Swimming Season

Updated on July 14, 2008
M.O. asks from Shawnee, KS
49 answers

As the swimming season is upon us I am having to shave my bikini area more often. However, the more frequent the more razor rash I get. Does anyone have any suggestions on things to use so this does not happen? I have tried Bikini Zone amongst other things in the store. Thanks in advance for all your great advice!

15 moms found this helpful

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So What Happened?

I got many varieties of suggestions and I cannot wait to try a lot of them to see which one works best for me. I just want to thank everyone for all their great advice. At first I was nervous to ask that question since it was so personal but then I realized that I am not the only one. Thanks Ladies!

Featured Answers

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K.V.

answers from St. Louis on

Hey M.
Passion Parties has an AWESOME shave cream called Unisex Shave Cream, I used to get really bad ingrown hairs and have used this since Nov 05 and haven't had one since!! I love it. I can help you if you would like to try it!
K.

4 moms found this helpful
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K.J.

answers from Joplin on

he best thing to use after shaving is baby oil. I buy the kind that is emulsified, so it's like lotion. You will not have that rash anymore.

4 moms found this helpful
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T.M.

answers from Atlanta on

M., I know that you've gotten lots of responses so far, all are good, but the best piece of advice that I have gotten about shaving in general is to shave in the direction of the hair growth, then shave again in the opposite direction to get the remaining stubble. This got rid of bumps for me. Shaving doesn't last nearly as well as waxing or using nair, but give that a try. I use Satin Care by Gillett, it is great, but a friend of mine swears by Barbisoll shave cream for women. Either way, shaving in the direction of hair growth first lessens the result of hair bumps. Good luck!!

T.

3 moms found this helpful

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K.G.

answers from Kansas City on

I too was told several years ago to try deodorant and it does work. When they told me and I said I thought that was odd, they asked me if I ever had razor burn on my arm pits because that is very sensitive skin too. I might get slight razor burn there but not much so I gave it a shot for the bikini area and it does help a lot. I will also use a product called Visible Aid from Aloette sometimes which is marketed for sun burns and such but works well for raxor burns too. If I had the money I would do laser hair removal. I have never tried Veet but reading the reponse here about it I might have to try... at least start with the legs and see how that goes since they are not so sensitive.

4 moms found this helpful
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B.B.

answers from Albuquerque on

I can see a lot of people have been giving you advice, many of them sound like they might work for you. I perform the waxing services and I tell everyone the best thing to do is when you're in the shower use a loofah glove and gently go against the hair growth each time you shower. This allows the hairs to be lifted off the skin and decrease irritation. Make sure you use lotion in the waxed or shaved area all the time. If the irritation is bad just use a small amount of hydrocortisone cream for a day or so. But for sure waxing is the best thing you can do, and it gets a lot more comfortable the more often you have it done.

4 moms found this helpful
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H.N.

answers from St. Louis on

My aunt is a nurse and suggested that I use diaper rash cream after I shave. It works like a charm!

4 moms found this helpful

S.M.

answers from St. Louis on

I know this sounds strange but someone told me to do this a few years ago and it really works: put deodorant on it. After you shave and get out of the bath or shower rub your deodorant along the area that you just shaved. THe kind I use is Lady Speed stick Orchard blossom. I am not sure why this works but I have not had razor burn since.

4 moms found this helpful
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T.T.

answers from Kansas City on

I used to be a slumber party consultant and the best remedy that I still use is a product called coochie Better yet it comes in different scents or no scented. --Give it a try I think you'll like it.

3 moms found this helpful
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R.W.

answers from Tampa on

Aloe and Green Tea lotion works great on all rashes on all parts of the body. Also on dry skin and sun burns.

3 moms found this helpful
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L.L.

answers from Cincinnati on

Hi M.,
Not that I can wear a bikini;(

But this has worked for me during swim suit season-

after i shave along the swim suit lines (upper thigh) I put a layer of antibiotic ointment over the area-like Neosporin. For some reason it keeps those red, rashy bumps from appearing. This is a personal suggestion and not meant to be medical advice.

Enjoy the summer!
L.

3 moms found this helpful
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N.E.

answers from Tampa on

I have very sensitive skin. I have tried sooo many different products and procedures, minus the lazer hair removal. I will tell you what works like a dream for me. I use pure lavender oil after shaving. It has been like a little blessing in a bottle.

