Bumps Begone!
These bumps are called keratosis pilaris and are a thickening around the opening of a hair follicle. Believe it or not, the sun can help get rid of them. But since we're all practicing safe sun these days, a dose of alpha-hydroxy acids, in the form of a body lotion applied twice a day can also thin them out. Dab a cotton ball dipped in witch hazel or hydrogen peroxide on rash to keep it from getting infected. Next, dot on a one-percent hydrocortisone cream to shrink swelling. To avoid razor bumps, exfoliate as much as possible. Ingrown hairs are new growths that curl into the skin instead of out of it, leading to red bumps and possibly infections. If you exfoliate regularly with a loofah or mesh sponge after waxing or shaving, you'll take off the thin layer of skin that's trapping these hairs and set them free. Applying a thin coat of anti-bacterial ointment may also prevent any infections of these hairs. Before shaving, prepare skin with a rich cream, gel or oil to avoid irritating the upper layers of the dermis. Always use a clean razor blade, since bacteria can be the cause of bumps and infection. Wipe freshly shaved skin with shave block, which stops any bleeding, disinfects and closes pores. For a homemade remedy, mix a few drops of rubbing alcohol with baby oil to moisturize and fight infection. For extra protection, smooth on a bit of over-the-counter cortisone cream.
Keeping the razor clean is the number one reason people have problems. Rinsing the blade off after use is not enough to prevent bacteria from forming and re-infecting the skin on the next shave. Wipe off the blade with alcohol. Exfoliating the skin before and after shaving may prevent the hairs from growing in which causes the bumps. Applying a product made for razor bumps works on some people and doesn't work on others. Shave only at night. Only use oil free moisturizer, and in the armpit area, quit using anti-perspirant. Instead, use or a generic mouthwash that is also antiseptic. It will burn after shaving, but it's temporary and the antiseptic keeps the area bacteria free. Bacteria also causes odor so using it on the pits will prevent knocking your co-workers over during the day. Anti-perspirant blocks perspiration foils, which clog up the little pores, which cause the ingrown hairs. A deodorant is better to use if you must use an odor controller and feel better using one. Take a cotton ball and apply the mouthwash to the areas shaved.
If you have ingrown hairs along your bikini line, hold a hot compress against ingrown spots for ten minutes three times a day to soften skin and help hairs work their way out. Sport loose-fitting underwear until the bumps are gone. Slather on shaving cream before you start. It moisturizes your skin and helps you get a close crop, minimizing your risk of ingrown hair, the leading cause of razor rash. Shaving against the direction of hair growth helps prevent ingrown hairs. Gently exfoliate with a loofah or scrub to prevent ingrowns. If you wax, exfoliate your skin one week before you wax to slough off bump-causing dead skin cells. Since they’re gentler than waxing or shaving, depilatories work well on bumpy areas or sensitive skin. Try exfoliating the skin or rubbing the skin vigorously with a towel after shaving to get rid of ingrown hairs.