Some women really, really resent shaving (or all hairremoval, for that matter), and justifiably so. It’s time-consuming, it causes bumps and irritations, and it’s a perpetual cycle of growth and regrowth, despite how hard we try to stay smooth and hairless. In fact, if you’re thinking about giving up your razor altogether, I really wouldn’t blame you. You go, girl. After all, dealing with bikini problems from shaving and waxing can be a huge headache.
I, on the other hand, am a shave-for-myself kind of shaver. I’m in a long-distance relationship with a boy in Europe, so we all know it’s not for him. I even shave in the dead of winter, when my legs and bikini line positively will not be seeing the light of day anyway. I like the feeling of smooth skin. I like how my stockings don’t pinch, and my legs don’t scratch against each other when I sit cross-legged. I also don’t mind the routine of it all. That being said, bikini lines are without question the most temperamental and aggravating part of the body to keep smooth. It seems like no matter what you do, ingrown hairs, bumps, rashes, and redness are inevitable. Never fear: I’ve put together a list of the best products for fixing irritation along the bikini line, no matter how sensitive your skin might be.
Reduce Redness After-The-Fact
While preventive measures are usually ideal, if the damage has already been done, this number one best-selling skin treatment solution is the way to go. Tend Skin uses a combination of alcohol and aspirin to astringe the skin, sooth swelling, and prevent redness, and reviewers say that they use it religiously for all parts of their bodies, and would recommend it to anyone and everyone. It’s great at soothing redness, razer bumps, and ingrown hairs — especially for users with sensitive skin.
Prevent Bumps in the First Place — Ditch The Dull Razor
Philips Bikini Trimmer, $15, Amazon
If your razor is dull and poor quality, you’ll need to go over the same spot multiple times to get a close shave, irritating the skin more and more every time. This bikini trimmer from Philips has two precision combs that get the line you want the first time — truly optimizing every movement. It’s got a mini head that fits in tight spots, which is ideal for hard-to-reach areas on the bikini line, while its wet-or-dry function means you don't have to be in the shower to groom.
Alleviate Stubborn Ingrown Hairs With Post-Shave Serum
Whish Flawless Post Wax & Shave Serum, $21, Amazon
If you chronically suffer from ingrown hairs (whether you shave with the grain or not), use this post-grooming serum to weaken the hair follicles that lead to angry red bumps later. It's created with bark and papaya extract that keeps skin supple, while aloe and cucumber oils replenish the moisture lost during shaving or waxing. One user said despite shaving in multiple directions, she's able to use one squeeze of this serum for clear, calm skin all day. Plus, it's travel size, so your beach vacation can be bump-free, too.
Heal Bacterial Infections With Hypoallergenic Charcoal Soap
Konjac Root & Charcoal Sponge, $12, Amazon
This Konjac Root Sponge is hypoallergenic, vegan, natural, and has no chemicals whatsoever. It’s formulated with charcoal to help draw out impurities in the skin as it exfoliates and moisturizes, and if used on the bikini area, it’ll softly cleanse and remove dirt under the skin making easy, effortless, and best of all, sanitary. This soap comes with a hook for drying in a ventilated area, which is great — as bikini bumps can occur because of damp loofahs (aka, the perfect vehicles for bacteria to get into your skin).
Don’t Shave Or Wax – Epilate
Veet Touchably Smooth Epilator, $22, Amazon
When you’ve got skin that’s too sensitive for frequent shaves and not quite cut out for hot wax, this easy-to-use epilator is the answer. Instead of cutting the hair right above the skin or tugging at the epidermis surrounding the follicles, this awesome little tool pulls out the hair by the root for a smooth and long-lasting result. It’s easy to charge, easy to wash, and comes with a pre-epilation comfort spray to reduce pain. Reviewers say it doesn’t hurt much at all, and because the skin is virtually left alone, it’s a great solution for people who are prone to bumps and redness.
Treat Chronic Ingrown Hairs With Exfoliation
No Bump Body Scrub, $10, Amazon
Exfoliating before shaving is one of the best things you can do for smooth, even skin. This body scrub is formulated for exactly that reason: It unclogs pores and removes dead skin so that your razor can glide effortlessly over any area, and it even helps fix itching and uneven skin tone from waxing. It’s made with natural oils that moisturize skin in the process, and it smells great on top of it all!
Choose Oatmeal Gel – Not A Pore-Clogging Cream
Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel, $4, Amazon
Because creams tend to be filled with oils that clog your pores, we should all be investing in a good-quality gel that’s dermatologically recommended for sensitive skin. Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel is one of the best gels out there for a smooth, moisturized, close-to-the-skin shave, and because it’s made with oatmeal and natural lubricants, it won’t cause redness or breakouts. After grappling with a handful of brands, one user said, "It's the best shaving gel out there."
Soothe Razor Burn & Irritation With Kaolin Clay Powder
Ora’s Amazing Herbal Baby Powder, $6, Amazon
Baby powder is considered one of the best post-shaving tricks for smooth skin. However, mainstream brands are often filled with chemicals that clog up your pores, and worse, your lungs. Ora’s Amazing Herbal Baby Powder is made with Kaolin clay powder, baking soda, Arrowroot powder, plantain leaf powder, and raw organic vanilla bean, so skin is protected against bacteria, irritation, and rashes — all while remaining nontoxic. Reviewers also can’t stop talking about how fresh and pleasant it smells, which is a huge bonus.
Moisturize With Fractionated Coconut Oil
Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil, $13, Amazon
Whether you’re looking for a post-shave or pre-shave moisturizer, this fractionated coconut oil is always your answer. It provides tons of miraculous benefits for your skin, like antioxidants, disinfecting agents, and soothing properties. Majestic Pure's coconut oil is ideal because it’s fractionated, which means it’s odorless, colorless, won’t leave a greasy residue, and stays in its liquid form for easy pump-action application. Because it’s entirely natural, even the most sensitive skin loves it, and due to its antibacterial qualities, shave-related infections are a thing of the past.
Utilize Tea Tree Oil To Soothe and Moisturize
Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Skin Ointment, $7, Amazon
This Tea Tree Oil Skin Ointment provides all the benefits of tea tree oil in an easy-to-apply balm. It’s also got other ingredients that do wonders for irritated areas, like sweet almond oil, beeswax, vitamin E, and lavender oil, so skin feels fresh and light after each use. Reviewers say that bumps, redness, and breakouts fade away overnight, and some even say that this balm slows the actual growth of hair. Tea tree oil is a natural coolant for irritated skin, as well as a natural moisturizer for damaged or ingrown follicles.
Wax For Sensitive Skin
Parissa Strip Free Hot Wax, $12, Amazon
Waxing can be tough on sensitive areas, but for those of us who just can’t give it up, not all waxes are created equal. Some are much better for sensitive skin, and this Strip Free Hot Wax system by Parissa is one of them. It’s made with all-natural ingredients, and some say the 24 cream wax strips (in three customizable sizes!) are the best home-waxing solution available on the market today. While most kits are made for fine hair and will only grab the long ones, this system is tough on even the shortest, thickest hair, but gentle enough for all areas of the body.
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Images: Fotolia (1); Amazon (11)
