You've waited all year and swimsuit weather is finally here. You are more than ready to enjoy a little fun in the sun only to put on your swimsuit and notice that you have bumps along your bikini line. What are they and how to get rid of these bumps? While natural and common, bumps along your bikini line as a result of ingrown hairs, irritation from shaving bumps and scarring are annoying, especially when your plans include pool days.
What are razor bumps?
Razor bumps can occur anywhere a person removes hair. They are essentially ingrown hairs that become trapped under the skin, or re-curl and grow back into the skin. Bumps are a result of new skin growing over these hairs.
Razor burn occurs when the skin is not prepped well for shaving and the friction of the blade causes redness and irritation. This can also happen if the razor is old and dull.
HOW TO PREVENT RAZOR BUMPS
EXFOLIATE
Exfoliating is a great strategy to control razor bumps. Loofahs, exfoliating bath scrubs and body polishes are essential for summer skincare and a smooth bikini line. These remove dead skin that can clog pores, untrapping the hair. Regular exfoliation, 1-3 times a week, can help bring the hair to the surface of the skin. Be careful not to exfoliate too aggressively to avoid further irritating your skin.
To combat both of these issues, Sonya suggests her Polish and Activator Duo, which contains exfoliators like crushed flax seeds, rice powder and lactic acid.
TOPICAL ACID
Products containing salicylic acid, lactic acid or niacinamide help dissolve the top layer of dead skin as well break down the mixture of sebum and dead skin cells that cause ingrown hairs. These acids can also help prevent and lighten the marks left behind from ingrown hairs, especially on darker skin.
DON’T PICK
Do not try to pick your razor bumps at home with a needle or tweezers.
You are basically tearing open your skin making it susceptible to infection, scarring or worse. Instead, dot the bumps with a spot treatment to calm and treat the inflammation. Look for ingredients like colloidal silver and sulfur.
USE OILS AND BALMS
Post hair removal care is as important as the prep. Any type of hair removal will cause irritation. Soothing oils or balms with ingredients like omega 3 fatty acids, Hoya flower, blue butterfly pea flower and vitamin E can help reduce puffiness, irritation, redness and burning. Remember, the faster you treat irritated skin after hair removal, the quicker the healing process will be.
PRO TIP: PLAN AHEAD
Keep your bikini line smooth and irritation-free by doing any hair removal a few days prior to sun exposure. Waxing and laser hair removal treatments are likely to make your skin sensitive for a few days post treatment, which can be further irritated by prolonged sun exposure.
USE A SHARP RAZOR
Shaving is the most likely hair removal method to cause razor bumps, so consider other options such as waxing, depilatory creams or laser. If you choose to shave, use a new sharp razor or switch out razor blades often. Dull razors will not give you a close shave, they can also irritate skin and cause more bumps. Furthermore they can harbor bacteria, so wash, clean and dry them before using again.
Follow these simple tips and enjoy a smooth bikini line year round!
