Red spots, razor bumps and ingrown hairs are some of the problems that can occur after shaving your legs. Irritating red bumps or razor bumps are a common complaint among women who shave their legs. These bumps ruin the appearance of smooth, well-groomed skin and can cause irritation. There are a number of measures you can take to prevent razor bumps after shaving your legs. There are also a number of things you should not do, such as shaving your legs with an old razor.
- Razor bumps after shaving the legs
- Symptoms
- What to do about razor bumps?
- Preventing razor bumps on the legs
- Warm your legs well
- Trim legs first
- Use a good unscented shaving cream/gel
- Good and clean razor
- Rinse off shaving cream/gel
- After shaving, apply a good cream to the skin
- What not to do?
- Shave your legs immediately when you take a shower
- Shaving legs in the morning
- Dry shave
- Using disposable razor with one blade
- Not replacing your razor regularly
- Always shave against the grain
Shaving the legs / Source: Alexandr33, Pixabay
Razor bumps after shaving the legs
Razor bumps after shaving their legs are an annoying complaint that many women suffer from. The red bumps warn you that your skin needs a soothing treatment the next time you shave and that there are some things you should avoid doing.
Symptoms
The small, red spots and bumps can appear anywhere on your body where you have shaved. This applies to your armpits, legs, bikini line and face. Any area where you shave your hair can be prone to razor bumps. For men, it is usually the face and neck that are prone to skin irritation, while women often experience this on the legs and in the intimate areas. When the red bumps appear, it is important that you give both your skin and hair follicles a soothing treatment while the hairs slowly grow back. The red razor bumps are often accompanied by itching that can further develop into a red rash. That’s why it’s important to make sure your skin is treated and symptoms are soothed.
What to do about razor bumps?
The best way to prevent annoying and itchy red bumps is to prepare your skin before shaving. With the right shaving method and gentle shaving products, you can completely avoid red razor bumps. Your skin should be softened with warm water before you start shaving your legs. This opens your pores and ensures that your skin is ready for a smooth and comfortable shave. If you apply cold water to your skin, the pores will close and the shave will inevitably lead to irritation.
Preventing razor bumps on the legs
Many women regularly remove unwanted body hair, some for practical reasons and some to look more feminine and attractive. But often red razor bumps on your legs and bikini line throw a spanner in the works. These bumps are irritating and cosmetically disturbing. Fortunately, you can solve this problem if you give your skin the right treatment before, during and after shaving.When shaving your legs or in an intimate environment, it is important to be extra careful. Use products specifically designed for this purpose to prevent irritated skin and red razor bumps. Observe the following steps for optimal results.
Warm your legs well
First take a long bath or shower to warm the skin thoroughly before shaving your legs and intimate area. This softens both the skin and hair. Clean the skin before shaving to wash away sebum, dirt and dead skin flakes that have built up around the hair follicles. This is important because the dirt causes the hairs to lie diagonally and the blade glides less well over the skin. Preferably use with an exfoliant as this prevents the risk of ingrown beard hairs.
Trim legs first
If necessary, trim your hair with scissors or a trimmer before shaving your legs. This makes shaving easier.
Use a good unscented shaving cream/gel
Apply a good unscented shaving cream/gel, composed of natural ingredients (surfactants, water and polymers). Apply generously and let it absorb into your skin.
Good and clean razor
Use a sharp and clean razor and always shave in the direction of the hair and not against it. This prevents your skin from becoming irritated. Rinse the blade often while shaving. This prevents the edges of the blades and the holder from becoming clogged.
Rinse off shaving cream/gel
Rinse away any remaining gel or oil with water so that it does not stick and irritate the skin. So do not wipe with a towel, but rinse your legs with water.
After shaving, apply a good cream to the skin
Complete your shave by gently applying a moisturizer that improves the skin’s barrier function (and therefore the skin condition), for example with a cream containing niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3.
What not to do?
Shave your legs immediately when you take a shower
It is often advised to stay in the shower or bath for about 15 minutes before shaving your legs and intimate areas. This softens the hair and opens the follicles. Too long in the shower or bath will cause your skin to wrinkle and swell, making it more difficult to shave properly.
Shaving legs in the morning
While you sleep, your legs swell a little, which allows the hair to retreat back to the hair follicles. So it is not wise to shave your legs in the morning. Preferably do it a little later in the day or in the evening.
Dry shave
No matter how rushed you are, skip the temptation to “dry shave.” Always use a good unscented shaving cream or shaving gel to ensure that the razor glides easily over your skin, and you will avoid nicks and wounds.
Using disposable razor with one blade
You can safely use a disposable razor with one blade once, but for daily use it is best to invest in a razor with four or five blades. These provide the best results on smooth legs without razor bumps.
Not replacing your razor regularly
Regularly replacing your razor blade prevents you from irritating your legs with a dull blade and resulting in razor bumps. Old blades are not only ineffective, but are also more likely to cause bumps and redness and trap bacteria that can potentially cause infections.
Always shave against the grain
If you have very sensitive skin, don’t shave at all or shave with the grain. Although shaving against the grain gives a better result, it also increases the risk of irritation and wounds. Once your hair is already very short and your skin is warm and moisturized, shaving against the direction of hair growth is much safer.
read more
- Razor bumps: razor bumps occur in men after shaving
- Razor burn: treating a burning sensation after shaving
- Bump on shin bone: causes of bump or swelling in shin bone
- Bumps on legs: causes of red bumps on legs