Every woman wants gorgeous, radiant and smooth skin, but the pain that comes with shaving can be brutal. Many women fall victim to razor bumps (a.k.a. razor burn), when the skin gets irritated from shaving, which can cause a burning sensation and red rash. Sometimes these rashes can swell or itch, and the worst part about shaving is that it has a pretty good chance of leading to an ingrown hair.
Ingrown hairs are very common for women who shave their intimate area, and there are many causes for this. Women who have thicker, curlier or just greater amounts of hair growing in that area can be more prone to getting ingrown hairs.
For those who are unsure of what an ingrown hair is, it is a pimple-looking blemish that swells because the hair that should be growing from the follicle does not grow out, but rather curls back into your skin (this can happen from waxing as well!).
Sounds gross, I know, but the point is that shaving can be a real pain because of the aftermath of the process. If you’re looking to get glowing, smooth skin without the pain of razor bumps and other blemishes that arise from shaving, you’ll want to pay attention to the following tips on how to prevent razor bumps.
1. Aloe Vera
This is an old home remedy that yields great results. Aloe Vera can also be used for sunburns, and is known for the cooling and healing properties it offers when used topically. If you have an aloe plant at home, all you have to do is snip off the tip of the leaf and squeeze the gel inside right onto the area where your razor burn is.
You can also slice it lengthwise as shown in this video. It’s a great remedy compared to store-bought creams and gels that promise to help ease the pain because it is natural and does not contain harmful colors, fragrances, chemicals or other additives.
2. Apple cider vinegar
If you notice you are getting a reaction from shaving, soaking a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and dabbing it on the affected area can really help to reduce inflammation and stop the burning. Once you have dabbed the vinegar on your skin, let it dry, and then wash it off with warm water. Do this 2-3 times per day for the best results.
3. Aspirin
Aspirin can work great for razor bumps when it is turned into a paste, but it is advised that those with very sensitive skin refrain from using this remedy. All you have to do is put two aspirin tablets in a teaspoon of water and let them sit until it becomes a paste.
Rub the mixture on the part of the skin that is affected with the rash and leave it for about 10 minutes. Before washing it off with warm water.
4. Black or white tea
Tea contains tannic acid, which is known to help soothe inflammation. Simply soak the tea bag in some water and press it against the razor burn. Holding it there will help to reduce the redness and swelling.
Black tea bags can also be used. Moisten the black tea bag in warm water, then put it into the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes to cool. Rub the tea bag gently over the affected area (make sure it doesn’t rip and spill all the leaves out), and repeat as many times as needed in the day until the swelling subsides.
5. Fresh razors
One of the best ways to get rid of razor bumps is to take preventative measures, which can help to prevent them entirely. Using fresh razors will ensure that no bacteria gets into your follicles and also makes sure you get the closest shave possible.
Be sure to use an oil, such as olive oil, or cream that is good for your skin and that will help to soothe the area. Many women swear by olive oil as a more natural and affordable shaving cream for their legs and intimate areas.
6. Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel is often used as a natural facial toner, but can also be used to help calm burning razor rash. It is a natural antiseptic with anti-inflammatory properties. All you have to do is douse a cotton ball with the liquid and apply it to the affected area. It will clean out bacteria, soothe it and reduce redness.
7. Pre-shave hot bath
Soaking in a hot bath for at least three minutes before shaving your bikini line can help to bring you hair follicles to the surface, soften the skin and make sure you get a closer shave. When you get a closer shave, you have smoother skin and less chances of an ingrown hair as well.
8. Tea Tree Oil
This natural oil is an antiseptic, meaning it will kill any bacteria that could infect your follicles, and help to clear the bumps. Just take a small bowl of water and add some tea tree oil drops.
Tea tree oil is very strong and can burn you if you don’t dilute it properly, especially if you have sensitive skin. It is, however, a great cure for skin irritations and is even used for acne as a way to kill bacteria and clear blemishes.
Dip a cotton pad or ball into the mixture and place on the affected areas for a minute or so. Rub gently, if you’d like, around the affected area.
You can also make a water and oil mixture and put it in a spray bottle. Simply spray on the affected areas as needed. A final way to use tea tree oil is by adding a few drops to a lotion of your choice and rubbing it onto your skin after shaving.
9. Strawberry aftershave paste
Mixing some mashed fresh strawberries and sour cream into a thick paste is a home remedy for razor bumps that it said to work quite well. After mixing the two ingredients into the paste, simply spread it on the area and leave it for 15-20 minutes before washing it off with warm water. It will help the redness and swelling subside!
10. Coconut oil
Lastly, coconut oil is a natural miracle oil that can be used for all kinds of remedies, including being swirled into a juice or smoothie (to enjoy its antiviral properties when you’re sick!), used on your scalp for thick, shiny hair or even used as a teeth whitener.
Coconut oil is deeply nourishing for the body both internally and topically, and if you rub the coconut oil onto you skin after you shave, it will soften the skin, reduce redness and make the bumps disappear. Coconut oil is so powerful that it is even used to clear eczema! If you have incredibly sensitive skin, try going with this remedy first.
With all of these tips, you’re sure to get goddess-smooth legs without the pain of razor bumps in no time.
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