For most people, a smooth, healthy-looking skin is a delight, anytime. There are very few people, if any at all, who do not care if their skin looks healthy or not.
This might explain the array of products in the markets to help achieve the ideal skin. In spite of all the products and their alleged magical results, when it comes to grooming, one of the biggest issues most people face is ingrown hair, primarily found in areas of the body that has been shaved, more especially around the bearded area, neck, armpits and yes, the pubic region.
Normally, hair resides and grows within the hair follicle. After shaving, sometimes strands of hair will grow inward or sideways through the follicle, that is they curl back on themselves and grow into the skin. This action causes the tip of the hair to pierce the surrounding skin, causing inflammation and intense itching of the affected area. The intense itching provokes scratching. The broken skin allows bacteria to enter the hair follicle which worsens the inflammation, giving rise to pimples, pain and even fever. Because of our skin pigment in this part of the world, the inflammation causes excess pigmentation (dark spots or hyper-pigmentation), making the area unsightly and socially embarrassing, leaving the skin with bumps that have a rough, sand-paper feel.
Like in every other aspect of health and grooming, prevention is always better than trying to treat a condition. Following these shaving instructions can help prevent razor bumps from forming:
•Always use a clean razor with sharp blades to shave
•Use a shaving cream on the part of the body to be shaved and let the shaving cream sit for at least one minute so as to soften the hair for a smoother shave.
The shaving cream also improves the gliding ability of the razor. In the absence of shaving cream, shave in the shower by showering for at least five minutes with warm water to both cleanse the part of the body that needs shaving and soften the hairs. Alternatively, place a towel soaked in warm water on the body part for five minutes to soften the hairs before shaving.
•Don’t stretch the skin when shaving, and always shave in the direction the hair grows. Use the fewest razor strokes possible.
•Make sure to rinse the blade after every few strokes to get rid of any shaving cream, hair and dead skin because shaving with a clogged up razor could lead to cuts.
•After shaving, press a cold wet cloth against your face for 5 minutes.
•Use an antibacterial aftershave to kill any bacteria that may infect the skin.
•If hair grows inward or sideways, lift the hair out with a sterile needle and clip the hair close to the skin. DO NOT PULL OUT THE HAIR! Pulling the hair out only gives temporary relief. The new hair will pierce the surface of the skin, repeating the vicious cycle.
However, if you are using an electric razor, the procedure differs slightly. According to nowloss.com, to shave your face using an electric razor:
•You want the hairs on your face to be dry and stiff so the blades of the electric razor can cut the hairs off much easier.
•You don’t want to wet or moisturise your face with shaving cream before shaving but you can dry out your skin even more by using a pre-shave alcohol-based lotion to really help dry out all the oils in your skin to make your hairs stand up straight for easier shaving but don’t use any alcohol based lotions if you have dry skin.
•Begin shaving your face with the electric razor along the grain.
•Don’t press the electric razor down hard into face, just gently glide the electric razor over your face so it can cut your hair.
•After you shave, you can wash off any of the pre-shave lotion if it’s still there and then you can moisturise your face.
•Be sure to keep your electric razor clean and to also replace the blades once they get dull.
•Use the right kind of razor when shaving and make sure to clean after use . To preserve the blades, place them in a container of alcohol to keep them clean and sharp so they won’t irritate your skin
Are bumps the same as keloids?
Most people mistake these two skin conditions as the same but they are not. According to Dr. Adebola Ogunbiyi, a dermatologist with the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, “keloids are different form razor bumps. Keloids are genetic and are an abnormal form of growth tissue. While shaving may cause bumps, shaving, on its own does not cause keloids except for those who already have the tendency. What happens is that any nick while shaving would precipitate a keloid developing. Razor bumps are more of a fibrotic condition. Technically, those don’t behave like keloids.”
Can razor bumps be treated?
Though there are numerous products touted to treat bumps, it is best you consult with a dermatologist to suggest the best treatment so as not to further complicate issues. However, the first step to take is to stop shaving. In place of using razors, depilatories can be used. These hair removal products should be used sparingly as they can also irritate the skin if overused.
Are bumps the same as keloids?
Most people mistake these two skin conditions as the same but they are not. According to Dr. Adebola Ogunbiyi, a dermatologist with the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, “keloids are different form razor bumps. Keloids are genetic and are an abnormal form of growth tissue. While shaving may cause bumps, shaving, on its own does not cause keloids except for those who already have the tendency. What happens is that any nick while shaving would precipitate a keloid developing. Razor bumps are more of a fibrotic condition. Technically, those don’t behave like keloids.”
Can razor bumps be treated?
Though there are numerous products touted to treat bumps, it is best you consult with a dermatologist to suggest the best treatment so as not to further complicate issues. However, the first step to take is to stop shaving. In place of using razors, depilatories can be used. These hair removal products should be used sparingly as they can also irritate the skin if overused.
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