Anyone who has even started or has been using razors understands the frustration of razor bumps. The tiny spots eventually feel like a minor cut and then it turns into a red line or spot of pain and burning sensation.
Not a single person who witnesses these bumps has had a pleasant experience. Almost 97% of the people who shave, face the issue of razor bumps and these eventually turn into ingrown hair. Not only are ingrown hair painful, they can also cause an infection in multiple body parts like face, underarms, bikini line and more. One of the best solutions for avoiding razor bumps is laser hair removal for the whole body.
Razor bumps ideally are harmless however, they feel really uncomfortable on the skin. These can lead to redness, itching and also temporary scarring. The bumps usually lead to bigger problems like:
- Infection - Usually razor bumps subside on their own however, when they don’t heal, they can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. This usually happens if you overshave the same area, don’t condition the body properly before shaving or the shaved hair gets inside the skin’s surface to form an ingrown hair. The infected skin usually needs medical attention and it subsides with a doctor’s intervention to remove the ingrown hair or pus along with certain topical medications to soothe the area.
- Appearance - If the razors burns are not painful or uncomfortable, then you may not worry much. However, even the less painful bumps cause a little texture on the skin which some people don’t like on their skin. It makes the skin look and feel rough.
- Discomfort - Razor bumps cause the most pain, irritation and sometimes even result in bleeding. When these bumps come in contact with some surface they even cause a burning sensation. When the razor bumps are on your legs, arms, underarms or private parts, it becomes very difficult to wear tight fit clothes like jeans. It is difficult to even apply skincare or do facial treatments when there are razor bumps on the face.
- Hyperpigmentation - When infected razor bumps are not treated, they tend to subside however, they can leave a mark or scar on the skin. The skin in that area can become dark and then it becomes difficult to treat.
What are Razor Bumps exactly? What causes the razor bumps?
Razor bumps, medically also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), are small, tiny bumps caused on the skin’s top surface due to constant shaving. The shaving creams and the sharp razors are very harsh on the skin and don’t react well, causing cuts and bumps on the skin. Primary reason for razor bumps is also ingrown hair. When the hair on the top of your skin curls inside the hair follicle and goes under the skin’s surface layer, it starts to grow inside. However, it is not able to come out of the hair follicle and keeps growing inside. This causes the skin’s surface to elevate, creating a small bump on the skin.
Any inflammation due to a razor cut or trapped hair inside the follicle, can cause razor bumps. These bumps are especially common in people with curly, coarse body hair because they tend to curl into the skin forming tiny bumps. This is why the areas where your body naturally grows thicker hair, tend to be the areas most common for razor bumps. This is a major reason why people prefer laser hair removal for bikini, underarms and the face/neck. This prevents ingrown hair and also reduces and stops the razor bumps from forming.
How to prevent razor bumps?
The simplest and easiest way to prevent razor bumps is avoid using the razor so frequently. This is why other ways of hair removal - like Laser Hair Removal are becoming extremely popular. If you really do have to shave, then here’s how we can prevent razor bumps:
- Never use a razor directly on the skin - It can be very harsh on the skin, causing razor cuts and making the skin extremely sensitive. Please use hair removal cream or gel so that the razor can glide easily. Also, make sure to prepare the skin for shaving. It is a very harsh procedure so try to exfoliate your skin first and make the skin as smooth as possible before using a razor. This leads to preventing razor bumps but if shaving is done regularly, can cause razor bumps.
- Maintain hygiene - Always use a clean razor before starting your shaving process. When the razor has been used repeatedly, it can infect the skin. When you opt for a procedure like laser hair removal, a good clinic would always use disposable razors to avoid any contact and remove any chances of razor bumps. If using a disposable razor is not possible, always clean your razors and don’t use a single razor more than 4-5 times. Change frequently if used in private parts or areas like underarms.
- Indulge in aftercare - The skin gets sensitive after using a razor. Always ensure you moisturise your skin with a calm cream or after shave products. This is essential for maintaining smooth skin and avoiding ingrown hair.
