How to Prevent Razor Bumps on Legs
When legs feel silky smooth to the touch, a woman usually becomes more confident about wearing mini-skirts and putting away the pantyhose during the warmer months of the year. Shaving the legs is a common practice that many women embrace because today’s society typically frowns upon hairy female legs. However, if you do not approach this skin care regimen with caution – you stand to encounter a serious bout of razor bumps – a noticeable pimple-like rash with redness and irritation that can ruin any outfit that highlights your legs.
Obstacles to Overcome
When shaving the legs, main obstacles to consider include:
higher risk of irritation
the frequency of shaving
greater amount of surface skin
awkward (and sometimes uncomfortable) positioning when shaving
the temptation to rush the process
ingrown hairs
Razor Bump Prevention – Legs
To keep your legs free of razor bumps and irritation, consider the following recommendations for proper skin care associated with shaving:
a) Hot Shower: When removing hair from the legs, a hot shower will soften your hairs, as well as open up the pores to allow a less irritating shave. The water also cleanses the skin to reduce the risk of inflammation if any nicks or cuts should take place.
b) Stop Over-Shaving the Skin: Keep in mind that over-shaving your legs can cause razor bumps to appear. Do not go over the same patch of skin more than twice. When shaving the legs – use smooth, even strokes when moving the razor across the skin.
c) Fresh Blades With Each Shave: Using a new blade each time you shave your legs will decrease the risk of developing razor bumps that come when the skin is irritated.
d) Soothing Aftercare: Following a fresh shave of the legs, consider applying soothing products, such as moisturizers or lotions to keep the skin hydrated. Products that contain aloe vera are suggested, as they create a cooling effect.
e) Sharp Razors: Avoid using dull razors when shaving the legs, as they will only pull at the skin and leave behind jagged hair tips that irritate follicles when they reemerge from the skin.
f) Consider Other Shaving Products: Perhaps you are used to shaving your legs with a disposable razor, but it never hurts to think outside of the box and try other shaving products that can lessen the risk of razor bumps. For example, there are razors on the market (like Intuition) that provide a lathering head for easier shaving of the legs.
g) Give Your Skin a Rest: While some women religiously shave their legs every day, they could unnecessarily cause irritation to the skin. If you wait two to three days between your next shave, the chances of suffering razor bumps greatly decreases.
h) Avoid Rushing: If you rush through a shave, you will increase your chances of creating a cut on the skin that can fill with bacteria – thus facilitating an outbreak of razor bumps.