Waxing is painful and irritating, and some of us have to completely avoid it because of sensitive skin (I know I do). But it's not like shaving is a whole lot better. And during summer you want to look great in a bikini. After shaving most of the times you're left with irritating bumps, redness, itching and can make yourself more prone to ingrown hairs (ouch).
How can we solve the plague of bikini bumps? Here's a few tips to try out!
How can we solve the plague of bikini bumps? Here's a few tips to try out!
The best, right, and cleanest way to ensure you get a clean shave is to use a razor no more than two times. Dull blades can irritate your skin around the follicle, but also leave a stump of hair with pointed heads that re-enter and puncture the skin causing dreaded razor bumps. In addition, old and dull blades are hotspots for harmful bacteria, which can easily enter the irritate area during shaving. If you don't have a new blade, treat the old one with alcohol before using it. Using men's razors on your bikini area can be more effective.
Exfoliate
Apply a moisturizer or exfoliate twice a week using a mitt, washcloth, loofah or coffee/sugar scrub. This prevents razor bumps by removing dead cells that block hair follicles. It also provides a smooth surface, which makes the blade glide easily and helps with a clean cut and prevent irritating the skin. Exfoliation also frees any hair trapped within bumps, opens up clogged pores, prevents the spread of infection to other areas from existing razor bumps, and eliminates the formation of new ones. If the skin is already inflamed, wait a day after shaving before you exfoliate.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has a lot of uses and can instantly sooth your skin. Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to prevent any bumps or rashes.
Apple Cider Vinegar
For quick relief from razor burn, apply apple cider vinegar to the skin using a washcloth or cotton ball; wash off after 10 minutes.
Yogurt
Apply chilled yogurt on the burn, leave on for about 10-15 minutes. This will help with redness and will calm the skin in the area.
Cucumber
Blend about half of a cucumber and apply it on the area to get rid of any redness. Cucumber, like aloe, has a cooling effect and will soothe skin. There are sometimes pre-made cucumber mixes available.
Oil
Massage a few drops of organic extra virgin coconut oil or vitamin E oil to help keep the skin moisturized, this will help prevent dry skin that can be caused by razors. This will also help with any itching in the bikini area.
Don't Go Against The Grain
Move slowly when shaving and stroke the razor blade in the direction of your hair growth, but try to avoid going against the grain. Shaving against the grain increases the chances of cutting the hair below your skin level. This action irritates the skin and facilitates ingrown hair. Don't press the razor hard against your skin and always trim hair down first before shaving.
The Right Underwear
Too much friction and pressure on the bikini area can prevent pubic hair from growing in the right way, which then causes irritation, ingrown hair, and those icky red bumps. It's imperative to wear a smooth underwear that's big enough to cover the entire area to reduce pressure and friction from your clothes. Wear non-textured cotton underwear most of the time and not the ones made from synthetic materials; this will allow your skin to breathe and prevent the accumulation of bacteria that may cause razor bumps.
Too much friction and pressure on the bikini area can prevent pubic hair from growing in the right way, which then causes irritation, ingrown hair, and those icky red bumps. It's imperative to wear a smooth underwear that's big enough to cover the entire area to reduce pressure and friction from your clothes. Wear non-textured cotton underwear most of the time and not the ones made from synthetic materials; this will allow your skin to breathe and prevent the accumulation of bacteria that may cause razor bumps.