Clean strokes, sharp blades, and a foamy shaving cream are what constitute a satisfying shaving routine. But sometimes, along can come uninvited bumps on the skin. Razor bumps can oftentimes be itchy, irritating and on some occasions, painful. Here’s a guide on how you can prevent razor bumps after shaving, and make sure your skin feels smooth.
What Are Razor Bumps?
Razor bumps are ingrown hair that grow into the skin. Instead of growing up and outward from the skin’s surface, some hair gets trapped within new skin cells that start forming post-shave.
Here are some of the most common reasons why you can experience razor bumps:
• Shaving too often
This doesn’t give time for new hair to grow, thereby getting trapped within a new layer of skin.
• Using a blunt razor
Overused razors lead to an uneven shave which could result in uneven hair growth.
• If your beard is coarse, tough or unruly
Curly unruly beard, when shaved, can grow inwards rather than away from the skin’s surface.
• Not having a consistent skincare routine
A simple yet effective skincare routine ensures that the top layer of the skin is smooth and soft to make shaving hassle-free.
Ouch! But we promise, razor bumps are not that hard to get rid of. Read on to know how to make your shaving routine a breeze.
Grow Out The Stubble
Though ingrown hair starts out by being trapped within the surface of the skin, it eventually sprouts away from the surface and continues growing. So, one of the best courses of action is to let your beard grow out.
Avoid shaving again within proximity to the previous shave as it can make the bumps more sore and multiply the situation. A period of three to four weeks is an optimum amount of time to let the bumps heal and soothe the skin. While you’re at it, go on and give your beard some TLC with lightweight, nourishing beard oils.
The Ustraa Beard Growth Oil Advanced helps kill two birds with one stone. It’s fortified with three powerful antioxidants – vitamin E, watermelon seed oil, and amla. They help maintain the beard’s lustre. Amla also imparts essential nutrients to the hair follicles to improve the anagen phase (active hair growth phase) of the beard. Plus, this anti-inflammatory blend also acts as a soothing, moisturising facial oil to give you respite from those pesky razor bumps on the face.
Want to get the most out of your beard oil? Apply it when your skin and beard are damp (not wet). This will help the oil absorb better into the skin and roots making them soft and kempt respectively.
Nykaa Man recommends:
Sensitive skin type is relatively more fragile than normal or combination skin. It’s easily prone to factors like environmental stress, irritation, itchiness, inflammation, and razor bumps aren't far behind on the list of things to contend with. Therefore, if not given the right care, it can become a painful affair.
The solution? Choosing a beard oil with soothing ingredients such as the Beardo Daily Repair Hemp Beard Oil For Men is your best bet! Hemp seed oil is known for its calming and soothing properties. It reduces irritation and inflammation for faster healing. This gem also comes bearing the golden combination of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that revitalises the beard from the roots.
Shaving on Dry Skin? Swipe Left, Please!
Running a blade across dry skin is as unpleasant a feeling as its effects. It’s most likely to cause friction, which in turn can lead to razor burns and bumps after shaving. But if you take proper care of your skin, it should help with smoother shaves. Here’s how you can curb skin dryness.
• Give your beard a mini slugging facial
Slugging is a revered skincare practice to deeply repair skin dryness. This dermatologist-approved method was recently rediscovered thanks to social media. This hack uses a generous layer of a thick, occlusive product to trap in all the moisture and hydration. That is why it is done as a final step in a skincare routine after the application of serums and moisturisers with a wax or petroleum jelly-based product - two of the best-known occlusives.
But slugging need not just end there! You can even extend this reparative indulgence to your beard with a mini-slugging facial. Take a small dollop of Vaseline petroleum jelly and work it through your beard in gentle, circular motions. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. The body heat breaks down the product to penetrate into the skin and roots of the beard. Next, wipe off the excess and follow it up with your shaving routine. Smoothness supreme, served!
Nykaa Man recommends:
• The unskippable holy grail a.k.a moisturiser
From skincare novices to seasoned beauty enthusiasts, from grandparents to siblings, you’re sure to have come across the most universal skin care tip – moisturise!
It’s a step that’s crucial to nourish the skin and support its natural moisture barrier. Healthy skin serves as a base for a good shave. So, consider extending your daytime and nighttime routine by taking a few extra minutes to give your skin a moisturising treat. We love the Minimalist 3% Sepicalm Face Moisturiser With Oat Extract.
This is heaven-sent, especially for those who struggle with dry skin. Oat extract is widely known to provide relief from that uncomfortable ‘Sahara-desert’ feeling. What’s more is that it’s a rich, lightweight formula that will leave your skin soft sans greasiness.
Nykaa Man recommends:
Make Dead Skin Cells a Thing of the Past
Dull, rough texture is an unwanted layer that forms on the surface of your skin frequently. This could contribute to an uneven, gritty shave resulting in new hair growing into the surface of the skin.
That’s why a good exfoliation routine once or twice a week is essential to dissolve dead skin cells and improve skin texture.
• Make Chemical Exfoliation Your BFF (We Promise, These Chemicals Are the Good Kind)
Chemical exfoliation is an apt choice when the razor bumps after shaving are more prominent or protruding. A mild chemical exfoliant, like The Derma Co. 15% AHA + 1% BHA Peeling Solution gently dissolves away dead skin cells and other impurities.
Nykaa Man recommends:
• Hey, you can get physical, too!
Yes, we agree that using a physical scrub can be satisfying. However, we recommend using a physical scrub only once in a while as using it frequently can be damaging to the skin. Opt for a skin-friendly option like the Ustraa De-Tans Face Scrub For Men . It has a soothing gel texture speckled with walnut granules to exfoliate away signs of pollution, sweat, tan and grime. Furthermore, it also has vitamin C to restore the skin’s radiance.
Nykaa Man recommends:
Here are a few things to keep in mind while exfoliating:
- It’s better to exfoliate before shaving. This removes unwanted texture, making the skin smooth and soft so that the blade easily glides across the skin for easy hair removal. But on the other hand, avoid exfoliating after shaving since the skin becomes raw and more sensitive. Doing so can do more than good.
- If you’re new to chemical exfoliants, use a thin layer once a fortnight during nighttime.
- Since most chemical exfoliants have a fast-acting formula, do not keep it on for more than 10 minutes.
Last, but Not the Least, Zero In on the Perfect Classic Duo
Let’s circle back to the basic mandates – the shaving blade and cream. A good rule of thumb is to always make sure the blade is sharp and durable like the Bombay Shaving Company Silver Metal Precision Safety Razor . Blunt, overused razors do a shoddy job and can leave a nasty nick or two. Another one is to switch to fresh blades after every 5 to 10 uses.
Nykaa Man recommends:
A moisturising, foaming shaving cream is the best accompaniment to a choice, sharp razor. A creamy formula like the Body Shop Maca Root & Aloe Softening Shaving Cream For Men aids in a smooth shave that won’t leave the skin feeling dry.
Nykaa Man recommends:
And before we part, here’s another pro tip - take the required amount of shaving cream, work it into the beard and leave it on for a minute to let it absorb and soften the beard. You can thank us later!
