Navid Malakouti, MD, FAADBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.
Go for one that’s super moisturizing. [14] X Expert Source Navid Malakouti, MD, FAADBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 19 July 2021. Choose an alcohol, fragrance and oil-free moisturizing lotion to make sure the skin doesn’t get irritated. According to the Department of Dermatology of the Langone Medical Center, products that contain salicylic or glycolic acid are the most effective in treating razor bumps. These ingredients clear the pores, moisturize and prevent infections. [15] X Research source
Depending on your hair type and how much hair you’d like removed, laser hair removal may not be as expensive as you think it is. A session for just the neck could be as little as $150. It may be worth looking into!
So if you have razor bumps already, exfoliating will force away the very top layer of dead skin cells, in time exposing the hair that is curled up underneath. The more you exfoliate, the quicker this process will go.
Hydrocortisone creams, retin-A creams, and products like Neosporin will reduce redness and itch. Products with salicylic acid or glycolic acid (for in razor bump creams) will eliminate the top layer of skin, to get rid of the ingrown hair.
The other option is not to shave. Yeah, yeah, yeah, not an option. But really, would you rather have some hair growing in or little red bumps? Because right now it’s one or the other. Try skipping a few days between shaves if you shave often. You’ll live.
Go for loose clothing if you can, too. The bumps around your thighs won’t benefit from tight jeans or leggings. If anyone asks why you’re wearing sweats, well, for starters it’s none of their business. But you can tell them you’re running a wikiHow experiment. Results inconclusive, but you’ll keep them posted when you know.
Make a “mask” out of pureed cucumber and milk (1:2 ratio). Apply it to the area for 10–20 minutes and then rinse it off. The redness should be greatly reduced. Douse the bumps in cornstarch and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then, rinse off thoroughly. It should dry up the redness and shrink the bumps.
