How Shaving Bumps Relate to Acne Breakouts
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Pseudofolliculitis barbae is the acne-like breakouts known as “shaving bumps”. This is the result of inflammation in the hair follicle that is brought on by shaving. After shaving, waxing or plucking, hair gets trapped inside the follicle. This results in irritation and swelling.
Anybody can catch shaving bumps, but it is more frequently found in people with curly hair. Luckily these “shaving bumps” can be prevented and if you follow certain easy steps, then you can become skilled at how to shave smartly and have less number of breakouts.
It is important to prep the skin with warm water prior to starting to shave. The water will hydrate your skin making it more pliable and the heat will dilate your blood vessels bringing the blood flow to the area. Some people have found shaving in the shower works best.
Another important thing to keep in mind for reducing Pseudofolliculitis barbae is to use the right shaving cream. Using filmy or thinner kind of shaving creams will aid the razor to move smoothly over the skin without any difficulty, thereby decreasing inflammation.
Choosing the right razor is as important as choosing the right cream. If possible, use an electric razor. The shave may not be as close, but you may reduce the probability of an outbreak. If you prefer using a blade for shaving, use a new single blade each time you shave. Double and triple edges blades lift the hair out of the follicle, resulting in a shave that is actually below the epidermis. As a part of the natural healing process, the epidermis grows over the opening of the follicle. As the hair grows back, it struggles to get out of the closed follicle, causing the skin to inflame.
You should always shave in the direction of the grain. This means your strokes should move downward, not up. This will reduce irritation and will probably help reduce cuts as well. Keep in mind that a closer shave will probably mean more bumps on your skin.
After your shaving is over, you may have to put a gentle alcohol-free toner (or witch hazel) or antibacterial gel. This will help to destroy the bacteria prior to it getting into the open follicles, and this helps you to prevent Pseudofolliculitis barbae before it begins. You get Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid in gel form and this averts Pseudofolliculitis barbae.
If you follow these simple steps, then you will reduce the chances of a Pseudofolliculitis barbae outbreak in most people. Even after trying out these steps, if shaving bumps are still persistent, then you should seek advice from a dermatologist. They will be able to recommend a more effective topical acne treatment.
