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A Definitive Therapy for Ingrown Hairs or Razor Bumps

Ingrown hairs (also called razor bumps) are unsightly and painful. They result when the shaved hair gets trapped inside the follicle or grows back into the skin. It can cause scarring, redness and swelling (its medical term is Pseudofolliculitis Barbae or PFB).

We have developed this comprehensive approach that will solve the most stubborn conditions or occasional ingrown hairs. You will need to follow all the steps in this regimen for several weeks.

1. Treat with active ingredients

• There are several products that claim to help treat ingrown hairs, but the reality is that Salicylic acid is the one active substance that can visibly improve razor bumps. It is a dermatological-grade ingredient that exfoliates, moisturizes, clears pores and can help prevent infection. Use a post-shave product with salicylic acid so it remains on your skin the whole day (see below).

• Use only a non-acnegenic shaving cream specially formulated for sensitive skin, with lots of lubricating agents (foam-based shaving creams can dry and irritate your skin).

• Do not use any product that has alcohol, it will seriously worsen ingrown hairs by drying the skin and closing the pores.

2. Improve your skin's surface

• Exfoliating (removing the upper layers of dead skin) is indispensable to manage ingrown hairs. Daily use of a gentle face scrub with glycolic and salicylic acid is particularly effective.

• Use a soft-bristle face brush and liquid cleanser in a circular motion on your beard to dislodge the tips of ingrown hairs, eliminate dead skin cells and clear follicles to allow hairs to surface unimpeded.

3. Adjust your shaving technique

• We hate to be the ones to tell you this, but shaving too closely is one of the triggers for razor bumps. Hair stubs cut too closely will get trapped inside the hair follicle and dig inward or sideways. Don't worry, the disappearance of unsightly ingrown hairs will more than make up for the "five-o'clock shadow" appearance.

• To avoid shaving too close, don't pull the skin when you shave; don't put too much pressure on the blades; shave with the grain and use a single-blade razor.

• You will need to maintain this approach over time, as one extra-close shave will be enough to cause a recurrence of ingrown hairs that will take weeks to heal.

4. Treat already ingrown hairs

• Carefully lift the ingrown end out with tweezers, but don't pluck the hair out; this will only make the hair regrow deeper.

• Azulene and Allantoin will help reduce the redness and swelling.

About the Author

Deidra Garcia is a freelance writer and communications manager for MenScience Androceuticals, a men's skincare and grooming company. You can find more articles by Deidra, as well as further tips and advice, at www.MenScience.com.

When i shave my face i get razor bumps, how can get rid of them?

I dont have an electric razor yet , wont get 1 for couple months and the one i do have i must not know how to use it cuz all my facial hair stays. So i use a regular non electric razor and have tried the bump razor creams. once a day and still get razor bumps. does anyone have any methods or tips to keep razor bumps away? or elimibate them once their there?

I've had this problem too. My facial hair grows in thick and quickly and I usually shave about once a day or once every other day. If you have thicker facial hair or fast-growing hair that might be part of the problem if it applies to you.

If you really want to cut down on razor burn, shave from north to south on your face (ESPECIALLY sensitive areas). Another suggestion which you may or may not be able to use is to shave in the shower. Shaving has become so routine for me that I just do it in the shower now. Once you try it a couple of times, you get the hang of it and it becomes less of a "chore"...

Also, try applying after shave moisturizing cream. Lotions can burn and dry out your face. I personally use a brand called Kiehl's and it works fantastically.

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