Shaving is one of the easiest and fastest ways to remove unwanted hair. However, it is known to leave behind bumps or red patches of inflamed skin, such as razor burns or razor bumps. Therefore, if you use shaving as a method to get rid of unwanted hair, you will most likely experience razor bumps. This article will discuss everything you need to know about razor bumps and even how to get rid of razor bumps overnight.
What is razor burn?
Razor burns are the little lumps, bumps, acne, or red patches of inflamed skin that mostly occur after shaving. Mostly they are caused by ingrown hairs or hair growing back incorrectly. The razor bumps will not only affect men but will also affect any person who shaves part of their body, even the armpit hair, facial hair, legs hair, or bikini line.
There are a few factors that can cause the razor bumps like:
- Shaving without using lubrication like shaving cream, gel, water, or soap to soften the hair follicles.
- Shaving against the direction of hair growth
- Using a blunt, old, or dirt razor
- Shaving a specific area many times
- Not using the best shaving products
There are innumerable home remedies that one can use to get rid of razor bumps, some recommended by medical professionals or by a specific board-certified dermatologist and others that people at home use. However, if you wonder how to get rid of razor bumps overnight, we have looked at some techniques to help razor burn relief below.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is among the most used and best ingredients that you could use to soothe and treat razor bumps. It contains enzymes that will help reduce inflammation. You could use that aloe vera gel directly from the plant, which is more effective, or you could buy a shaving product with aloe vera. Additionally, aloe vera has a cooling effect on the skin that helps to alleviate irritated skin.
2. Cornstarch or Baking Soda
You could make cornstarch or a baking soda mask and apply it directly to the affected area. The baking or cornstarch mask is one of the most used natural treatments that will work perfectly for almost any skin type. You will need one cup of lukewarm water and one tablespoon of cornstarch or baking soda to make the mask. Apply the concentration on the area affected and leave it on for 2o minutes or until it dries out. Repeat the process at least two times a day until the bumps disappeared.
3. Apply Astringent Liquids
Using astringent liquids is another very effective at-home remedy that most people use. Some of the best liquids to help reduce inflammation are Apple cider vinegar, tree oil, Black brewed tea, or witch hazel. It is recommended that you apply these liquids on the areas directly using a cotton pad. Then let the liquid absorbs into the skin before washing or rinsing it off.
4. Coconut oil
You can use coconut oil is great for the skin. Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that will help get rid of razor bumps. You will only need to use a thin layer of coconut oil to the inflamed area.
5. Sweet Almond Oil
If you wonder how to get rid of razor bumps overnight, you could use sweet almond oil. The almond oil will act as a natural moisturizer that you could apply directly after shaving. The amazing thing is that you can continue using this oil as your moisturizer after the inflamed area is treated. The crucial point is that you should note using sweet almond oil if you are allergic to almonds.
6. Cold and Warm Compresses
A cold or warm compress is another method that can be effective if you are looking for a great way to get rid of razor bumps without skin irritation. This method will help relax irritated areas by opening clogged pores and loosen trapped hair.
7. Colloidal Oatmeal Bath
If you wonder how to get rid of razor bumps overnight, you could use Colloidal oatmeal made from oats. The Colloidal oatmeal is ground from oats to make a fine powder that you will apply directly to the inflamed area if used to make a mask. The oats contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties, which will help get rid of the red bumps on your skin caused by ingrown hairs. Additionally, the oatmeal helps soothe, cleanse, and moisturize the skin, instantly reducing irritation and preventing further irritation.
8. Use a Warm Towel to the Infected Area
If the skin irritation starts after a shave, you could use hot or warm water to help get rid of the bumps. This is one of the most practical and effective techniques to kill bacteria and has no side effects, even allergies. You will only need to soak your towel in warm or hot water and squeeze extra water, then position the towel on the affected areas.
9. Use over the counter (OTC) steroid creams
Using cream is another very effective method that will help get rid of razor burn. Creams like hydrocortisone and aftershave lotions will help, and they work by applying them directly to the affected area. Creams that have hydrocortisone and Salicylic acid will help prevent inflammation and redness. Products with Salicylic acid will help. Other ingredients that you could look out for are glycol acid or retinol.
The amazing part is that you can get these products as over-the-counter alternatives to home remedies in your drug stores. The principal thing to remember is that some creams may have ingredients that may contain chemicals that are likely to irritate sensitive skin, so it is important to look at the best product that will suit you best. Also, you could do a patch test to help check for sensitivity.
How to Prevent Razor Bumps
1. Reduce Shaving Frequency
First, to help prevent razor burn, you will have to have a good shaving routine. Give your hair time to grow and your skin time to settle before you shave again. It is favorable to shave at least every 2 to 3 weeks.
