Razor Bumps on Legs

To get your legs ready for the summertime, walking on the beach, or slipping into those mini skirts – a clean shave is one of the dreaded rituals that women must follow after a winter rest. Unfortunately, there are a few factors that can cause the legs to display an unattractive rashy patch of bumps that come when shaving has gone awry. What causes such a reaction?

Appearance

Razor bumps on the legs can range in color from a pink and red patchy rash on fair skin to dark fleshy-colored, “pimple-like” bumps on darker shades of skin. Sometimes, razor bumps will actually look like “goose bumps” on certain types of skin. Whatever the appearance, it can certainly cause distraction from a smooth pair of legs.

Causes

To learn the causes of razor bumps on legs, consider the following factors which can turn an ordinary summer day of short shorts and high skirts into an irritated cluster of bumps that sometimes possesses a mind of their own:

a) Sharing Razors:

Sharing razors with others will not only increase your risk of razor bumps, but can also initiate the spread of skin infections.

b) Dry Shaving:

To reduce your chances of creating razor bumps after shaving your legs, avoid shaving when the skin is dry. Grab a can of your favorite shaving gel or cream to take advantage of soothing agents that decreases friction and irritation.

c) Over-Shaving:

If you have a habit of going over the same shaved region more than twice, you will place yourself at a higher risk for irritation and a serious bout of razor bumps.

d) Skin Preparation:

In order to reduce the risk of razor bumps when shaving the legs, it is important to prepare the skin. Open pores and soft skin can lessen your chances of developing razor bumps because the shaving process is then met with less opposition. A good way to appease the skin is to apply a hot compress before shaving or stand in a steam-filled shower.

e) Old Blades:

You will face a higher risk of developing razor bumps (and possibly an infection) if you use an old blade to shave your legs. Don’t be lazy – go out to the store and purchase new blades and your skin will thank you for it.

f) Aftercare:

You can reduce the level of redness and irritation to the skin after a shave by applying a shaving lotion.

g) Cheap Razors:

Not only do the cheapest razors increase your chances of razor bumps, but also all sorts of other irritation, soreness, and cuts to the skin.

h) Your Shaving Stroke:

The best shaving approach to avoid razor bumps is to follow long, upward strokes on the legs.

i) Clogged Blade:

It is suggested to rinse the blade often when shaving, as a clogged blade can cause irritation and nicks that bring about razor bumps.

j) Speed:

Shaving your legs is not a race. If you rush through this process, you increase the chance of cutting yourself or causing irritation to the skin, which can lead to razor bumps. This is especially true when using a disposable razor. Also – make sure to pay close attention to shaving about bony regions, such as the ankle.