While we continuously strive for smooth and flawless skin, in-grown hairs seem to take that as a challenge. Here is all you need to know to end those pesky bumps forever. What are they? An in-grown hair is normally red or brown and tender to the touch. When you get an ingrown hair something blocked the hair from growing out the surface straight, and they hair curled back into the follicle creating a pimple-like bump on the outer layer of the skin. They usually happen as a result of shaving or waxing.
If you shave…
Make sure to start with a moisturized base, lather your designated area with a shaving cream of your choice, and use a sharp, clean blade. If the blade is dull, it will not remove the hair evenly giving your strands an opportunity to turn back around into the skin and create an in-grown. Also, be sure to shave in the direction in which your hair grows.
If you wax…
Waxing too early will cause hairs to break unevenly instead of being pulled out from the root, opening the door to a ingrown or other irritation related bumps.
How should treat them?
Usually they go away with time however, if you can’t stand the sight of it try using an acne treatment with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Apply directly to the bump to reduce inflammation or redness. If you are ready to extract the hair, and can see the hair is ready to be removed, grab a warm towel and gently press it against the bump. Next, grab a pair of pointed tweezers, sterilize them, and softly push against your skin to see if the hair is near the surface. Slowly pull on the hair with your tweezers. Once the hair is removed be sure to wash the area with soap and water and immediately apply an antiseptic.
How to make sure they never return
If you are prone to ingrown hairs, be sure to exfoliate daily. This removes any dirt, oil, or dead skin that could block the hair from growing out straight. Be sure to carefully clean all the tools you use on your skin such as your razor or tweezers. After waxing or using a razor be sure to moisturize the skin with an in-grown hair serum and lotion to prevent future ingrown hairs.