If you’ve struggled with red, inflamed bumps after shaving, you’re not alone. Pseudofolliculitis barbae, also known as razor bumps, is a common condition. It is a chronic condition that affects both men and women, especially those with curly or coarse hair. These bumps occur when shaved hairs curl back into the skin, leading to inflammation, irritation, and, in some cases, infection.
At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego, our board-certified dermatologists offer advanced, dermatologist-led treatments to calm irritation, smooth the skin, and help prevent future breakouts.
What Causes Razor Bumps?
Razor bumps form when hair re-enters the skin after shaving, waxing, or plucking. This triggers inflammation and a foreign body response, which can appear as small, itchy, or pus-filled bumps. Over time, chronic irritation can cause dark spots (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), scarring, and even keloid formation.
Common causes include:
- Shaving too closely or against the direction of hair growth
- Naturally curly hair that’s more prone to ingrown hairs
- Friction from tight collars, masks, or helmets
Common symptoms:
- Tender bumps along the beard, neck, or jawline
- Skin redness and irritation after shaving
- Hyperpigmentation or uneven tone in the affected area
How to Treat Razor Bumps
Treating razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae) requires a comprehensive, dermatologist-guided approach. At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, we focus on:
- Reducing inflammation to calm redness, swelling, and irritation.
- Preventing new ingrown hairs through advanced laser and skincare therapies.
- Promoting healthy skin renewal by stimulating hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastic fiber production.
- Customizing every treatment plan based on your skin type, hair texture, and daily routine for optimal, lasting results.
Laser Hair Removal for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae
One of the most effective ways to manage razor bumps is by reducing hair growth at the root. Laser hair removal uses precise, targeted light energy to disable hair follicles, helping prevent new ingrown hairs from forming.
Our advanced laser, light, and energy-based systems are designed to safely treat all skin types while stimulating collagen, elastic fiber, and hyaluronic acid production, while improving overall texture, clarity, and smoothness.
Benefits include:
- Long-term reduction in hair regrowth
- Decreased inflammation and redness
- Smoother skin with fewer bumps over time
- Minimal downtime and lasting improvement
Individual results may vary. By addressing the source of irritation, laser hair removal not only reduces razor bumps but also enhances skin tone and elasticity.
Can Laser Treatment Remove Razor Bumps?
Laser therapy offers one of the most effective and lasting solutions for reducing razor bumps. With each session, patients often notice smoother skin, fewer ingrown hairs, and a visible reduction in irritation. Over time, laser treatments can help maintain clearer, healthier-looking skin with minimal discomfort and downtime.
At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants carefully assess your skin tone, hair color, and medical history to choose the most effective laser technology. Each treatment helps control inflammation and improve skin health.
Laser therapy is particularly beneficial for those who experience chronic pseudofolliculitis barbae that hasn’t responded to shaving adjustments or topical products.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for Recalcitrant Pseudofolliculitis Barbae
For patients who prefer to keep their hair or have resistant forms of pseudofolliculitis barbae, photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a powerful alternative. PDT combines a topical photosensitizing agent with red light at a specific wavelength to reduce inflammation and destroy acne-causing bacteria.
A published case study (Diernaes & Byhum, Photodiagnosis Photodynamic Therapy, 2013) demonstrated complete clearance of a 4-year case of recalcitrant pseudofolliculitis barbae after two PDT treatments spaced one week apart, with no flare-ups for over a year.
At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, we offer PDT as an option for patients seeking approaches that don’t involve hair removal or those who have not responded to traditional therapies. Our dermatologists are global experts in PDT and principal investigators in FDA trials validating this treatment.
Topical Treatments for Mild to Moderate Razor Bumps
For patients with less severe symptoms or as part of a comprehensive plan, we often recommend dermatologist-formulated topical treatments.
Retinoids
- Encourage gentle exfoliation and help prevent clogged follicles
- Reduce dark spots and improve overall skin tone
Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) Wash
- Targets bacteria and inflammation that worsen pseudofolliculitis barbae
- Helps keep pores clear and prevent infection
- Available for purchase at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology for convenient at-home use
These treatments work best when used under professional guidance to ensure the right concentration and combination for your skin type.
Our Proprietary Skin Renewal Treatments
For those left with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or scarring from chronic razor bumps, CLDerm offers proprietary skin rejuvenation treatments that promote natural skin healing and collagen remodeling.
Our exclusive procedures include Take10, Take5, and 3xFacial, which stimulate collagen, elastic fiber, and hyaluronic acid production, improving texture, tone, and overall skin health.
These customized treatments are designed to restore clarity, firmness, and resilience to skin affected by long-term inflammation. Individual results may vary.
Preventing Future Razor Bumps
Smarter Shaving and Skincare Habits
- Always shave in the direction of hair growth and avoid going over the same area repeatedly.
- Replace razor blades frequently to reduce friction and irritation
- Use a warm compress before shaving to soften hair and open pores
- Apply soothing, non-comedogenic aftershaves or moisturizers to calm the skin
Maintenance Treatments and Follow-Up Care
- Periodic laser touch-up sessions may help maintain results
- A dermatologist-supervised skincare routine using Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) wash or retinoids can help keep skin clear and balanced
- Avoid picking or squeezing bumps, which can lead to scarring
Why Choose Cosmetic Laser Dermatology for Razor Bump Treatment?
With over 35 years of experience and access to more than 60 state-of-the-art laser, light, and energy devices, Cosmetic Laser Dermatology offers the most comprehensive approach to pseudofolliculitis barbae in San Diego.
Our dermatologists are leaders in both cosmetic and medical dermatology, combining clinical expertise with proprietary, research-backed treatments to achieve natural-looking results. We’ve led 300+ clinical studies since 1984 and remain at the forefront of laser and cosmetic research.
We understand that razor bumps are not just a cosmetic concern; they affect comfort, confidence, and quality of life. That’s why each treatment plan is personalized to your needs, guided by science, and delivered with precision and care.
Ready to Reclaim Smooth, Healthy Skin?
If you’re struggling with chronic razor bumps or post-shave irritation, schedule a consultation with our expert dermatology team at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology.
We’ll create a customized plan using the most advanced treatments, laser hair removal, topical therapy, or photodynamic therapy to help you achieve clearer, healthier skin.
Your skin deserves expert care—trust San Diego’s leading dermatology practice to restore your confidence and skin health.
Call 858.943.2113 or contact us to schedule your consultation today.
