Razor Bumps on Male Face

Most men dream of flawless skin – free of blemishes, nicks, cuts, scratches, bruises, redness, irritation, and razor bumps. All of the above threatens the smooth appearance of a fresh shave. However, there are many obstacles that an individual must overcome before achieving the cleanest of shaves. When trying to avoid the menacing sight of a rashy outbreak of bumps, it is recommended to become familiar with the common causes of a condition that attacks so many male faces.

Appearance

Razor bumps that form on the face are found in a variety of appearances. Depending on the color of your skin, pseudofolliculitis barbae can appear red, white, brown, yellow, or purple. When infected, the bumps often fill with pus and can become quite painful. If this condition is ignored, papules (similar to severe acne) develop, which can worsen and lead to scarring, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and the formation of keloids – which typically require surgery for removal.

Causes

a) Previously Used Blades:

Some men see that old blade sitting in the corner of their medicine cabinet and probably think it’s a good idea to reuse it just to quickly go over their mustache or beard. Bad idea. Previously used and old blades have a knack for causing facial irritation, infection, ingrown hairs, and razor bumps.

b) Over-Shaving the Face:

You may think you are taking care of every single spike of hair when you go over an area more than two times. However, the constant strokes of your razor will only cause irritation to the skin – increasing your chances of developing razor bumps.

c) Exfoliation:

Lack of preparation of the skin accounts for many cases of razor bumps. When looking for a decent preparation method, consider the wonderful world of exfoliation, which encourages hairs to gather in an upward position, making the overall task of shaving much easier.

d) Shaving in a Rush:

According to the Men’s Health Magazine, about 4% of all men shave their face while driving a car. This is certainly not the right way to start off the day… and not to mention the constant distractions and lack of proper shaving equipment and accessories. You stand a greater chance of accumulating more bumps on your face than the road to work.

e) Closed Pores:

If you have a habit of shaving early in the morning, it is suggested to surround the skin with hot water or steam – in an effort to open up the pores and soften the hair beforehand. A dry shave increases your chances of razor bumps.

f) Your Diet:

A lot of skin irritation is avoidable when certain foods are limited in a diet. It is known that foods that contain a great deal of fat, oils, cholesterol, and sodium can make the skin more vulnerable to the damage that shaving can cause.

g) Aftercare:

Lingering irritation can compromise a fresh shave. It is suggested to follow a clean shave with a moisturizer (preferably one that contains SPF protection).