You have the right to bare arms – and your legs, and your bikini area, and any other area of your body for that matter. However, there are sometimes these very little reasons why you aren’t feeling as confident as you should. These little reasons are better known as razor bumps. I saw you wince as you read that. It’s not only about your confidence, but it’s also about your skin health. Yes, razor bumps are the worst and it’s time that we as a nation decided to fight back. 

If you’ve ever shaved or waxed your legs or anywhere else on your body, you’ve had your fair share of razor bumps. Razor burns and razor bumps may sound the same but razor burns go away much more easily and pretty much instantly. These bumps may seem innocent, but they can get ugly fast. And by ugly, I mean literally and figuratively. If you leave them untreated for too long, they can become infected. It can even make your skin more prone to bacterial infections. Not only will your skin be irritated but you may end up with scars. Read on to learn more about razor bumps and how to naturally treat them. 

What Are Razor Bumps & What Causes Razor Bumps?

Razor bumps are commonly found on legs.

You’re most probably wondering what are razor bumps and what causes razor bumps? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Medically known as Pseudofolliculitis barbae, razor bumps are ingrown hairs. Not meant to gross you out, but if you’ve ever scratched a razor bump, you would see the trapped hair start to peek out. They can appear on any part of the body where a person removes hair. Most common are leg, armpit, and bikini razor bumps since most hair removal is done in those areas.

Razor bumps are exactly what they sound like. They are bumps caused by razors, or any other hair removal process that causes friction. Waxing, plucking, and threading can all be causing your unwanted bumps. When your hair starts to grow back, it’s supposed to go up and out, but sometimes it curls and turns inward. This, my friends, is what causes those pimple-like bumps. It’s more common for them to be red, but some even have puss inside of them. You can’t instantly get rid of all of your bumps, but there are natural techniques to try to prevent them from forming again.   

Top 5 Natural Remedies To Get Rid Of Razor Bumps

1. Aloe Vera For Razor Bumps

Aloe vera leaf.

You probably know the many benefits of aloe vera for your skin, like treating sunburn and healing wounds, but did you know aloe vera can be used to treat razor bumps? The aloe vera plant is full of water because it needs to survive in warm climates. Its water-dense leaves are therefore extremely moisturizing. You can buy aloe vera from a drugstore, but it’s even better if you use it directly from the plant. If you do need to buy it, make sure it’s pure aloe vera without any alcohol. Applying the gel directly to your bumps before you go sleep will help clear them up by morning. Doing this for 2-3 nights will significantly reduce the appearance of the razor bumps.

2. Coconut Oil For Razor Bumps

Coconut oil has numerous benefits for your skin.

You already know that coconut oil is great for cooking and baking, but when it comes to razor bumps, coconut oil is like magic. Coconut oil’s healing properties mostly come from its medium-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic benefits. It also contains lauric acid that stops bacteria growth right in its tracks. If you’re looking for a natural way to kill bacteria and fungi, coconut oil is here for the win. It also hydrates your skin and since these bumps are usually caused by having dry skin, a hydrating ingredient can be very helpful in treatment and prevention. 

3. Essential Oils For Razor Bumps

Essential oil for razor bumps.

Sometimes razor bumps can be itchy or painful. Essential oils are a great way to treat and prevent these bumps since many have healing properties. They can help heal the ingrown hairs, prevent them from forming and stop an infection before it starts. For example, tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties. All of these make it a great essential oil to use on your unwanted bumps. Since you can’t put essential oils directly onto your skin, it’s best to dilute it in a carrier oil like argan oil or coconut oil. You can even add a few drops to water. Using a washcloth to put the mixture onto your razor bumps can help promote healing. 

4. Use Salicylic Acid

Razor bumps are trapped hairs. To let those hairs free, you should try using salicylic acid. It helps exfoliate since it’s a beta hydroxy. It penetrates oil glands to unclog pores and fight inflammation. This is why salicylic acid also works to treat acne. Salicylic acid is a popular ingredient found in lotions, toners, and cleansers. Your best bet for treating razor bumps with salicylic acid is by using a moisturizer with it as an ingredient. This way you’re moisturizing and exfoliating all in one. The perfect combination to treat razor bumps. 

5. DIY Natural Scrub For Razor Bumps Recipe & Guide

Make your own natural scrub.

Sometimes all you need to reduce razor bumps is a good sugar or salt scrub. The great thing about these scrubs is that when stored and sealed properly, it can last you a good few months. The best time to exfoliate is before you shave. This gets rid of dead skin cells so your hair can grow straight instead of curved. For your scrub, you’ll need a cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of honey, and ½ cup of sweet almond oil. You can warm up the honey to make it easier to work with. Sugar has such a fine texture that it naturally exfoliates without clogging your pores and it’s moisturizing. Using this scrub before you shave could make your razor bump days into happier ones. 

Conclusion

With time, your razor bumps should clear up on their own. It’s your job to make sure that you create the right environment for them to heal properly. It’s best to stick with a natural remedy to not irritate the skin. If your bumps don’t get better in two to three days then you should speak with a physician. The natural treatments mentioned above do work, but everyone has different skin and sensitivities. Therefore, it’s important to do patch tests with everything, even natural things. Coconut oil is wonderful, but it’s also fatty so it could clog pores. 

On the other hand, you can’t always avoid these bumps. They are sadly a constant part of the shaving life. They are also much more common if you have darker skin, thick, or curly hair. There are also some people who are just more prone to them and can’t catch a break. They can be annoying and unsightly, but it should make you feel better to know that everyone has to deal with them to some degree. Now you’re well equipped to fight back and take a stand against razor bumps.