Shaving, waxing, or plucking, all are those great methods for removing hair. We use one of those on a regular basis. But there are downsides to these methods of hair removal.
The reality is that shaving, waxing, and plucking can leave behind nasty razor bumps. And if you are prone to ingrown hair, you are more likely to be hit with some bumps.
How to get rid of razor bumps overnight? Is it possible? Well, the good news is that yes, you can get rid of razor bumps.
The important part is to take care of your skin after hair removal, and soothe any redness, irritation, and similar symptoms. Out of these three methods of hair removal, shaving with a razor is the most problematic one.
With that in mind, let’s talk about how to get rid of razor bumps overnight.
What is razor burn?
Razor burn can affect anyone who shaves some part of his body. And it can develop at any part of your body. When you experience a red rash after shaving, in most cases, that is a razor burn.
Razor burns cause tenderness, itchiness, small red bumps, red rash, and burning or hot sensation. You can experience these symptoms anywhere you shave, and that includes legs, face, underarms, or the bikini area. Razor burns are just temporary and go away with time.
Difference between razor burn and razor bumps
These terms might be interchangeable, and they might be used interchangeably, but they are different conditions. The simplest way to explain is razor burn is caused after you shave, and the razor bumps are the red bumps that appear as a result of shaved hair growing back and becoming ingrown.
Ingrown hair looks like razor bumps, and sometimes, as acne. Shaving, tweezing, waxing, or plucking, all of these can cause razor bumps. They appear when the hair grows back, and curls into the skin instead of away from the skin.
Both razor bumps and razor burn can cause tenderness, inflammation, and a red rash. People with curly hair are more prone to razor bumps, since their hair is more likely to curl as it grows back.
Why you get razor bumps?
There is no one reason why you get razor burn and razor bumps. Instead, there are a couple of factors that can result in razor bumps.
Here is a quick breakdown:
- Shaving without using a lubricant, be it shaving cream, soap and water, or any other lubricant
- Shaving against the direction of your hair
- Using an old razor with dull blades
- Using a razor clogged with hair or shaving cream
- Shaving too quickly and going over the area too quickly
- Using shaving products that can irritate your skin
The most important thing in avoiding razor bumps is taking care of your razor. Maintain it properly, and replace the blades as needed.
Natural remedies for razor bumps
Treating razor bumps with natural remedies is often the best way to go. These methods try to reduce the symptoms of razor burn and razor bumps.
Here are a couple of remedies to try.
Cool washcloth
The simplest way to soothe the heat and itching caused by razor bumps is to apply a cool washcloth to the affected area. The coolness of the washcloth will calm the skin. Leave it for five minutes, remove, and then apply another washcloth.
Hot compress
You can also try a hot compress. Soak cotton wool in hot water, and then press it gently against your skin. The heat will open up pores, and allow the trapped hair to become free.
Witch hazel
Witch hazel has astringent properties. Because of that, it can reduce razor bumps, and keep the area clean. Witch hazel also speeds up the healing process of the area.
To apply witch hazel, use a clean cotton ball for each application. Apply only to the shaved area where there are bumps. Sleep with it, and then wash it off in the morning. Repeat the treatment for a couple of days and nights until the area is completely clean.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is one of the best things you can apply to your skin. Found in almost any cosmetic and beauty skin care product, aloe vera has soothing properties. Same as the cool washcloth, it will cool down the skin.
Apply just one layer of aloe vera to the affected area at night. Massage the gel until it is fully absorbed by your skin. Sleep with it, and wash it off in the morning. Repeat every night until you get the desired results.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is often praised for its ability to heal skin problems. It can be used only for minor skin issues like mild burns, bruises, and bumps.
Apply extra virgin coconut oil before bedtime to the affected area. Wrap a bandage on it to seal the oil. Repeat for several days until you get the desired results.
Rose water and peppermint oil
Rose water is the new hot and trendy ingredient in the beauty world. You can use it for a number of skin issues, and the main benefit is moisture.
For this remedy, mix ¼ cup of regular water, ¼ cup of rose water, and 5 drops of peppermint oil. Store it in a cool place. Use a cotton ball to apply to the affected area before you go to bed. Thanks to the antiseptic and antifungal properties of peppermint oil and rose water, the bumps will be gone in no time.
Tea tree oil
One of the most potent antimicrobial essential oils is tea tree oil. As such, you can use it to get rid of any bacteria and viruses trapped in the pores and causing ingrown hair and razor bumps.
Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil with water or carrier oil, and then apply to the skin. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes, and then wash off.
Raw potatoes
You will be surprised of the healing benefits and properties of raw potatoes. For this remedy, grate a potato, and then put it into a muslin cloth.
Squeeze to remove the juice, and then apply the juice to the affected area. Keep the remedy overnight, and repeat every night until you see results. You can also slice potatoes and rub them on the affected area.
White tea
This might sound crazy and simple, but all you need is ordinary white tea bags. Tea contains tannic acid, which is an ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Simply wet the tea bag, and then press it against the affected area. It will reduce swelling and redness immediately.
Lemon
If the bumps are not extremely painful, and the infection is not severe, you can try applying lemon juice. The juice is rich in vitamin C, and can easily heal bumps.
Just be careful, if you have sensitive skin, do not use lemon juice. Acidity can cause redness and irritation to your sensitive skin.
