Razor Bumps: What They Are and How You Can Manage Them
- Wild Alchemy Botanicals
- Sep 30
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 1
What Are Razor Bumps?
Razor bumps, or pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), happen when shaved hairs curl back into the skin. This causes redness, irritation, and inflamed bumps that often look like acne. It’s most common on the face and neck, especially for those with curly or coarse hair.
For teens and young men just starting to shave, it can feel like an endless cycle: shave → bumps appear → bacteria spreads → skin gets more inflamed. Many try to “fix” it with harsh products that strip the skin, but that usually makes the problem worse by damaging the barrier.
I remember battling severe acne myself in my early 20s, so I know how overwhelming it can feel when skin becomes a daily struggle. Having also worked with clients worldwide for nearly two decades, I’ve seen firsthand how much relief comes from understanding the difference between short-term fixes and long-term care.
Folliculitis Barbae vs. Pseudofolliculitis Barbae
It’s easy to confuse the two:
Pseudofolliculitis barbae (razor bumps): hairs curling back into the skin after shaving.
Folliculitis barbae: a true infection of the follicle, usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus, appearing as pus-filled spots or boils that feel tender.
👉 If your acne is painful, spreading, or looks infected, see your GP for proper diagnosis and treatment
Why Razor Bumps Happen
Hair Growth Direction: Curly or angled hairs are more likely to re-enter the skin.
Shaving Technique: Dull blades and shaving too close cause irritation.
Barrier Health: If the skin barrier is weakened, bacteria and inflammation spread more easily.
Breaking the Cycle
The key: reduce irritation, calm inflammation, clear bacteria, and support the barrier.
Step 1: Cleanse Daily with Orange Blossom Enzyme Gel Cleanser
Our Orange Blossom Enzyme Gel Cleanser combines three powerful actions:
Orange Blossom Enzymes: gently break down surface proteins, loosening debris so hairs are less likely to get trapped.
Mandelic Acid (AHA): antibacterial, brightens, and fades post-bump marks; its larger molecule makes it gentler than glycolic acid.
Salicylic Acid (BHA): penetrates follicles to dissolve oil plugs, reduce redness, and stop hairs from curling back in.
👉 Together, this trio clears follicles, reduces bacteria (C. acnes), and helps prevent the cycle of irritation from repeating.
Step 2: Refresh with Orange Blossom & Cucumber Hydrosol
Hydrosols are gentle, water-based plant extracts ideal for post-shave care.
Orange Blossom (Neroli) Hydrosol: lightly antimicrobial, clarifying, and toning — supports a clearer complexion.
Cucumber Hydrosol: cooling, anti-inflammatory, and helps brighten post-inflammatory marks.
This pairing hydrates while calming razor burn, redness, and early folliculitis flare-ups — without clogging pores.
Step 3: Restore with Oil-Free Moisturiser
After cleansing and toning, skin needs hydration and barrier support.
Lightweight, oil-free texture: hydrates without clogging follicles.
Barrier-restoring actives: calm inflammation, reduce redness, and support skin resilience.
Keeps skin supple and less likely to develop ingrown hairs or infections.
Extra Botanical Support
Using oil on breakouts feels counterintuitive, I know. Our first instinct is often to ‘burn them off’ with harsh products — if it stings, it must be working, right? The reality is the opposite. When skin is already inflamed and irritated, stripping it only makes things worse. What your skin really needs is to be calmed and protected so it can repair itself. Our Kawakawa & Kānuka Oil Blend is made with healing native botanicals, not heavy pore-blocking oils.
Kawakawa Oil and Leaf→ treasured in Aotearoa for soothing inflamed, irritated skin with its natural anti-inflammatory compounds.
Organic Kānuka Oil* → antimicrobial, antifungal, and protective, helping keep C. acnes and other bacteria in check.
Organic Almond Oil* → lightweight, nourishing, and easily absorbed, softening without suffocating the skin.
Organic Vitamin E* → antioxidant support that helps strengthen and repair a compromised barrier.
✨ Together, this blend creates a breathable, protective layer that quiets irritation, supports healing, and restores balance — making it an ideal ally when bumps, barber’s rash, or folliculitis strike.
*BioGro NZ Certified Organic
Practical Hygiene Tips - during flare-ups
✔ Change pillowcases every few days (they collect oil + bacteria).
✔ Use clean wash cloths each time — never reuse.
✔ Wash pillowcases and cloths in a hot cycle — drop in a Milton antibacterial tablet for extra protection.
✔ Avoid harsh, alcohol-based or foaming products that strip the skin.
✔ During flare-ups, switch to disposable razors or disinfect blades to reduce bacterial spread.
✔ Always shave with the grain, not against it.
Looking Deeper: Beyond Topical Care
Sometimes bumps keep coming back, even with consistent skincare and hygiene habits. When that happens, it’s worth looking at both deeper treatment options and the bigger picture of overall health.
IPL & Laser Hair Reduction (LHR)
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and certain laser treatments can penetrate deeper into the skin, reducing Cutibacterium acnes (the bacteria linked to acne and folliculitis) and calming inflammation.
Studies show IPL can improve acne severity, regulate oil production, and help restore a healthier skin microbiome.
Caution: For men, laser hair reduction may also permanently reduce beard or neck hair. That’s why it’s usually best to first try topical care and, if needed, prescription options before considering light-based treatments.
Gut, Stress & Emotional Health
Skin conditions like folliculitis and acne don’t just live on the surface — they’re often influenced by what’s happening internally.
Gut–Brain–Skin Connection: Research suggests emotional stress can alter gut health, increase inflammation, and show up in the skin. People with acne are more likely to experience digestive issues such as constipation or IBS.
Stress & Emotions: Chronic stress, anxiety, or holding in emotions can heighten systemic inflammation and worsen breakouts.
Lifestyle Factors: Poor sleep, low-fibre diets, and lack of exercise can all influence both gut and skin health.
Metaphysically, acne has long been linked with themes of anger, self-criticism, and stress — the body’s way of signalling imbalance. While short-term solutions clear the skin, long-term resilience often comes from shifts in daily life, diet, stress management, and self-care.
A Balanced Perspective
Start with surface care: cleansers, hydrosols, and lightweight moisturisers help restore calm and break the irritation cycle. You're probably doing all the hygiene stuff
Medication: If infection has already set in, medication may be needed to get it under control. Your GP can guide you easily on the best treatment.
Consider deeper options carefully: IPL or laser can help, but always with professional guidance.
Look inward too: nourishing the gut, easing stress, and supporting mental wellbeing can be as important as what you apply to your skin.
These insights come from both my own journey with severe acne and the many conversations I’ve had with clients across the world. Skin health is never just surface-deep — it’s a mirror of what’s happening inside and around us. Razor bumps and folliculitis are common and manageable, but they can also be gentle reminders to pause, rebalance, and care for ourselves more fully.
