Getting ready to go to that amazing job interview you want to nail, or maybe a hot date. You go to get a shave so you can bowl them over with your fabulous new aftershave and all you see are big red bumps staring back at you. Help! What are those bumps and how can I get rid of them super fast?

 Let’s provide some help and tips to make sure the skin on your face and neck is always looking at its best and how to banish these unsightly red shaving bumps from your life.

 Here’s the quick explanation, then we’ll explain in more detail, along with what to do about it!

 Folliculitis, or more commonly known as razor burn, generally occurs immediately after shaving or when the hair is growing back. It leaves the skin on your face red and inflamed, or with raised red bumps. The red bumps are caused by friction from the razor which leaves pimple-like bumps on the skin.

 Of course, prevention is always better than cure, read on to see how you can prevent those nasty red bumps invading your life and your shaving routine!

What Do Red Shaving Bumps Feel Like?

These small red bumps can appear anywhere on your body when you’ve shaved. This applies to underarms, the bikini area, faces, and neck. For men, it’s typically the throat and neck that can be prone to this skin irritation. Essentially, anywhere you shave can be prone to razor bumps.

You can recognize razor bumps as they can feel itchy, tender and sometimes if left untreated can cause scarring.

What Do Red Shaving Bumps Look Like?

These pesky little spots look pretty similar to an ingrown hair. You may also see signs of the beginning of infection such as a white head pimple.

What is Folliculitis?

After you shave you may notice some small red bumps around the shaving areas. These are commonly known as razor bumps or to use their more official name, Folliculitis. Red, inflamed razor bumps can occur when the shaved hair follicle curls inwards towards the skin on your face and neck and gives the ubiquitous ‘shaving rash’ look of red angry bumps all over your skin.

Interestingly, your super clever body and its immune system think this ingrown hair is an intruder and immediately attacks it. How clever is that body of yours! But of course, not so clever if you’re trying to impress your new boss or girlfriend. So Let’s take a look at how you can ensure the smoothest, closest shave, without a trace of lumps, bumps or angry looking red skin.

But first...

What Is a Hair Follicle?

Let’s look a little further into what a hair follicle is, to help us understand the importance of them when shaving.

A hair follicle is found in the dermal layer of skin. Your hair follicle regulates growth via a very clever and complex interaction between your hormones and your immune cells.

 It’s interesting to know that your facial hair acts as a sensitive touch receptor which lets a person know their  hair has been moved. As the hair moves it stimulates the nerve endings which makes us feel as if we’ve been touched.

The hair follicle also works with sebaceous glands which produce an oily secretion - which conditions the hair and the skin around it.

If your hair follicle is infected, the red bumps can sometimes lead to infection.

Are the Red Bumps on My Face and Neck Infected?

Sometimes the small red marks on your face and neck can be a prelude to possible infections and ingrown hairs. They appear when the pores of your skin and your hair follicles are infected with bacterium. These bacteria are known as Staphylococcus aureus.

How To Prevent Red Bumps on Your Face and Neck After Shaving

Making a few modifications to how you shave and the routine around it,, plus making sure you apply the right skin products can help soothe away the red bumps and prevent them from happening in the first place.

10 Steps to Avoid Red Shaving Bumps.

It’s crucial to give your skin proper care and attention to make sure you don’t get unsightly red shaving bumps and the possibility of infected skin. Follow the tips below to make sure you have a baby soft skin and give your skin the attention it deserves.

