When you shave or wax, you want your hair to be gone so you can have baby-smooth skin. However, if you suffer from pimples or razor bumps as a result of your hair removal technique, you won't have baby-smooth skin. Instead, an unsightly area of red, raised bumps appear. However, there are some ways you can prevent these blemishes from occurring.
Preparation
Whether you are shaving or waxing, preparing your skin and hair for the process can help prevent pimples from forming afterward. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells. Since one of the main components of plugged hair follicles is dead skin cells that mix with sebum -- or oils that occur naturally on the skin -- removing the dead skin cells may prevent the follicle from becoming blocked. This will reduce your risk of getting pimples. After you exfoliate, soak your skin in warm water for at least five minutes to soften the skin. If you wax, be sure to dry your skin prior to applying the wax. If you shave, apply shave gel to your wet skin before you shave.
Techniques
Shaving or pulling the wax strips up going against the grain of your hair increases your risk of getting ingrown hairs that lead to pimples. Because of this, you must shave in the same direction as your hair grows. The same goes for when you pull up the wax strip. Additionally, you must only go over each strip of hair once to prevent irritation that may lead to pimples. If you are shaving, you should use a high-quality single blade razor. Multiple-blade razors are likely to cut the hair below the skin line, and low-quality razors are likely to irritate the skin and cut the hair in an odd way. When any of these occurs, pimples are more likely to develop. If you choose to wax, take caution that cheap waxes won't do an effective, safe job and may even contain additives that will clog your pores or cause irritation.
After Care
After you wax, apply powder to the area to soothe the irritation caused by waxing. After shaving, apply a cool compress to the shaved area for at least five minutes to soothe it. In either case, keep the area clean and cool to help prevent pimples. If you sweat, rinse the area with cool water as soon as possible to remove salt particles that can damage your skin. Sweat also contains bacteria that can cause pimples. Wear loose clothing and try not to get overheated. If you removed hair on areas prone to friction, such as the inner thigh, try to keep the friction to a minimum to reduce your risk of pimples.
Warnings
Pimples that occur following waxing or shaving can lead to other problems. For example, some people suffer from hyperpigmentation, which is a darkening of the skin, following razor bumps. Permanent scarring and infection are also possible. Because of these factors, you must care for your skin if you do get pimples after you shave or wax. If you get pimples every time you wax or shave, you may need to consider other forms of hair removal, such as electrolysis. Additionally, you should contact your doctor to determine if prescription medications are needed to control the problem.
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