6 Ways to Prevent Razor Bumps

1. Shave During a Warm Shower and Don't Use Soap

Shaving removes the outer layer of skin, known as the epidermis. This exposes underlying layers of your skin, which can become irritated, leading to razor bumps. Shaving in a warm shower, or just after showering, will help to reduce moisture loss and prevent rash or irritation.
Instead of using soaps or cleansers when you shave, try using a heavy shaving cream. Choosing a shaving cream with hydrating oils, such as avocado oil, or soothing ingredients, such as aloe, will help reduce the risk of razor bumps. Apply the cream and wait a few minutes before you start shaving to allow the cream to be absorbed into your skin, preventing trauma to underlying layers of skin.

2. Use Emollients to Reduce Rash and Bumps

Razor bumps may occur due to a lack of skin hydration. Use emollients such as lotions, oils or creams after shaving to reduce the risk of razor bumps. If your skin is sensitive, you may need to opt for fragrance-free products.

3. Replace Your Razor Regularly or Use an Electric Razor

Razor burn or irritation can occur by not changing your razor regularly. Change your razor blade after three uses to prevent dulling and skin irritation. Otherwise, you can opt for an electric razor, which tends to decrease skin damage and reduce irritation.

4. Use a Hair Dissolver Cream Instead of a Razor

If you're prone to razor bumps and none of these preventative measures work effectively, consider a hair dissolver cream or depilatory lotion. However, be aware that these creams can be smelly, messy and cause an allergic reaction if you have sensitive skin. Do a patch test, applying the cream to a small area of your skin to see if you have a reaction, before applying to a larger area.

5. Use Products Containing Benzoyl Peroxide

If and when razor bumps do occur, benzoyl peroxide can help. Products containing benzoyl peroxide may also reduce the recurrence of razor bumps. Choosing a shaving cream with benzoyl peroxide, such as Benzashave, can also help to prevent razor bumps.