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Growing beard is inevitable for men who have attained puberty and as it grows, most men like to shave clean to look neat or because of their jobs or some other personal reasons. Shaving clean though, usually comes a problem which battles the soft and smooth skin that shaving is supposed to bring, ‘RAZOR BUMPS’. They appear as angry red bumps on the face and can spoil that fresh look you desire by shaving clean. It can really get frustrating but hey! Don’t panic anymore for it is preventable and treatable with these tips and tricks.
WHAT ARE RAZOR BUMPS?
They are also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae. They are known as ingrown hair. This is because they occur when hair is cut off where it leaves the skin and curls back growing inwards back into the skin. They irritate the hair follicle thereby causing it to swell and get red, looking like a small red pimple.
TIPS AND TRICKS TO PREVENT RAZOR BUMPS.
Shaving involves more than just cutting off the hair. It is an art and a science. Surprised?
Shaving without caution and in the wrong manner can cause razor bumps and burns which could cause discomfort and threaten that smooth skin you cherish so much.
What you do before you shave, when you shave and after you shave play a great role in the prevention of razor bumps.
What do you need to do before you shave? Easy.
- You must ensure your skin is clean and free from dead skin cells by exfoliating. This gives you a closer shave preventing any ingrowth. It also reduces the chances of transferring bacteria and causing pimples to pop up. Exfoliating every day isn’t key but doing it as often as you can without feeling any irritation is good.
- Never use a dull blade. Get it done with the best electric razor.
- Get your hair soft with water and then add a gentle soap. These make it easier to remove the hair.
- Use a shaving cream. This lubricates your skin and further softens your hair making it easier for the blade to cut through.
Now let’s dive into what to do while shaving.
- Press lightly on your skin. It’s not a battle now is it
- Change the blade once it starts tugging at your hair. Remember your blade has to be sharp and the sign of a dull blade is it tugging at your hair.
- Shave in the direction of hair growth and not against it. Despite the fact that shaving against the direction of hair growth seems to give a cleaner shave, it can irritate the skin and cause bumps.
- Try not to go over the same area twice.
How many things have you been doing wrong? Well here is your chance to get it right.
Doing everything right, up to the point of cutting the last strand of the beard isn’t enough. Aftercare is also very essential.
What to do after shaving? Let’s get right to it:
- Rinse off with cold water. This will cause your pores to close up leaving them less vulnerable to irritation and infection.
- Do not clean by dragging a towel over the area. Instead, clean by patting the area dry as this action doesn’t cause irritation to the skin.
- Use after shave cream. They fight bacteria and prevent infection. They also moisturize and soothe the skin.
- Close fitting collars that go up to the neck right up to the area that just got shaved should be avoided. They can constrict the skin and trap oil in the hair follicle.
There you have it. Shaving doesn’t have to cause those nasty razor bumps and take away your shine. If done right you can achieve that smooth skin you desire.
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This content is sponsored by Ben Scott.
Photo: Shutterstock