{"id":30892,"date":"2022-06-17T18:21:20","date_gmt":"2022-06-17T18:21:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/?p=30892"},"modified":"2024-12-05T22:40:18","modified_gmt":"2024-12-05T22:40:18","slug":"how-to-get-rid-of-bikini-razor-bumps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-bikini-razor-bumps\/","title":{"rendered":"Dermatologists Explain How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps around Your Bikini Line For Good"},"content":{"rendered":"

So you shaved your bikini line and now you\u2019re dealing with redness and irritation, a.k.a razor bumps. It\u2019s completely normal\u2014and completely treatable. Here, dermatologists break down exactly how to get rid of razor bumps around your bikini area (and how to prevent razor bumps on your bikini line from popping up in the future).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re jetting off for a beach getaway<\/a> or preparing for summertime<\/a>, for some, swimsuit season can also be bikini razor bump season. You might notice red, irritated bumps (also known as razor burn) or bigger, sensitive red spots (ingrown hairs) after shaving your bikini line. Not only are they annoying, they can also be painful. Luckily, there are ways to treat and prevent bikini razor bumps altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n

If you prefer to have a hair-free bikini line without the hassle of waxing, we\u2019re here to help. We tapped experts to find out how to get rid of bikini razor bumps (and how to prevent them in the future). Read on to see what they had to say.<\/p>\n\n\n

What Causes Razor Bumps on the Bikini Line?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Razor burn and bikini bumps are caused by irritation and inflammation<\/a> of the skin and hair follicles. However, the cause behind the irritation and inflammation can vary. One possibility is contact dermatitis from the metal in your razor, says Caren Campbell<\/a>, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Francisco and Napa. \u201cSometimes it’s also folliculitis, or bacteria in the hair follicle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

Another likely culprit? Your shaving technique. While it\u2019s tempting to shave against the direction of your hair for a close, smooth shave, it can cause some serious irritation. \u201cShave in the direction of hair growth<\/a> instead of against it,\u201d says Campbell. \u201cIt\u2019s a less close shave, but you\u2019re less likely to get ingrowns.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

Why Is It More Common to Get Razor Bumps on Your Bikini Line?<\/h2>\n\n\n

If it feels like you\u2019re always<\/em> getting razor burn or ingrown hairs down there, you\u2019re not alone. The bikini line is a particularly difficult area to shave in general. \u201cYour bikini line is a very sensitive area of the body, and the skin is naturally more prone to irritation,\u201d explains Rachel Nazarian<\/a>, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

\u201cThe groin is more difficult to shave, as the body curvature makes it more difficult to keep the blade appropriately held along the skin surface as you move,\u201d she adds. \u201cAreas where the skin folds on itself, such as armpits or the bikini area, experience more friction forces and rubbing, which can increase risk of razor burn and ingrown bumps.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

The actual hair on your bikini line also plays into the likelihood of bikini bumps. \u201cYou have curly, thicker hair in the pubic area, which, when cut flush with the skin, can turn downward and regrow into the skin, causing \u2018ingrown hairs,\u2019\u201d Dr. Campbell says.<\/p>\n\n\n

How to Get Rid of Razor Burn on Your Bikini Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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If you\u2019re experiencing a red, irritated rash, it\u2019s likely razor burn. However, Campbell says there\u2019s a possibility that it\u2019s bacterial growth in the hair follicle, also known as folliculitis. \u201cWashing the area with benzoyl peroxide wash that\u2019s 5 percent or less is best in the shower to help kill the bacteria and unclog the pore,\u201d Campbell says. \u201cYou can also get a prescription from your dermatologist or primary care physician for a topical antibiotic like clindamycin, which needs to be used in conjunction with benzoyl peroxide wash to avoid bacterial resistance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

If it\u2019s just irritation, you need to be gentle with the skin. Avoid shaving again until the razor burn is gone. If it\u2019s itching and irritated, Campbell recommends applying over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. You can also keep the area calm with aloe vera, oatmeal baths, or an unscented lotion.<\/p>\n\n\n

How to Get Rid of Ingrown Hairs on Your Bikini Line<\/h2>\n\n\n

If you\u2019re dealing with one (or a few) painful red spots on your bikini line, you likely have ingrown hairs. These occur when the curly hair on your pubic area is cut flush to the skin, curves downward, and grows into the skin instead of out and away.<\/p>\n\n\n

\u201cTo treat an ingrown hair in the bikini line, avoid shaving the area, and avoid tight clothing that can worsen the irritation by rubbing,\u201d Dr. Nazarian says. \u201cApply warm compresses for two to three days, and apply a topical antibiotic cream mixed with one percent hydrocortisone cream.\u201d The compresses will help soothe irritated spots, help with drainage, and soften the top layer of the skin to help release the ingrown hair.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

You can also exfoliate the skin to help release the ingrown hair. Try a chemical exfoliant, like salicylic acid, which will penetrate deeper into the skin to dislodge any buildup. Tempted to try and remove it yourself? It will likely do more harm than good, according to experts. If done incorrectly, tweezing an ingrown hair yourself can cause infection or scarring.<\/p>\n\n\n

If it\u2019s not getting better, you may be dealing with a more serious case. \u201cIf you have a bad ingrown, see your dermatologist for a cortisone injection or surgical removal,\u201d Dr. Campbell advises.<\/p>\n\n\n

Best Products for Bikini Razor Bumps<\/h2>\n\n\n

Wondering how to get rid of bikini razor bumps? Here are Campbell\u2019s and Nazarian\u2019s top product recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n