The Relation of Shaving Bumps and Acne Breakouts

Pseudofolliculitis barbae is the acne-like breakouts which are commonly called "shaving bumps". This happens as an outcome of inflammation in the hair follicle which is caused by shaving. After you shave, wax or pluck, hair gets caught within the follicle. As a result of this you will feel irritation and swelling.

Anyone can get shaving bumps, but it is very common in people who have curly hair. Fortunately "shaving bumps" are preventable and by following a few simple steps you can learn how to "shave smart" and have fewer breakouts.

Before starting to shave, it is essential to prepare the skin by washing it with lukewarm water. The water will help to hydrate your skin making it suppler and the warm water will expand your blood vessels and this will bring more blood flow to that part. Several people have found that when they shave in the shower, this kind of acne breakout is less.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae can be lessened with the use of a good shaving cream. Creams that are filmy or thin will make the razor slide easier over your skin, which will reduce irritation.

Selecting the right razor is as vital as selecting the right cream. Try using an electric razor. You may not get a close shave, however you may lessen the likelihood of an acne outbreak. Some people may rather use a blade for shaving. If you are using a blade, try to use a new blade every time you are shaving. Double and triple edges blades take the hair out of the follicle, and this result in a shave that is in fact beneath the epidermis. The epidermis develops over the opening of the follicle as part of the natural healing. And when the hair grows back, it makes an effort to escape from the closed follicle, and this in turn causes the skin to inflame.

Try getting in the habit of shaving with the grain. For both men and women, this means shaving down, instead of up. Doing this will cut down on irritation and may help reduce nicks and cuts, too. Remember the closer you shave, the more likely you are to get shaving bumps.

After you have finished shaving, you may want to apply a mild alcohol-free toner (or witch hazel) or antibacterial gel. This will kill the bacteria before it gets into the open follicles, helping you stop Pseudofolliculitis barbae before it starts. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are available in gel form as well.

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.

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