2 moms found this helpful
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C.B.

answers from Austin on

As a Passion Party consultant, you should have a product in your stuff for just such a thing. PureRomance parties have something called coochie. It is for shaving your bikini area. I have a horrible time with shaving and getting rash. I use Suave hair conditioner for bikini area shaving cream. It works like a charm. I cannot shave every day or no matter what I used I would get a rash. Try every other day and the Suave, it is cheaper than other products and works as well. CB PS Passion Parties are AWESOME!

2 moms found this helpful
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M.D.

answers from Kansas City on

I would have to say I totally recommend the laser hair removal. At most places that do it, you can get a 50% off as well as a payment plan if you choose to go standby. That means you don't make appointments...they call you when someone's appointment gets cancelled or they have no-shows, and you get the option of taking their spot. And honestly, by the time they are done (takes up to 5 treatments or so) it is as smooth as it was before hair ever began to grow there! It's still kind of pricey, but less costly than a lifetime of razors and shaving creams:)

2 moms found this helpful
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E.W.

answers from St. Louis on

Diaper Rash Ointment. Put a thick coat on right away and it should help.

2 moms found this helpful
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M.J.

answers from Kansas City on

I have tried sooo many things, as I have had the same problem. I tried everything that is supposed to be specifically for your bikini area. Nothing has worked at all. One day, I ran out of the stuff that doesn't work and I used my husbands after shave lotion- it works great! I've been using it ever since and haven't had razor burn once since! I use the Gillette brand. You'll smell like a man- but only for a few minutes really. The next best thing I've found is all natural coconut lotion. It doesn't work quite as well- I have to use it two or three times. The only other thing I've used that sometimes works is Neosporin. It doesn't work as quickly as the after shave lotion either. After shave lotion is designed to prevent razor burn on a man's face- so it kindof makes sense that it would work... :) Good luck!

2 moms found this helpful
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P.B.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi M.,

I don't remember where I originally got the idea, but I've been using a hair trimmer (the kind marketed to men for trimming sideburns and mustaches) and it works absolutely great. I don't have to shave any more often than I would w/a razor, and there is absolutely no irritation. I love it! Don't need water, soap, lotion -- nothing. It does help if the skin is absolutely dry. Wahl makes one called "Groomsman," which I liked. I've also used a Conair. Good luck!

2 moms found this helpful
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A.S.

answers from Denver on

I realize you asked this question quite awhile ago but I really think this works and it's easy!

I just got this piece of advice from the radio. I heard them say that razors, if allowed to remain wet will develop a bacteria (i'm using the word bacteria but I'm not exactly sure of the right word). This bacteria will cause the dreaded red bumps after shaving. So, keep your razor clean and dry. I've been doing it for over 2 weeks and no bumps on my legs or bikini line. It's great!

2 moms found this helpful
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C.H.

answers from St. Louis on

I had the same problem for years and ended up having to pay for waxing because that was the only way that I didn't have red huge bumps around my bikini line....(which I got everytime I shaved no matter what I tried). I would go to Season's Day Spa on Lindbergh by Ronnie's Plaza. Tina recommended a product they sold for ingrown hairs (which I would get periodically from the waxing) and I bought the bottle for $20 and its called PFI and its a roll on. I use it everytime I shave (everyday) and have NO red bumps whatsoever!!! The stuff is amazing! I have tried all of the stuff at the stores and nothing worked but this did. Its for men & women to use for shaving, waxing, & laser hair removal. I've had the bottle for almost a year and its about 1/2 gone and I use it daily....so it may seem like a little bottle for $20 but it last a long time. Also, the amount of money its saved me from not having to get waxed every four weeks.....Hope this helps!

2 moms found this helpful
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R.C.

answers from St. Louis on

hello M.,

have you ever tried a bikini wax? it is a little painful, but worth it. the best waxer i know is judith at olivers in lafeyette square. the other people i have gone to are; natalie at salon paillon in des peres, and mary at samantha's other place in clayton. if you need their numbers send me a message. i even got my mom into the waxing!

