Get professional ideas from a dermatologist to forestall ingrown hairs and razor bumps. These will preserve clean pores and skin and relieve discomfort.
Troubled by ingrown hair? It may possibly remodel clean pores and skin into tough patches accompanied by darkish spots and swelling. This irritation sometimes happens in delicate areas the place the pores and skin is extra susceptible to points. To maintain your pores and skin wanting its greatest and to ease any discomfort, it’s essential to know how you can forestall ingrown hair and razor bumps, particularly when you repeatedly take away hair. A dermatologist provides useful insights on this widespread concern, guiding people on how you can care for his or her pores and skin whereas sustaining its well being and radiance.
What’s ingrown hair?
An ingrown hair happens when hair that has been reduce or eliminated grows again into the pores and skin relatively than rising via the hair follicle. This usually outcomes from a buildup of useless pores and skin cells that blocks the hair’s pure exit route, as reported within the Biochemistry and Biophysics journal. Whereas shaving is often blamed for inflicting ingrown hair, different strategies, reminiscent of waxing, may also contribute to the issue. Recognising the causes is step one in the direction of efficient prevention.
What’s the major reason behind ingrown hair?
Ingrown hair can kind on any space of the physique the place hair is eliminated. Listed here are a number of the most typical causes:
- Improper hair elimination strategies: Shaving or waxing in opposition to the course of hair progress may cause hair to develop into trapped underneath the pores and skin.
- Frequent hair elimination: “Eradicating hair too usually, with out permitting sufficient time for regrowth, will increase the chance of ingrown hair, dermatologist Dr Madhulika Mhatre tells Well being Pictures.
- Curly hair: People with curly hair could also be extra vulnerable, because the pure curl can result in hair rising again into the pores and skin as an alternative of outward.

Tips on how to forestall ingrown hair?
To assist forestall ingrown hair, keep away from shaving, tweezing, and waxing. If these strategies are unavoidable, think about using the next dermatologist-recommended ideas:
- Common exfoliation: Exfoliating the pores and skin as soon as per week might help take away useless pores and skin cells that block hair follicles. “Utilizing pure exfoliators, reminiscent of a sugar scrub made out of sugar blended with water or milk”, recommends Dr Mhatre.
- Moisturise earlier than hair elimination: Hydration is essential. Moisturising the pores and skin earlier than shaving or waxing helps soften the hair and improves the glide of the razor or waxing strip. “An excellent high quality moisturiser could make a big distinction,” states Dr Mhatre.
- Think about your hair elimination methodology: In the event you’re susceptible to ingrown hair, you may wish to discover different hair elimination strategies, reminiscent of laser hair elimination, which might successfully cut back hair progress over time.
- Sanitise your razor: Conserving your shaving instruments clear can’t be overstated. Earlier than every use, dip your razor in sanitiser for five to 10 minutes to get rid of micro organism. After shaving, rinse the razor and retailer it in a dry space to forestall contamination.
- Select disposable razors rigorously: Many individuals unknowingly misuse disposable razors, utilizing them a number of instances. “Utilizing boring blades will increase the chance of ingrown hair,” advises Dr Mhatre. At any time when attainable, go for a contemporary razor with a pointy blade for one of the best outcomes.
- Shave within the course of hair progress: Shaving with the grain, that means within the course of hair progress, can considerably cut back the chance of ingrown hair. “The significance of this step, noting that it’s usually ignored. Take your time to keep away from speeding via the shave,” highlights Dr Mhatre.
- Keep away from conventional soaps and bathe gels: Overly harsh soaps and bathe gels can dry out the pores and skin, resulting in an elevated danger of ingrown hair. As an alternative, select shaving lotions or gels which can be particularly formulated for shaving. These merchandise create a protecting barrier, permitting for a smoother shaving expertise.
Tips on how to deal with ingrown hair?
In the event you develop ingrown hair, addressing it promptly is essential to forestall discomfort and an infection.
- Exfoliate to deal with ingrown hair: Light exfoliation might help liberate trapped hair. “The usage of sugar scrubs for this objective. Nevertheless, individuals with dry pores and skin ought to restrict exfoliation to keep away from additional irritation,” suggests Dr Mhatre.
- Looking for skilled assist: For deeply embedded ingrown hair or extreme instances, over-the-counter remedies is probably not efficient. Think about scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist, who can present acceptable care.
Disclaimer: At Well being Pictures, we’re dedicated to offering correct, dependable, and genuine data to assist your well being and well-being. Nevertheless, the content material on this web site is meant solely for informational functions and shouldn’t be thought of an alternative to skilled medical recommendation, prognosis, or remedy. All the time seek the advice of a professional healthcare supplier for personalised recommendation concerning your particular medical situation or considerations.