2. Change Your Blade Regularly
You must change your razor blade regularly. Your blade will start to rust over time, and using such a blade will heighten the chances of getting the bumps. Most manufactures will provide the recommended amount of time that you should use the blade. Although you can change your blade any time, the blade starts to get dull or blunt.
If you are not changing your blade, ensure that you clean it thoroughly. Also, disinfect or sterile the blade before using it and rinse off with warm water to wash away any trapped hair to avoid the growth of bacteria or germs which are likely to cause an infection.
3. Treat Small Bumps
To avoid severe bumps, you must treat the small razor burn. First, you should completely avoid shaving if you have any sores or bumps. Then, you can opt to get rid of the razor burn using any of the above methods we have discussed as you wait for the bumps to heal. Ad if the home remedies do not work, you could seek further treatment from your doctor.
4. Soften Before You Shave
Before shaving, ensure that you soften the area using lubrication like shaving cream, shaving gel, water, natural moisturizers like coconut oil, or tea tree oil. Water is the more natural way; you will only need to use hot water and a soft cloth and place it directly to the area you intend to shave for 2 to 5 minutes. Remember that you should shave in the same direction as your hair growth. Shaving in a contradictory direction or against the grain will most likely cause razor burn.
5. Consider laser hair removal
You can also choose to use laser hair removal, which is a long-term solution. The laser hair removal might be expensive but is worthwhile. It is the process of getting rid of hair that will remove it at deeper levels and damage the hair follicle, preventing rehair growth. This treatment will help treat and prevent razor burn, but it will take a few weeks or even months to heal. It is fundamental to note, though, that this is a semi-permanent solution
When should you see a doctor?
In most cases, ingrown hair is nothing that you should have to worry about since it will clear out in a few days by just using Natural products and Home Remedies. You can follow the simple methods we have discussed above, or you could also use the prevention steps to help you treat and prevent razor burn. Mostly the if you treat razor burn, it will disappear in less than a week.
Sometimes you might want to see a doctor to provide medical advice if the home remedies don't work. For example, you will need to see a doctor if you have the more severe version of razor bumps, commonly referred to as pseudofolliculitis Barbae. Additionally, if you have ingrown hair now and then, you may also need further medical care. In most cases, if the area, if infected the doctor, will prescribe some oral medication and even recommend some of the best products you could use to prevent further razor burn or bump.
Tips on How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps Overnight
We have prepared some tips that will help prevent and get rid of your razor burn. Of course, it is okay to switch up your shaving routine, which will help. Below are some tips that you could use.
- Ensure that the skin with hair is kept clean and moisturized at all times
- Routinely exfoliate your skin to remove the dead skin cells before shaving
- Apply lubricant before shaving, and You could use shaving cream, soap, or even gel to soften the hair follicles.
- Avoid popping bumps or removing the tangled body hair like in the armpit, face, or bikini area.
- Always shave in one direction and the direction that your hair grows
- Close shave using very light and small strokes
- Clean and disinfect the bland if you intend to use it again.
- You can apply cold water to close pores.
- Remember to replace the blade as often as possible
- You could opt for a blade with multiple blades or use an electric razor
Frequently Asked Questions About Razor Burn
1. How long does it take for a razor bump to disappear on its own?
Usually, the burns clear out overnight or will take put up to three days. However, if you use self-care or home remedies like shea butter, tea tree oil, aloe vera gel, or coconut oil, you will get rid of razor bumps much faster.
2. Can razor bumps go away overnight?
If you are pondering on how to get rid of razor bumps overnight, in most cases, the burns will go away on their own. Some will go it disappear overnight, and some can take up to five days to disappear. As we have mentioned earlier, some tips or steps will help remove or get rid of the ingrown hairs much faster. Cleaning, conditioning, moisturizing your skin, and using a cold compress or warm compress can help improve the symptoms faster.
3. Can shaving cause skin sensitivity?
In some cases, shaving can cause sensitive skin. Shaving incorrectly, maybe with a dull or blunt razor, will definitely irritate skin and can even irritate normal skin, which will cause itchy red bumps. The irritation that occurs after shaving is usually a sign of burns or folliculitis. So you should ensure that you shave correctly and avoid shaving sensitive areas to avoid skin irritation.
4. Can you pop ingrown hairs?
You should never pop ingrown hair. Poping ingrown hairs will put you at risk of getting an infection or even permanent scarring. Also, you should not lift the hair out using sharp objects like tweezers since the hair is trapped deep underneath the bump.
