When it comes to hair removal, there are so many options. But before you reach for the razor, knowing how to get rid of razor bumps is essential.
While laser hair removal is great for the smug (and cashed-up), who are willing to go through pain ‘similar to a flicking of a hot rubber band', to achieve hairless results, waxing is for the warriors among us who don’t mind being pinned down while another person rips their hair from the root. (Bikini waxers, we salute you.)
Meanwhile, sweet, easy peasy shaving can be done in a jiffy and doesn’t cost you the earth – but it can cost you your skin if done incorrectly. It’s unlikely that there’s anyone out there who hasn’t suffered from red, itchy bumps post-shave, but the good news is that it can be avoided.
Keep reading to find out how to get rid of razor bumps and how to be a bit savvier with your shave to avoid them in the first place.
Soap, shower gel, shampoo, moisturiser – if you’re guilty of grabbing whatever is closest to lather up before your shave, this is your first mistake.
“While soap or shampoo may seem like good substitutions, they can be sabotaging the smooth results you crave, and the soaps in shower gels and shampoos can dry out your skin,” says Venus skincare ambassador Dr Anita Sturnham.
“Shave gels and creams are designed to complement the efficacy of their razors. They are rich in ingredients that are hydrating and lubricating to reduce friction when shaving.” In short: Go foam, or go home.
.jpg)
Save when you shop with these LookFantastic discount codes at checkout.
It sounds simple, but it’s worth spelling out for those who don’t already know this. Dry shaving is a rash waiting to happen – don’t do it. “Dry shaving leads to increased friction between the razor blades and the skin, which can result in redness and irritation,” explains Dr Anita.
We know the 20-pack of razors for a fiver is tempting – not to mention a bloody good bargain – but those budget-friendly blades are almost always guaranteed irritation. “Although a razor may look like a simple grooming tool, the technology that goes into producing good quality ones, behind the scenes, really is quite astounding,” says Dr Anita. “A high-quality razor means that the blades will be carefully designed to deliver the smooth shave that women desire without the irritation.”
If you’re not sure how to sort your average razor from a quality shaver, we recommend Wilkinson Sword Intuition Ultra Moisture or Estrid The Razor Starter Kit as great choices. “Every single razor in the Gillette Venus range has been engineered using leading industry expertise and pioneering technology,” adds Dr Anita. “I recommend the Venus Platinum Extra Smooth Razor, which has five diamond-like coated blades that offer low-cutting force and precision.”
Hydration is key when it comes to any form of skincare. And it’s not just about moisturising. If you really want to avoid a rash, Dr Anita says that you should soak the skin in water first. “I recommend shaving in the bath or shower and soaking the skin for 2-3 minutes,” she says. “This is the optimum amount of time to hydrate the skin when prepping for a shave.”
And the hydration doesn’t stop there. Once you’re happy with your hair removal, don’t forget to moisturise post-shave to avoid irritation. “Be sure to use an emollient-rich body moisturiser,” Dr Anita adds. “I love moisturisers with natural ingredients – aloe vera is a great one for soothing the skin.”
You don’t have to exfoliate before every shave, but a full body exfoliation once a week can help prevent irritation. “Exfoliation removes old, dull skin and improves skin texture and tone. It also reduces the risk of ingrown hairs,” says Dr Anita.
Chemical exfoliants – also known as BHAs – can also be a great way of reducing irritation by clearing out pores and reducing inflammation, especially for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant and Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0 are great follow-ups to your shaving routine as an extra step before moisturising.
.jpg)
Save when you shop with these Sephora discount codes at checkout.
After being soaked in warm water and lathered with product, the pores of the area you shaved will be open and vulnerable. If you have sensitive skin, it can be a good idea to rinse the area with cold water post-shave to close them again. This will also stop any moisturisers from causing further irritation.
It may seem silly, but rubbing a rough, dry towel vigorously up and down sensitive post-shave skin can aggravate the area and cause a rash. Be particularly gentle after an in-shower shave and use a patting or dabbing motion to dry off instead.
And that’s all you need to know about effectively shaving your skin and how to get rid of razor bumps should they appear.
