Natural and Home Remedies – Razor Bumps on Male Face

Shaving the male face is a practice that dates back to prehistoric days when men would scrape a seashell across their cheek. Centuries later, the shaving equipment for men has greatly evolved into a bevy of technological wonders and sleek blades with firm handles. However, men still rush through the process; apply too much pressure; shave against the grain; and ignore the power of shaving gels and moisturizers – thus creating an increased risk for razor bumps (also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae) – pimple-like eruptions that appear after shaving gone wrong. Luckily, there are several different natural and home remedies to rely on if you should come face-to-face with a bout of razor bumps.

Natural Remedies

Witch Hazel and Aloe:

Witch hazel is a natural astringent that aids your fight against bacteria. When paired with aloe – the skin receives additional soothing relief. To apply witch hazel, simply dab onto razor bumps using a cotton ball.

Soothe Skin with Aloe Vera:

Treat the inflammation and pain associated with razor bumps when you apply aloe vera gel to affected areas. The gel is found in many drugstores or can be easily grown within the home.

Facial Scrubs:

To remove the dead skin particles that can clog hair follicles after a shave, use a natural facial scrub to lessen the amount of irritation the skin suffers after hair removal. Using a scrub will also reduce the chances of hairs growing back at an angle, which is a main cause of razor bumps. Common ingredients in natural facial scrubs include fruits, seeds, and berries.

Tea Tree Oil:

ea tree oil possesses antiseptic properties – perfect for protecting the skin from infection after shaving. This is why some products on the market use tea tree oil as an effective ingredient to combat and treat razor bumps. For example, DDF Skincare’s Medicated Shave Cream BP 2.5% combines benzoyl peroxide and tea tree oil amongst other components, which enter the hair follicle and serve as an active antibacterial agent.

Alum Products:

Alum is a natural mineral already known for its place in the world of Egyptian natural remedies used more than 4,000 years ago. Today, alum blocks provide an antiseptic after-shave remedy that treats irritation after shaving. If you should run over a couple of razor bumps while shaving – a moistened alum block can stop the bleeding.

Home Remedies

Homemade Remedy Mask:

Take advantage of the acetylsalicylic acid found in aspirin when looking for effective remedies to soothe the irritation associated with an outbreak of razor bumps. Create a mask by crushing 4 to 5 uncoated aspirin and mixing with warm water until a paste forms. If you wish to cool irritated skin – add aloe vera as an extra moisturizing agent. If you fear infection, add honey to your mask for antiseptic assistance.

Remove Hairs:

Often times, it is ingrown hairs that have caused razor bumps to decorate your face. Removing the offending hair is highly recommended. A decent way to achieve this goal is to use a toothbrush with short bristles to gently massage bumps – making sure to follow a circular motion. Completing this remedy on a regular basis will bring the best results.

Fight Redness and Irritation:

To ease the redness and irritation that comes with razor bumps, some people have used a mixture consisting of strawberries and sour cream to ease discomfort. Blend a couple of mashed strawberries with one spoonful of sour cream to create a natural lotion for after shaving that is left on for ten minutes.

Watch What You Eat:

Stay away from fatty and fried foods that can cause your skin to react worse to irritation. Add items to your diet that are rich in Vitamin C (other than oranges) to give your immune system the boost needed to battle the inflammation associated with razor bumps.

Brush with Badger Hair:

Use a shaving brush with badger hair to create a rich lather that softens and lifts the hairs on the face. Genuine badger hair is often thought the best and can cost between $25 for a basic model and all the way up to $500. When sorting through more inexpensive versions, make sure you have selected badger hair and not boar’s hair (which is coarser and often costs less).