If you believe the marketing, shaving is one of those easy daily rituals. Yet very few explain in detail how it is supposed to be properly executed. And let me tell you, getting rid of body hair is no small feat, whether it’s finding the perfect razor or shaving cream for your needs, or taking steps to ensure the longevity of your shave. Not to mention the post-shave burn and the occasional result of uncomfortable red bumps you might experience, especially along the delicate bikini line.
It’s something I’ve seen with my own eyes: I’ve been a beautician for over a decade and have experienced the latter myself while treating razor bumps on my skin. clients. Although they are unhappy, it is very normal and quite common. To better understand what these red bumps are, why they happen, and what to do about them, I spoke with a board-certified dermatologist in New York. Marisa Garshick, MD. Keep reading for everything you need to know so you can finally say goodbye to shaving bumps – for good.
What are razor bumps and why do they happen?
Razor bumps, medically known as beard pseudofolliculitis, are ingrown hairs that develop after shaving or other hair removal techniques, such as waxing or tweezing. “When hair grows back, it curls up into the skin and can trigger inflammation,” says Dr. Garshick.
Although not always the case, in my professional experience as a master esthetician, it occurs more frequently in people with curly and/or thick hair and can appear on any area of the body than someone could shave, from the face to your legs, including the bikini area. , and even the armpits.
What is the difference between razor burn and razor bumps?
Although the two cases may seem similar, they are not identical. “Razor burn refers to skin irritation, which can be considered irritant contact dermatitis,” says Dr. Garshick. This can appear as itchy red patches on the skin due to the friction between the razor blade and the skin, causing skin irritation. Although both are inflammatory responses, razor burn gives the appearance of a superficial rash, whereas razor burn bumps are raised as a result of hairs trapped under the skin. Shave bumps can also contain a bit of pus inside, as is also sometimes seen with ingrown hairs.
