How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps for Silky Smooth Skin (2025)

We’ve all been there: After shaving your legs for silky smooth skin, you’re stuck wondering how to get rid of razor bumps. The truth is, it doesn’t matter if you’re using the best razors or not—if you’re not taking proper care during your shave routine, you can get razor bumps.

“What people refer to as razor bumps is most often a condition called pseudofolliculitis barbae, which typically looks like small red bumps or white headed pimples,” says dermatologist Deanne Robinson, M.D., of Westport, Connecticut.

Razor bumps can range from ingrown hairs to folliculitis, which is the inflammation of the hair follicle. “Folliculitis occurs when the hair follicle becomes inflamed and a superficial infection can develop—typically staph bacteria or fungus,” adds Robinson. Ew, right?

Luckily, there are steps you can take to treat razor bumps and prevent them from happening again in the future. Ahead, everything you need to know on how to get rid of razor bumps.

What causes razor bumps?

There's a reason why changing your razor is so important. The most common cause of pseudofolliculitis barbae is a dull razor that’s been hanging in your shower collecting germs.

“Shaving with a dull blade can pull and twist the hair follicle when you shave, triggering irritation and inflammation,” says Robinson. “A dull blade means that the razor has likely been sitting in your shower for a while, which is a bacteria’s ideal environment to thrive in—wet and warm. If your razor is harboring bacteria or fungus, you will most certainly see folliculitis.”

Another key potential cause are ingrown hairs, which occur when exfoliation is not used before shaving, causing the follicles to get blocked and hairs to grow inward curled up in the skin. Ingrown hairs aren’t as immediately noticeable, notes Dr. Rachel Nazarian, M.D., a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. “Ingrown hairs usually take longer to present because the hair needs to grow out before it turns inward, while folliculitis typically occurs within one to two days,” she says.

Nazarian recommends replacing your blades after a few uses. “Toss them out by the fourth shave, or even earlier if you see buildup of dirt or dead skin on the blades,” she says.

How to get rid of razor bumps

Moisturize

Moisturizing is one of the best ways to get rid of razor bumps. It’s important to be very gentle with affected areas, so make sure to use body lotion and body wash formulated for sensitive skin.

“Applying a light, perfume-free, alcohol-free moisturizer can help soothe skin and hair follicles that might be inflamed from the process,” says Nazarian. She recommends Simple Kind to Skin Replenishing Skin Moisturizer which “contains a natural anti-inflammatory, bisabolol, and pro-vitamin B5 to soothe irritated skin.”

For cleansing, she recommends using Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash: “It doesn’t foam but will offer a smooth, easy surface for the razor and prevent overdrying or irritation,” she says. “Sensitive areas, like the bikini line, should be treated with care.”

Exfoliate

Light exfoliation can help release ingrown hairs. Again, remember to be gentle and avoid any harsh scrubbing. Look for over-the-counter body-care products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which will help loosen the hairs. And most importantly, never pick at them.