Treatments for Razor Bumps

Benefits of Sea Salt Spray, razor bumps usually resolve with at-home treatments and making tweaks to your shaving technique. But if they persist, it’s time to visit a dermatologist. There, you may be given prescription skin creams, and in some cases, hair removal treatments to prevent razor bumps from forming in the first place.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae, or “razor bumps,” as they’re commonly called, can occur anywhere on the body where hair is removed—but they show up most often on the face and neck of men who shave, since it’s where the hairs are thickest. It’s also more common in people of black descent. It’s a form of folliculitis, an inflammation of the hair follicles caused by the hair rubbing against the skin.

How to Prevent Razor Bumps: A Comprehensive Guide

Some of the most effective treatments for razor bumps include anti-inflammatory skincare products and a regular exfoliation regimen. A salicylic acid product such as La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Balm is a great choice, as it’s an effective, non-comedogenic exfoliant that also soothes irritation and moisturizes.

Another good option is colloidal oatmeal, which has emollient properties that soften the skin and help ingrown hairs rise to the surface. It’s especially helpful for those with sensitive skin, says Antia. You can find it in a store-bought scrub or make a do-it-yourself mask with oatmeal powder mixed with a little honey and olive oil.

In the meantime, it’s important to avoid squeezing or picking at razor bumps as they can become infected and cause dark spots or scarring. If you do happen to get a stuck ingrown hair, try using a needle or tweezers (after sterilizing them with alcohol) to gently release it.