Had red, itchy bikini-line bumps from the shave? It’s not just a coincidence. It’s skin biology. The area of skin on the groin, underarms, buttock crease and around the tailbone is thinner than the rest of your body and folds over the course of the day, causing it to sweat and rub against clothes. Hair there is course and grows at an odd angle allowing for easy curling back into the skin. Get rid of the heat and friction… get rid of razor burn, ingrown hairs and folliculitis. Prior to choosing a method, identify the problem areas by mapping them.
Pick a Hair Removal Method That Fits Your Skin
No one single method is for everyone, so be sure to choose the right method for your skin type and goal. Let’s take a look at the common choices and how they compare:
- Shaving: It is quick and easy, but may lead to razor bumps, particularly on curls.
- Shaving: It is the least risky form of hair removal, because the blade does not come in direct contact with your skin.
- Depilatory Creams: Non-painful, but chemicals could burn sensitive skin. Test on a small area and wait 24 hours before using on a larger area.
- Waxing: Lasts longer, but will tighten on thin skin and may tear. Avoid if you are taking retinoids or your skin is irritated.
- Laser or electrolysis: These are more expensive initially but will help to reduce regrowth over time.
Hair management can also be important for people with pilonidal disease, which affects the crease near the tailbone. In some cases, doctors recommend pilonidal cyst hair removal using laser treatments to help reduce the risk of recurrence. However, treatment should only be considered after consulting a healthcare professional, particularly if the area is inflamed or still healing.
Build a Low-Irritation Shaving Routine
The key to a good shave is preparation and patience. Follow these steps:
- Trim first. Trimming long hair to approximately ¼ of an inch to prevent the razor from snagging.
- Soften the skin. After a warm shower, or apply a warm, damp cloth to the area for several minutes, shave it.
- Use a clean and sharp razor. Blades that are dull, pull and cut. Many dermatologists recommend changing the blade every 5-7 shaves.
- Add gel or cream. Choose a perfume free. Never shave dry.
- Go with the grain. Light strokes, 1 pass, NO pressing! Shaving in the opposite direction will leave a closer cut, but will increase the risk of ingrown hairs.
- Rinse and soothe. Dip in cool water, pat dry and apply non-fragrance moisturizer.
Wear loose cotton underwear for one day after you are shaved. Foam or tight fabric will rub against freshly shaven skin and will retain sweat. Avoid scrubs and hot baths for 24 hours, as well. And if you tend to get bumps frequently, shave less frequently – perhaps every few days rather than daily. The skin requires time to heal. Make a change, one thing at a time, and you will see what works in improving.
Reduce Friction After Hair Removal
So, even though the skin seems healthy, it is raw when treated for the first time. The surface has only just been removed, pulled or dissolved, so any rub will do. What can you do about it? Begin with the skin touching items throughout the day.
- Use loose, breathable clothing. Cotton underwear and loose fitting pants allows air to circulate and reduce friction. The sweat is entrapped under tight synthetics and causes irritation.
- Take a break from the gym for a day. The friction of cycling, running, and squats equals sweat. Be sure to let the area rest for 24 hours.
- Skip heat. Baths – long, hot baths, saunas and hot tubs, soften already tender skin.
- Dress quickly for wet clothing. Hair follicles that clogged with wet clothes after shaving and with sweaty pants make up one of the main reasons for shaving bumps.
In addition, many consider long-term choices due to friction. Of course, if you get acne every time you shave, laser hair removal cost might not seem so frightening. The cost of the treatment depends on the body part, clinic and area. The price of a small size such as underarms may be in the range of $100 to $300 per session, while bikini areas might be more. People will need multiple sessions spaced out weeks apart, in most cases. Get a comprehensive quotation before booking and do a patch test.
Prevent Ingrown Hairs Without Over-Treating the Skin
Ingrown hairs are where a cut hair grows into the skin rather than away from it. The typical victim is curly hair. The solution does not lie in rubbing it harder, as that will only irritate the area even more. Gentle exfoliation helps, but only in moderation – for most, 1-2 times per week will suffice.
It’s easy to do:
- Apply it with a gentle wash cloth or chemical exfoliants like low strength salicylic or glycolic acid.
- Exfoliate after 1 or 2 days after you’ve shaved to allow the skin to settle.
- Avoid using a needle or tweezers to remove a trapped hair. Scars and infections begin like this.
If a bump becomes painful, swollen and filled with pus, discontinue self-care measures. See a doctor.
Choose Skin Products With Care
Read labels – sensitive areas are reacting to ingredients that other skin can tolerate. Pick products that are fragrance-free and free of dyes and alcohol, and look for short ingredient lists. Moisturizers with ceramides or glycerin are okay and won’t sting. Watch for “soothing” additions such as menthol, tea tree oil or witch hazel that may burn on the broken skin.
Test new items before using. Put 1/8 of an ounce on the inner forearm, and leave it on for 24 hours. No redness or itch? You’re probably fine. Test each product individually, in case a reaction appears, you will know what caused it.
