Eliminate Ingrown Hairs and Razor Bumps: 5 Home Remedies to Try
Ingrown hairs occur when a hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin instead of rising up from it. They often appear as small, red bumps or sometimes as pus-filled lesions. These can cause discomfort, itching, and inflammation. They’re most common in areas that are frequently shaved or waxed, such as the beard area for men and the legs, armpits, and bikini area for women.
Razor Bumps: Razor bumps, also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, are small, irritated bumps that occur after shaving. They result from hair follicles becoming inflamed due to improper shaving techniques, especially in individuals with curly or coarse hair. When the hair is cut too close to the skin and then curls back into the skin, it can cause inflammation, leading to these bumps.
Understanding the Causes of Ingrown Hairs and Razor Bumps: Key Contributing Factors
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Improper shaving technique: Shaving too closely, using a dull blade, shaving against the grain, or not using adequate lubrication.
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Curly or coarse hair: Curved hair tends to grow back into the skin more easily.
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Tight clothing: Friction from tight clothing can exacerbate the problem.
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Skin type: Individuals with naturally thick or oily skin may be more prone to these issues.
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Plucking or waxing: These hair removal methods can also cause hairs to grow back improperly.
Impact of Ingrown Hairs and Razor Bumps on Skin: Understanding Discomfort and Effects
Ingrown hairs and razor bumps can cause various discomforts, including:
- Itching: The affected area may itch due to the irritation.
- Pain: Sometimes, the bumps can become tender and painful to the touch.
- Inflammation: The skin around the affected area can become red and swollen.
- Infection: In some cases, these bumps can become infected, leading to more severe issues.
These conditions can be bothersome and may cause self-consciousness due to their appearance. They might also lead to scarring if picked or scratched repeatedly.
Preventing and Treating Ingrown Hairs: Effective Strategies and Remedies
1. Exfoliate
The number one tip for preventing ingrown hairs and razor bumps is exfoliating 1- 2 days before shaving. According to Epilator Girl, one of the main causes of ingrown hairs is a thick layer of dead skin cells that block the surface of the skin, preventing normal hair growth. An exfoliating glove and exfoliating soap are recommended for this purpose.
2. Salt and honey scrub
You know you should exfoliate but you don’t want to use a store-bought product full of chemicals. Use this home remedy solution from Inhabitat. Simply mix 1/2 sea salt with 1/2 cup honey and while in the shower, gently scrub the homemade scrub into the skin. When you’re finished, rinse with non-irritating soap and water.
3. Moisturize
It’s the simples advice, by Skinacea explains that moisturizing, even when you don’t think your skin is dry, will help push out ingrown hairs and soothe irritated skin. You can use an all-natural store bought moisturizer, coconut oil, or any other moisturizer. The important thing is to moisturize every day.
4. Safely remove the hair
If you see that devilish hair it’s time to take it out. But wait! There’s a safe way to do it. According to Everyday Roots, you should soak tweezers in rubbing alcohol to disinfect them. Exfoliate the area of skin around the ingrown hair to remove any dead skin cells. After exfoliating, dab the skin with a washcloth run under hot water. This will soften the skin. When you’re ready, use the sterilized tweezers to carefully grasp the hair and pull it out. Rinse one more time and then apply a spot of coconut oil to ease any irritation caused by the procedure.
5. Aspirin and honey
A Byrdie once told us aspirin contains salicylic acid, which, according to WebMD, increases moisture in the skin and makes it easier to shed dead skin cells. To treat ingrown hairs, crush 3 aspirin tablets and mix their contents with 1 teaspoon honey and 1/2- 1 teaspoon honey to make a paste. Simply apply to the affected area and wait 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water and a wash cloth.
Originally posted 2018-01-20 14:21:23.
