Razor Bumps on Upper Lip

Whether you’re perfecting your mustache for the ladies or erasing unwanted hair, about 385 pesky spikes of hair tend to grow per square inch of your upper lip when left unattended [1]. Every eight weeks, you will find yourself having to maintain this growth. If you slack on the shaving process – you stand to develop a common condition called razor bumps – where irritation attacks the skin and unsightly bumps begin to decorate your upper lip.

Appearance

When razor bumps appear on the upper lip – they tend to develop less frequent than on other parts of the body. Usually, it is the ends of a mustache that showcases the irritation of the last swipe of a blade or electric razor during a trim. When completely removing a mustache, the razor bumps can spread just below the nose to the top of the lip. Most commonly, the razor bumps resemble “pimples” and are filled with pus when infected. Depending on the shade of skin, the color of razor bumps in this region spans variations of pink, red, yellow, purple, and brown.

Causes

The upper lip is a delicate part of the body to shave and is rather susceptible to irritation. This is why it is important to monitor your shaving practices and execute this task when you have enough time. Rushing a shave of the upper lip will only increase your chances of razor bumps, which can become a great distraction. Other causes include:

a) Blade Condition:

How long have you had that blade sitting in your bathroom cabinet? If you can’t remember – chances are – you will only increase your risk of developing razor bumps if you decide to use it to shave your upper lip. Old blades wreak havoc, especially if you possess baby-fine sensitive skin. If you are using an electric razor, you should replace the rotary blades or foil after a couple of months. Daily shaves will require a sooner replacement.

b) Shaving Habits:

While a typical habit amongst shavers – it is highly suggested to avoid going over the same region more than one time. You will only increase your chances of irritation and razor bumps.

c) Retouching After a First-Time Wax:

Some women who wax their upper lip may attempt to retouch the area with a shaver. However, waxing for the first time and on sensitive skin can create bumps and rashes that only worsen when using a shaver to retouch.

d) Sensitivity to Shaving:

The process of shaving alone can cause razor bumps to appear on sensitive skin. In order to avoid this occurrence – use gentle methods, as well as decent pre- and post-care.

e) Retin-A or Accutane:

If you are using a retinoid product, your skin may present sensitive conditions that are affected after shaving. Redness, raw skin, and razor bumps are sometimes a result.

f) Improper Preparation:

Often times, people do not prepare the upper lip before shaving. A gentle cleanser can prep the pores and lessen the risk of irritation. A common approach includes using a facial steamer or applying a hot compress to the skin. Some people will even stand in the shower for a couple of minutes with the hot water running – allowing the steam to soften the skin.

Resources

[1] Total Health for Men [Men's Health]; Edited by Neil Wertheimer; pg. 449