2 moms found this helpful
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L.F.

answers from Kansas City on

It's not the most wonderful way but I go to Salon Oasis for a bikini wax. It hurts for a few minutes but I don't have to worry about razor burn or the itchiness when the hair starts growing back. It last about 3 to 4 weeks. Best thing I have ever done!

1 mom found this helpful
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J.K.

answers from Topeka on

TendSkin helps. It's expensive, but works for me. I've bought is high end salons and it nay be available at Beauty Brands. I also use Nair insted of shaving. If you are going to shave the quality of the razor makes a huge difference. Also, when I was wearing a suit on a regular basis I would wax. It sucked, but was totally worth it. fewer bumps and it lasted longer. Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.R.

answers from Denver on

Sorry to go against the grain, but I had a terrible time with waxing. I started shaving and had few problems with it, but I'm so fair and any hair grew in too dark for me. I tried waxing once and had ingrown hair issues for the next 10 years of monthly waxes. I used a loofah, Tendskin but nothing worked for the ingrown hairs except plucking them out and leaving a terrible red mark or scab...SEXY! I finally went for laser hair removal and it was a dream. Painful and pricey, yes. But way cheaper than monthly waxes. After 5-6 treatments and zero hair for a year, I started growing hair again, but it's fine and light and is a breeze to shave once a week. Just another option to consider. If the other stuff works for you, maybe use it as a last alternative?

1 mom found this helpful
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M.B.

answers from Denver on

It looks like you already had alot of responses but just wanted to say waxing is great. You will get the bumps at first but after that it is so smooth, for weeks! And the hair will grow in thinner as well. And by the way, shaving can cause ingrown hairs as well! I do my own waxing, I just buy the kit at the drug store. If you have some cash to burn it would probably be worth it to have it professionally done.

1 mom found this helpful
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B.S.

answers from Wichita on

I wish I had better advice than this.....I have actually started plucking mine with tweezers. I have very sens. skin and many of the products were burning me. The old tweezers are time consuming, but it looks much better :)

1 mom found this helpful
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L.L.

answers from San Francisco on

Have you heard of coochy shave lotion? It really does work for bikini rash. Look up my website pleasuresfromtheheart.net and call me and I will send you one.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.B.

answers from Wichita on

Good Morning M., I have done a couple of things with this problem. The first one I did for a while worked very well with not causing the red rash burn. I used hair conditioner on my legs. I also exfoliated first to make the hair closer to the surface. Worked pretty well.

I saw one of those Tweezes from the info mercials at Walgreens and thought why not. So I have used that also. It does pull the first time you use it, but its easy and it doesn't cause a razor type burn. I tired it under my arms first just to see how well it worked, cause I need to shave about every other day. Grrrrrrrrr My sis hardly ever has to shave at all!! She's the Pretty one.. lol Family joke ;)

The tweeze works pretty well it's small so it may take some time. They do make a tweeze for legs which is bigger in size has a larger shave head.

Good Luck and have a wonderfully smooth swim time ;)
K.

1 mom found this helpful
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B.L.

answers from Jacksonville on

I read as a teenager to use antibacterial soap before and after shaving, and it helps a ton (but not 100%). I tried to stop using it recently, and ended up with boils all over my legs. It's simple enough to help at least.

1 mom found this helpful
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E.K.

answers from Wichita on

I always put baby oil on my legs and bikini area. Works great for me. Hope you find something that works for you!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.D.

answers from Kansas City on

I had the same problem 'til I start using a electric razor. Waxing left me torn up and then waiting to get long enuf to wax again, not fun. The electric razor fast and can do it any time. I usually only buy the 30 dollars one and they last me 2 years. So, if it was me go for the electric razor.

1 mom found this helpful
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T.D.

answers from Dallas on

I use Arbonne Baby Care Herbal Diaper Rash Cream. It works wonders on bumps and prevents me from getting future breakouts!

1 mom found this helpful
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B.S.

answers from St. Joseph on

Hi M. ~

I have to say, Bikini wax is the way to go! I just recently had my first one...I was sooooo nervous, but getting over the initial "OMG, someone is looking at that down there", I LOVE IT!!! I've now had two, and haven't had to shave yet this summer! They are fairly reasonable too...around $30, and for all the work that I now don't have to do down there, totally worth every penny!

Good Luck
B.

