Salicylic does help with bumps and burns. It is derived from willow bark. But basically it's aspirin. You can find one of the active ingredients in acne treatments are salicylic acid. Aspirin is basically salicylic acid. Vinegar also contains salicylic acid. Lately I have been using Burt's Bee acne wash and a home concoction of aloe and aspirin (crushed and mixed). I also use an antibiotic creme on my face too with pure tea tree oil. My technique is not really the issue. Well, I am not saying it could not be improved. The redness and bumps on my neck are from folliculitus. I had it before I started straight shaving. Of note, the straight razor has helped with the bumps after I got better with it's use.