Keep Your Skin Smooth and Pretty

By Isabella Ross

Very few things can beat the sensation of shaving yourself completely smooth (except maybe slipping into panties and stockings afterwards!). But if you're like me, you might have experienced those irritating small red bumps that show up uninvited after shaving--particularly in and around your bikini line.
These are commonly known as razor bumps. They show up when the shaved hair follicle curls inward to the skin, and can sometimes grow really angry if they become slightly infected by the bacteria that's always present on your skin.

What's the answer? Well, there are many things you can do to help prevent them. First, shave during a shower or, better yet, a long hot bath with moisture and bubbles! This softens your skin and hair before you shave. Then lather up with a quality, aloe-based foam gel, and begin shaving, always using a fresh razor to make the cleanest possible cut in the hair follicles. Shave in a downward motion--that is, resist the urge to shave against the hair growth and instead shave in the direction the hair growing, which is generally downwards. And try not to stretch the skin while shaving.

When you're done, apply a quality moisturizer.

But even if you do all of this, you might still get razor bumps. That was the case for me. However, I finally discovered something that works superbly. It's called Hibiclens Antiseptic/Antimicrobial Skin Cleanser Liquid. You can buy it in the pharmacy at your local Walgreens or other drug store. Ask the pharmacist if you can't find it. It won't be in with the regular soaps or antibacterial cleansers, as it it's actually made for wound and post-surgical care. It continues to kill germs for up to six hours.

What I do is take a small amount of Hibiclens once I'm dry, and pat it into place just like I would a lotion. And then I leave it there, rather than rinse it off. I use a small amount so that I don't dry my skin out. I believe that what it does is prevent some of these bumps or ingrown hairs from becoming truly infected, and really turning red and sore. For me, it really works...that's all I know.

Feeling smooth and pretty is vital for me, and probably for you too. Staying free of red bumps in the process is that much better!