1. A single-blade razor combined with a high quality shaving soap and after shave lotion is paramount to ensuring your skin remains smooth, red bump free and in tip-top condition.
2. Splash your skin with warm water -  This helps to soften both your hair follicles and skin for a cleaner, closer shave
3. Have a bath or shower- The steam from your bath or shower will assist the water to open up your pores, which in turn will soften the hair follicles on your face and neck. This results in less irritation of the skin
4. Apply a shaving gel. Apply your favourite gel, shaving cream or a similar lubricant, to ensure your skin is as soft as possible before shaving. Why not take a look at our super quality range of fabulous shaving creams and soaps to make sure your skin is prepared perfectly before you shave. this helps to provide a barrier between your shaving razor and your skin to help prevent the irritation and problems that can otherwise lead to razor bumps.
5. Wait for 5 minutes -  Waiting for five to ten minutes before shaving allows the cream or shaving gel to penetrate the hair follicles and skin for extra softening. Just enough time to send that important text or double check your awesome outfit. Why not order some of our rich, conditioning soap samples to ‘try before you buy’ and decide which our wonderful handmade shaving soaps you like best!
6. Use a very sharp razor - Ensure you use as sharp a razor as possible. If you’re using disposables make sure they’re thrown away regularly to be sure you aren’t using blunt razors which are more likely to result in a red, bumpy face.
7. Shave in the direction your hair is growing, otherwise, you unknowingly may assist in pushing the hair into the follicle causing the dreaded red razor bumps.
8. Between each swipe of the blade, give it a quick rinse in cold water to remove the hairs which have been caught in the razor.
9. Rinse your skin thoroughly with warm water -  After shaving rinse your skin thoroughly with warm water and pat it dry with a clean, soft towel. Try to resist the urge to rub your freshly shaved face - as that too can cause friction which may result in razor bumps.
10. Dab on a skin care cream or serum - Using a post-shave cream or serum after you shave ensures a smooth finish and no horrible red bumps!

What Do I Do to Treat Red Bumps After Shaving?

If the damage has already been done to your skin and you’re wondering how to treat it, it’s crucial that you treat your skin really carefully to ensure your skin does not get a further infection. The healing process usually takes around 3-4 days. During this time follow the simple tips below:

• After shaving, wet a flannel, or washcloth with cool water and place it on the infected area. This may reduce the redness and pain by soothing your skin
• Do not shave the area until it has fully healed
• Keep your skin moisturised with quality aftershave balm made from natural ingredients to prevent any further infections

Natural Home Remedies

If you’re unlucky enough to have red bumps after shaving and need a quick fix before you purchase one of our fabulous hand made shaving soaps with natural ingredients, below are a few of our favourite methods to help with razor burn.

• Aloe Vera - if you have an Aloe Vera plant at home, simply snip off the top of a leaf and squeeze the inside of the leaf directly onto the skin to reduce inflammation and swelling. Or use an Aloe Vera cream if you do not own a plant
• Witch Hazel - witch hazel is a natural antiseptic which helps to reduce inflammation in the skin. Apply it directly to your red razor bumps to immediately reduce the irritation.
• Hydrocortisone cream - this cream has an anti-inflammatory effect similar to that of witch hazel. It’s sold in most pharmacies for swollen and irritated skin. Apply a small amount of cream directly to the affected area
• Lemon juice - lemon juice is naturally acidic and will help bacteria from growing inside the infected ingrown hair follicle. Apply lemon juice to immediately reduce redness and prevent any further infection.
• Tea tree oil - Tea Tree is a natural anti-bacterial solution. It’s very strong, so don’t use it undiluted straight onto your skin. Mix a little in with a saucer of warm water and apply to the infected area with cotton wool
• White tea - white tea bags are perfect for getting rid of razor burn. Tea contains tannic acid which helps to reduce inflammation. Just wet a tea bag and press it against the affected part of your skin to reduce the redness and to reduce swelling.
• Lavender - lavender is a natural antiseptic and also a very powerful skin healer. Use sparingly as tea tree oil and make sure you dilute before placing directly on your skin.

Conclusion

Some small changes to your shaving habits and ensuring you’re using top quality shaving products is the key to preventing those nasty little red bumps rearing their heads! Try to practice a good shaving routine, make sure you’re scrupulously clean with all your tools and hands and of course, make sure you take a look at our super shaving creams and shaving soaps which contain natural ingredients and are fully vegan.

• Lemon juice
• Aloe Vera
• Tea tree
• Lavender

Do take a look at our range of shaving creams which contain no premixed detergents to ensure your shave is as natural as possible. We’d love to get your comments, and don’t forget to get in touch with any questions you have regarding our products or just for some advice.

Further Reading

Shaving Tips Get Rid of Shaving Bumps

Skincare For Men

Get Rid of Razor Bumps

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