TeenHealthFX - Answers - Skin Gets Irritated From Shaving

Hairy Situations: Too Much, Too Little & Shaving / Question
Published: July 30, 2008

Dear TeenHealthFX,

whenever I shave my legs I always seem to get little red bumps and irritation. Usually it only occurs by the 2nd day. I dont know of any ways to make the bumps go away or to stop them from occuring. Any ideas? 2ndly I am strongly considering shaving "downstairs" but Im really worried that I will break out and it will be painful or ugly. I am 19 and in a steady realtionship (Ive dated my boyfriend for 7 years) so you can hopefully understand how important it is to me that I not only feel nice but also LOOK nice. If shaving isnt for me do you know of any other ways for me to look nice and neatly groomed? Thank you for any and all advice.

Signed: Skin Gets Irritated From Shaving

Dear Skin Gets Irritated From Shaving,

If you find that your legs get very irritated from shaving, FX recommends that you try the following:

Use a cleansing product daily for your body that is gentle on your skin and that strongly moisturizes the skin. Dermatologists generally recommend that you choose a product that is fragrance free, and that contains moisturizers and natural ingredients.
Use a gentle, moisturizing shaving gel each time you shave. Dermatologists generally recommend a product (in cases like this) that is fragrance-free, and that is formulated for sensitive and irritated skin, as well as skin that is prone to razor bumps.
Change the blade of your razor every 2-3 shaves to ensure that you are not ever using a dull blade, as this will increase irritation.
If your skin is prone to bumps and irritation, do not use any kind of overly rough scrubbing products or exfoliation.
Use a moisturizing lotion (again, try to find something with natural ingredients and that is fragrance free) on your legs in the morning and at night.

If you need help in picking out appropriate products, you could always ask the pharmacist at your local drug store to make some recommendations. If making the changes listed above does not work for you in terms of reducing the irritation, then FX recommends that you meet with a dermatologist. Based on the condition of your skin and their assessment of the situation, they may suggest an alternate hair removal system, or may prescribe a special kind of topical cream or ointment to address the problem. If you do not have a dermatologist, ask you primary care physician for a referral or call your medical insurance company to get a list of in-network providers.

As for hair removal in your pubic area, shaving is the most popular method – but FX wants to remind you that it is important to moisturize heavily both before and after shaving this area and to use a new blade each time to reduce irritation. You can also go to a salon and get the area waxed by a professional. Waxing this area can be painful for some, but those who prefer this method do so because it lasts so much longer than shaving. Just be sure to let the professional working on you know that you are prone to bumps and irritation – they may want to use special products before and after the waxing the area to reduce irritation or do a small spot test first to see how you react before waxing the entire area.

Signed: TeenHealthFX