Shaving often comes with unsightly side effects: razor bumps. And worse, these razor bumps later develop into dark spots. The razor bumps typically require a simple treatment and will fade away after a few days. But, the dark spots from razor bumps are more stubborn. It needs more work to get rid of those dark spots. But your efforts can be made easy with these anti-fail tips.
1. Exfoliate Regularly
Dark spots from the razor bumps are caused by the dead skin cells under the upmost skin tissue. These dead skin cells can be removed by exfoliation. You can exfoliate with microdermabrasion or chemical peels at medical spas. You can also exfoliate your skin at home using salt or sugar body scrub to rub away the dead skin cells. Another exfoliation option is to use chemical exfoliant scrubs. The basic ingredients of the products are salicylic acid, glycolic acid, fruit enzymes, citric acid, or malic acid. Be advised to only use chemical exfoliants with the help of professionals.
2. Use Moisturizer Containing Glycolic Acid or Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Don’t forget to moisturize your skin after showering, bathing or shaving. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, glycolic acid is effective to remove discoloration caused by razor bumps. You can get lotions or moisturizer that contain glycolic acid or alpha-hydroxy acid in the store and apply them on your skin to lighten the dark spots. Use it on daily basis until the desired result is visible.
3. Use a Skin Lightening Cream
Dark spots from razor bumps can typically disappear after several months without treatment. But, using a skin lightening cream can accelerate the process. Skin lightening creams is commonly made of kojic acid and hydroquinone. But if you want a more natural ingredients on your skin lightening cream, be sure to check the label to see if they use licorice root extract or vitamin C. These ingredients can reverse the damage to the skin cells without harming sensitive skin.
4. Use Hydroquinone Cream
Hydroquinone cream is a lightening agent. If you use cream that contains about 2% of hydroquinone, it is going to take 8-12 weeks to see the result. If the cream contains at least 4% hydroquinone, the lightening process will be twice faster.
5. Try These Simple Home Remedies
Cosmetics products tend to contain chemicals and some people may experience allergy if they have sensitive skin. Besides, although cosmetic products and lightening creams are effective, they can be expensive. Before buying the products on the beauty store, why not try home remedies first? They are safe, cheap, and have been proven effective to reduce the dark spots.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel contains chemicals called tannins that can help repair damaged skin and kill bacteria. Apply witch hazel extract over your razor bumps and leave it to dry. Repeat a couple of times a day to get a faster result.
Aspirin
Aspirin is known to treat pain, but the acetylsalicylic acid in it can be used to reduce dark spots on the skin. To do this remedy, you are going to need two tablets of aspirin. Grind and mix it with water to make a paste, then, apply it on your razor bumps. Leave it to dry before washing it off and do it two to three times a week.
Aloe Vera Gel
With polysaccharides in it, Aloe Vera can help you lighten the dark spots from razor bumps. Pick a piece of Aloe Vera from your garden and rub the gel over the bum three times a day.
Lemon
Lemon is known as the natural exfoliant and anti-bacterial agent. It contains Alpha-Hydroxy Acid that serves to fade the dark spots and remove the dead skin cells. Just take a slice of lemon and rub it over your razor bumps. Leave it to dry before cleansing it. You can do it a couple times a day until you see the result.
You can also add other ingredients such as turmeric powder, honey, and plain yogurt in lemon juice. Apply the mixture on the dark spots and leave it on for about 10 minutes before washing it off.
Potatoes
Potatoes actually contain natural bleaching agents that can be a good alternative to remove dark spots. While lemon extract may be too strong for some sensitive skin, potatoes are less likely to irritate. Take a slice of potato and rub it over the dark spots for about 5-10 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water.
You can also extract the potato by grating and squeezing it out. For better and faster result, apply it on your skin 2-3 times a day.
Cucumbers
Delicious as pickles and salad dressings, cucumbers are also good for helping to deal with dark spots caused by razor bumps. Apply cucumber slice or cucumber juice over the dark spot on daily basis. Even if you don’t have dark spots, applying cucumber on your skin can rejuvenate your skin and makes it glow.
Orange Peel
Don’t throw away the orange peels! You might see it as a waste, but orange peel can actually be used to lighten the skin. First, you need to dry the orange peel naturally under the sun. Then, grind it until you get enough powder. Mix the orange peel powder with rose water and milk to make a paste, and use the paste to scrub your dark spots. Leave it on for about 10 to 15 minutes and wash it off with cold water.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is generally good for skin. It contains vitamin E, an agent that can help to improve the skin tone. All you need to do is massage the dark spots with coconut oil and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Later, rinse it off using warm water. To get the desired result, do it two or three times a day.
Milk
Milk is not only good for our bones, digestion, and general health. As it turns out, milk is also good for the skin, thanks to the vitamins and fatty acids in it. Rubbing your skin with milk will not only improve the complexion, but also soften the skin.
Make a paste with full fat milk, flour, and plain yogurt. Apply it on the dark spots, leave it on for about a couple of minutes, and wash it off. Do it regularly a few times a week.
Vinegar
Vinegar has the ability to kill bacteria and also lighten the skin color. All you need is rice flour and vinegar to make a paste. Use it to scrub your dark spots for a couple of minutes. Then, wash it off with warm water.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood has long been used as a beauty product since the ancient tradition. Sandalwood is able to lighten the skin and has softening effect on the skin. It also has a nice fragrance.
To get rid of dark spots from razor bumps, mix sandalwood powder with rose water to make a paste and apply it on the dark spots. Leave it on to dry, and then wash it off with cold water.
6. Visit Your Dermatologist
Dark spots from razor bumps are typically not a serious condition. But if neither of the remedies are able to remove the dark spots caused by razor umps, don’t hesitate to visit dermatologist to get professional help. You may have particular skin condition that requires special treatment.
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