- Don’t use any irritants - Be very careful of the pre-shave creams and moisturisers or after shave that you use. Ensure they don’t have skin irritating ingredients like fragrance or active ingredients (retinols, AHAs, BHAs etc). Use ingredients like aloe vera gel, glycerine etc. that are more soothing to the skin.
- Consider Laser Hair Removal - The permanent solution to getting rid of razor bumps is Laser hair removal. The procedure ensures you have smooth skin all year round and you don’t have to worry about the occurrence of new razor bumps or ingrown hair. If you already have a lot of ingrown hair on your body, getting laser hair removal can also reduce that. There is honestly no better method to genuinely prevent razor burns than to get laser hair removal sessions.
What is laser hair removal and how can it help prevent razor bumps?
Laser hair removal is an advanced method of hair removal which involves destroying the dark pigment of the hair follicle, thereby reducing the hair growth. This is a very common and effective method of hair removal and it uses laser technology to do the same. Laser technology only destroys the black pigment of the hair which inhibits the growth of the hair follicle. This results in fine hair growth and gradually no hair growth.
When you eliminate the root cause of razor bumps and ingrown hair - that is the hair follicle, razor bumps can be easily prevented. Infections because of razor bumps or ingrown hair are more common than we think. In most cases infected and painful bumps also need medical attention. People who struggle with infections and permanent scarring due to razor bumps should most definitely consider getting laser hair removal.
Nowadays laser hair removal is something being offered at many locations, even parlours! However, laser hair removal is a medical procedure that must always be done under the supervision of a dermatologist. Another point to note is the technology for laser hair removal. A lot of clinics and salons have dupes of US-FDA Approved technology which will never garner results. That means you are wasting your time and money, and at the end would still struggle with issues like razor bumps and ingrown hair.
At UNCOVER Wellness, we have India’s Finest Dermatologists who supervise each and every laser hair removal session that happens at each location of our clinics. Along with that we take pride in using the World’s Best Technology for laser hair removal. This combination is a sign of a trusted skin and hair clinic and you must only go to a clinic that specializes in that.
Most common areas of razor bumps are underarms, private parts etc, and we at UNCOVER Wellness offer laser hair removal for all body parts:
- Laser Hair Removal for Women
- Laser Hair Removal for Men
- Laser Hair Removal for Bikini
- Laser Hair Removal for Underarms
Steps of Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is one of the most convenient hair removal processes. It is practically painless and is done by professionals. This means no cuts, burns and most importantly you are done with the hassle of constant shaving. This is how the process is done:
- Detailed consultation with the dermatologist is done to understand your skin and body hair type. This will decide the number of sessions that are required for each.
- Laser hair removal preparation starts by shaving the area so that the laser technology can work effectively. The areas are marked and protective gear around eyes is worn. Also, laser hair removal cannot be done over any tattoos, so that is also managed on skin if needed. Once the area is shaved, we proceed to the next step.
- We apply gel on the area to ensure that the heat from the laser doesn’t affect the skin.
- The main step - laser treatment is done once the gel is applied. As decided by the doctor, the laser pulses and power are decided and the pulses are delivered on the hair follicle to gradually remove them from the surface of the skin.
- Once this is done, post-care creams are applied to soothe the skin
Cost of Laser Hair Removal
While razors seem a cheap and quick option, people who suffer from excessive hair growth and regular infections cannot deal with them at all. Laser hair removal in the long run is a cost effective solution and one time investment in the better health of your skin.
Skin is the largest organ of your body and taking care of your skin is extremely important. Getting regular razor bumps all over the skin which often lead to infections is not healthy for the skin at all.
Usually getting sessions individually would cost you way higher than investing in a laser hair removal package for 6-8 sessions. The package cost can vary anywhere from Rs. 35,000 and can go upto even Rs. 80,000. Though, always keep in mind, you must pay for a specialised dermatologist and advanced technology.
Razor Bumps are not problematic until they are left untreated.
While razor bumps can subside easily, they can be huge problem when they turn painful. Take necessary precautions to avoid razor bumps like clean razors, soothing gels and procedures like laser hair removal. Also, if razor bumps start to flare, become thick, get filled with fluid or are not going away with time, it’s time to consult a doctor for help.
