How to get rid of razor bumps on the face

Why do razor bumps keep coming back?

Razor bumps, also called pseudofolliculitis barbae, are inflammation caused by hairs growing back into the skin after shaving. Curly, coarse hair is particularly prone to this, and bumps are more common in darker skin. The beard area and neck are common sites, especially under the jaw where hairs grow in different directions. Bumps can itch, feel tender, bleed during shaving, and leave dark marks or scars.1

How do you get rid of razor bumps?

1. 1Pause shaving if possible. If you cannot stop, reduce shaving to every other day and leave about 1 mm of stubble rather than shaving flush with the skin.
2. 2Apply a warm, moist washcloth for 10 to 15 minutes, three or four times a day. Warm compresses soften the skin and can help ease discomfort.
3. 3Leave trapped hairs alone. Do not scratch, pick, squeeze, or dig under the skin with a needle. If a hair remains completely buried, get medical help rather than trying to extract it.

Will an exfoliant or cream help?

An exfoliating product can help prevent ingrown hairs, but scrubbing existing bumps can increase inflammation and cause dark marks. Ask a pharmacist about a suitable exfoliating product or a cream for itching. Glycolic acid preparations can reduce new inflamed spots. For persistent bumps, a clinician can consider treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or tretinoin, or a steroid cream for inflammation. These are treatment options, not a shopping list to apply all at once.123

How should you shave while preventing new bumps?

Prioritise a less close shave over a completely smooth finish. Shaving against the grain gives a closer result but raises the risk of ingrown hairs and irritation, so the shaving advert's finish is not necessarily the finish to copy.4

1. 1Wet your face with warm water, using a shower or warm washcloth. Apply shaving cream or gel before the razor touches your skin.
2. 2Follow the direction each patch of hair grows. Check the neck separately rather than assuming all facial hair points downward.
3. 3Use a sharp blade, short strokes, and as few passes as possible. Do not stretch the skin or repeatedly shave the same patch. Rinse the blade after each stroke.
4. 4Hold a cool, wet cloth against your skin afterwards, then apply moisturiser. Store your razor somewhere cool and dry.
5. 5Use broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when going outside. Reapply after swimming or sweating.

For sensitive skin, choose a fragrance free, hypoallergenic shaving gel or cream. Replace a blade that tugs, requires extra pressure, or has rust, cracks, or chips.24

What if changing your shave is not enough?

Try an electric shaver instead of a blade razor. If bumps persist despite home care, a dermatologist can help, including with recurring face and neck bumps on darker skin. Laser hair removal is another option to discuss with a doctor experienced in the procedure. Waxing and plucking can also cause ingrown hairs, so switching to either is not an automatic solution.2356

When should you see a doctor?

Seek medical care promptly for worsening pain or swelling, warmth, substantial pus, or redness spreading beyond a bump. Get medical help if you also have a fever, chills, or feel very unwell. Redness can be harder to see on brown or black skin. An infection of the hair follicles, called folliculitis barbae, can resemble razor bumps and occur alongside them. It can need antibiotic treatment rather than another change of razor.237