Razor bumps and ingrown hairs on the bearded skin are medically referred to as pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB). Razor Bumps are caused by the end of the hair shaft being cut in such a way, as the hair continues to grow it curls into another nearby hair follicle. This introduction of the sharpened end of a hair follicle into another causes an inflammatory response in the skin and leads to a pimple or bump.

Ingrown Hairs:

An ingrown hair is a hair that curls and penetrate the skin with its tip within the hair follicle. When the hair curls and penetrates the skin, inflammation occurs. Sometimes, the small ingrown hair can be seen beneath the raised area. Most ingrown hairs occur in the beard area. Ingrown hairs can also occur in the pubic area and the neck area. Bacteria, yeasts, acne, or fungi infections can further worsen the ingrown hairs.

Razor Burns:

Razor Burns are micro-abrasions. In general, the nicks and cuts from improper shaving. These micro-abrasions usually lead to inflamed red bumps.

Prevent Razor Bumps, Ingrown Hairs, Razor Burns:

One of the best forms of prevention is allowing hairs to grow well above the skin surface. The follicle opening may prevent the hair tip from growing into the skin. However, not many people are willing or able to grow their hairs long enough to prevent their ingrowing. The following are essential key points that will help minimize these shaving problems:

Washing the skin before shaving is helpful in exfoliating. Exfoliating (removing the upper layers of dead skin) your skin is indispensable when trying to prevent razor bumps, ingrown hairs or razor burn. Daily use of a liquid cleanser before shaving not only unclogs pores, it lifts the hair away from the follicle while softening the hair.

Shave with downward strokes (going with the grain). Shaving too close is one of the triggers for razor bump, ingrown hair, and razor burn. The hair stubs are cut too close, get trapped inside the hair follicle and dig inward or sideways. More info on Shaving Tips.

Use a post-shaving product that contains beta hydroxy acid: Acetylsalicylic acid, the main ingredient in the Imperial Touch Razor Bump Solution. This dermatological-grade ingredient is the active substance producing immediate; visible improvements for razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and razor burns. It disinfects, mildly exfoliates surface skin cells, which keeps hair follicles and adjacent areas of the skin clean and unobstructed.

I was wondering if you were going to make note of “propylene glycol.”

:>)