1 mom found this helpful
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B.D.

answers from Kansas City on

It might sound silly, but baby powder works for me. I just put it on after I shave and never get a rash. Ifnothing else works, they're making really cute swim shorts nowdays!

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M.T.

answers from Springfield on

I have found that I don't get the red bumps if I shave EVERY day.

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K.W.

answers from Kansas City on

Get it waxed!!! Hurts like you-know-what (especially the first time), but it's soooo worth it.

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L.K.

answers from Wichita on

try rubbing alcohol followed by either lotion or baby oil. I know that the rubbing alcohol will burn, but it has stopped razor burn (dry rash) for me for 16 years! It also helps when the hair grows back in so it's not sticking or catching on all of your clothes.

J.B.

answers from Kansas City on

Ditto on the waxing. Not fun for fifteen minutes, but totally worth it for a couple of weeks.

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A.K.

answers from St. Louis on

If you shave in the shower, wait until your skin is warm and moist, use a new razor, and a good shaving cream. It should be better.

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M.F.

answers from San Diego on

Hi M.,
I used to get frequent ingrown hairs from shaving in addition to the rash. Laser hair removal is the way to go! It's more cost effective than waxing in the long run. It takes 5-6 sessions spread a month or so apart and you have to shave before the treatment (not wax), but even before the hair is completely gone, the hair that remains doesn't seem to cause the rash, bumps or ingrown hairs. She uses a numbing cream so it's not that uncomfortable. It's a great feeling not to have to worry about your bikini line
However, not all nurses and machines are the same. If you're in north county, I recommend you go to Gina at Derm Aesthetic Center ###-###-####). She's more reasonably priced than most. She has a gentle touch but gets good results. Also, she's a mom of 3 young kids and is working hard to open her new location. I plan to call her to tell her that I mentioned her name on Mammasource. If you mention the reference, I'm sure she'll give you a discount.

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E.S.

answers from Stationed Overseas on

Only one other person hit on that on: since I shave with the growth of my hair in the bikini zone my razor rash is pretty much gone except of a red bump here and there. I also use a dry double razor and just shave on the dry skin. That way it cuts the hair away if shaving in direction of growth. I also just shave without making anything wet or using any shaving cream or shampoo unter my arms and that works great as well.

Good luck!

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S.H.

answers from Killeen on

Have you tried using Veet? I use it on my legs, bikini, and armpits. THe hair on my legs has already thinned out and grows in so much slower. I used to have to shave every day, now I can use Veet once a week! Good luck!

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E.Y.

answers from Topeka on

I shave my bikini line once a week. My first suggestion that I find most women forget, is make sure you have a good razor! Don't be stingy with the shaving cream either. And the one thing that has helped me the most, immediately afterward use a sugar or salt scrub where you shaved. Good luck!

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M.G.

answers from Kansas City on

Waxing! It will last longer. Good Luck!

D.H.

answers from Kansas City on

I wax the bikini area and in between shave with a fresh razor and gel. Then I use the Noxema bikin gel. It works better than the Bikini Zone. Waxing is the best way to go. You may have bumps for a day or two and then they are gone for weeks. Good Luck and God Bless.

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L.B.

answers from St. Joseph on

I've had this problem for 20 years ever since I taught swimming lessons as a kid...the only thing that never gave me the razor burn or the pimply rashes was using an electric razor...I still shaved my legs, but pubic and underarm hair went electric.

I've tried everything on the market from Nair, to coochy lotion and spray and none of it worked for me w/o ingrown hairs...only other option I could recommend would be laser removal...I have a friend doing it and is on a monthly payment plan...says it's completely painless and you never have to worry about the hair EVER coming back! :) If I could afford it...that's where I'd be!

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T.V.

answers from New York on

tell me more about passion party

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A.H.

answers from Chicago on

Use hydrocortisone cream from the drug store. Works so well on bumps. Hope your summer is great.

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M.E.

answers from St. Louis on

It helped me to use the small razors they make specifically for that area, and also the shave gel. I wold still get some bumps, but it was WAY better.

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D.W.

answers from Wichita on

I use some stuff called Tend Skin. You can get it at a lot of different salons and spas. It is a little pricey, but the bottle lasts me for a very long time. I use it on my bikini area and on my armpits. It seems to be the only thing that has helped me as I have a big problem with razor burn.

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