Treating ingrown hair bumps, blemishes, and boils is just the worst. You can get an ingrown hair wherever you shave, really, although they seem to favor darker, moister areas, such as your inner thighs, your bikini line, and under your arms – ouch! They occur in shaved areas where the hair either grows back into the skin (hence the name) or the hair somehow finds its way back into the follicle and gets trapped. When they occur, they're typically red, swollen, and painful – and if you don't treat them or do it improperly, they can lead to infections. Rather than dealing with pain or scarring, check out these soothing tips for treating ingrown hair problems!
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Prevention is the Best Cure
The best tip I have for treating ingrown hair problems is to prevent them, of course. This article is filled with tips for how to do that, but keep in mind that you can also try to remove hair without shaving it, since shaving is more likely to cause ingrown hairs. Try waxing or sugaring or even laser hair removal, if that's something you're interested in. If not, these tips will help a lot as well!
Maintaining exfoliated skin is key to preventing ingrown hairs. Gently scrub the area with a soft brush or use a mild exfoliant to clear away dead skin cells that can trap hairs. It's also crucial to moisturize daily to keep your skin supple—the softer your skin, the easier it is for new hairs to break through the surface. Opt for non-comedogenic lotions that won't clog your pores. When you do shave, always use a sharp, clean razor and shave in the direction of hair growth to minimize irritation and reduce the chances of an ingrown hair occurring.
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Use Smart Shaving Techniques
You have to make smart decisions when you shave. For instance, never use a dull razor, and definitely never use a blade that has any rust on it. Think about going over your bikini line and your thighs with an electric razor first, especially if the hairs are quite long. Giving them a buzz decreases your chances of missing or damaging the hairs or follicles when you shave with a razor. When you do, make sure that you don't shave too close – those little stubby hairs are far more likely to become ingrown. Never pull or tighten your skin, don't press down too hard, and try to stick to single blades. As well, make sure you shave with the right products, such as shaving creams that work for sensitive skin, have no alcohol, and are classified as non-acnegenic. Also, avoid anything that leaves your skin dry.
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Exfoliate Your Skin
Hairs are less likely to get trapped inside the follicle or start growing inward or sideways when your skin is a nice, smooth surface. Exfoliating gives you that surface by getting rid of damaging dead skin. Try to exfoliate at least twice a week, although if you're shaving often, such as in the summer, then try to use a gentle exfoliating scrub every other day.
Gentle is key when you're exfoliating. Overdoing it can lead to irritation and exacerbate the issue, rather than providing relief. Look for scrubs that contain natural exfoliants, such as sugar or salt, but also include hydrating ingredients to nourish the skin. Alternatively, chemical exfoliants with ingredients like salicylic or glycolic acid can help dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells without the abrasiveness of a scrub. Remember, always follow up with a good moisturizer to keep skin supple and aid in the healing process.
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Tweeze but Don't Pluck
Once you have an ingrown hair, there are several ways to get rid of it. Take your tweezers but DO NOT pluck the ingrown hair! Instead, simply lift the end of it out of the follicle in which it's buried. That gives it the opportunity to heal.
Using your tweezers, gently guide the hair out by nudging it in the direction of hair growth. Exercising patience and care will reduce potential irritation and prevent damaging the skin. Remember, yanking the hair out completely is likely to further inflame the area and might even lead to an infection or another ingrown hair. After you lift the hair, treat the skin with a mild antiseptic to ward off bacteria and soothe any irritation. Then, follow up with a calming moisturizer to promote healing and keep the skin hydrated.
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Soothe with Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is one of the best ingredients for soothing and treating ingrown hairs. It makes them look better and feel better, so look for products that contain it. You can find lots of helpful products that contain salicylic acid while cleaning your pores, moisturizing your skin, exfoliating it, and preventing any infection.
Salicylic acid works wonders by gently exfoliating the surface layer of your skin, helping to release trapped hairs. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce redness and swelling around the affected area, making it a stellar choice for those with sensitive skin. Look for specially formulated lotions or serums designed for post-shave care or targeted treatments for ingrown hairs. Applying these regularly can not only alleviate discomfort but also prevent new ingrown hairs from forming. Remember to patch-test any new product to ensure it's suitable for your skin type.
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Try the Wonders of Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is very soothing as well, plus it's generally handy around the house. Keep it as a back up to the salicylic acid and dab it onto ingrown hairs after dousing a cotton ball or pad with it. You can also look for soothing agents that contain allantoin or azulene.
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Always Moisturize
Try to keep the skin of your inner thighs and your bikini line moisturized, but not greasy. Always make sure there's no extra moisture hiding around down there, but be certain to moisturize with a lightweight lotion – preferably one that contains salicylic acid – after showering and shaving.
Prevention is the best way to treat ingrown hairs, of course, but that's not always possible. However, if you follow these tips, you'll either be able to avoid getting an ingrown hair or you'll be able to treat it quickly. Have you ever had one? Let me know how you got rid of it!
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