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How to Remove Razor Bumps

By Jennifer Olvera on Oct 11, 2009

Razor bumps, which are caused by ingrown hairs that clog hair follicles, result in red, discolored and itchy skin. The infection can afflict both men and women, be it on the legs, face, bikini area or under-arm area. While they're best avoided in the first place, you can attempt to remove razor bumps when they occur...continues below

Step 1

Take a warm shower to soften the skin, allowing water to run over the irritated area for several minutes. Clean skin with a gentle cleanser, and rinse thoroughly.
Step 2

Once you're out of the shower and your skin is dry, apply the salicylic acid exfoliator to a pad, rubbing it on the problem area in a gentle, circular motion. Wait 2 minutes, and rinse with warm water. Once tolerance to the product has been built up, rinsing may not be required. Read label directions to determine frequency of use, since it will vary based on the percentage of salicylic acid contained in the product. (Some products are gentle enough to be used daily, others are not.)
Step 3

Apply an anti-inflammatory treatment spray to skin up to 2 times daily or according to directions on the label.
Step 4

If skin does not show signs of improvement within a few days, a chemical peel pad containing alpha hydroxy can be used. Simply clean skin and rub it across skin in a circular motion.
Step 5

Keep skin clean, washing with a mild, non-allergenic cleanser several times daily.

Warnings

Wait to shave until after a shower. Instead of shaving every day, it's best to wait at least 2 days between shaves. Since razor bumps can be the result of cutting the hair shaft on an angle, it's always best to soften hair with warm water before shaving. Likewise, applying shaving cream and allowing it to sit on skin for a few minutes prior to shaving helps soften hair.