Ingrown Hairs: Prevention and Best Practices
Greetings and salutations, my beloved beauty crew! I’m Caolan, and I welcome you to But More Importantly. As the colder months have likely led to some hibernation habits, you may have let your grooming routine fall by the wayside, whether it's your armpits, arms, legs, or any other hair-bearing regions. This article is aimed at providing you with the best practices and hacks to avoid ingrown hairs.
Understanding Ingrown Hairs: Causes and Consequences
So, let's decode an ingrown hair. Essentially, it's when a hair that typically grows outwards from the follicle, decides to retreat and go back into the skin. The reason? Dead skin cells, and other debris, block the hair's path, preventing it from growing out naturally. This often results in a frustrating and unattractive pimple-like bump.
Now, a word of caution from first-hand experience: Resist the urge to scratch or pick at an ingrown hair with dirty fingers or outdated tweezers or scissors. I've heard about people being hospitalized with severe skin infections because of this, requiring them to be on IV antibiotics for days. Let's skip this route and focus on prevention instead.
Prevention Strategies: Exfoliate, Hydrate, and Razor Etiquette
Our primary defense against ingrown hair lies in prevention, and we have four vital tips to share.
Exfoliate routinely: While many of us remember to exfoliate our face, neck, and chest, other body parts often get ignored. Consistent exfoliation helps soften your skin, prevents the accumulation of dead skin cells, and provides a smoother surface, especially before any hair removal process. Amlactin is a commendable over-the-counter product. It contains 12% lactic acid and is hydrating. It's an excellent remedy for Keratosis Pilaris, a condition that causes small bumps at the back of your arms. Besides that, it can also be used daily on areas you shave. Its price is approximately $12. Unfortunately, it does have a rather unfavorable odor. Another option is Fur KP Body Scrub, which costs $38. It contains 14% lactic acid and perlite, a natural volcanic rock used for physical exfoliation. Physical exfoliation is generally better for the body than the face. However, if you have active acne or breakouts, refrain from using it until they’ve gone.
Keep skin hydrated: Dry, flaky skin often results in excess dead skin cells, leading to ingrown hairs. Hence, maintaining hydrated skin is crucial. I suggest using a product that both exfoliates and hydrates. The Isdin Uradin Lotion, priced at $42, does the job brilliantly. It contains 10% Urea, a compound that moisturizes and smoothens your skin. However, if your skin is too sensitive for any exfoliating process, or you prefer a conventional moisturizer, Aveeno's Restorative Skin Therapy Moisturizing Oat Repairing Cream is a suitable option. It costs around $15 and contains aloe and pro-vitamin D5.
Shave like a pro: Maintaining hygiene during shaving is paramount and involves the use of a pristine razor. Avoid recycling razors or borrowing from others, as an old or used razor could prove detrimental to your skin. Best practices, informed by numerous experiences, recommend the use of a clean, fresh razor with a lifespan of two to three uses prior to disposal. Contrary to popular belief, single blade razors outshine their multi-blade counterparts. It's a common misperception that a super close shave is desirable: the closer the shave, the greater the risk of ingrown hairs. Hence, single blade razors emerge as the preferred choice. Other shaving strategies include moving the razor in the direction of hair growth, applying a good quality shaving cream or gel, and avoiding skin stretching while shaving. These steps help you avoid over-shaving and protect your skin from cuts. Don't forget to moisturize your skin post-shave.
Exploring Laser Hair Removal: Is It The Right Solution for You?
If within your budget, laser hair removal is an option worth exploring. It presents a long-term answer to hair growth reduction and ingrown hair prevention. However, if you have a history of frequent ingrown hairs, this could be a valuable investment. Be cautious though, steer away from discounted deals offered by non-reputable sources. An alarming number of lawsuits have resulted from burns caused by incorrect laser hair removal treatments, especially from IPLs, which are not true lasers. It is essential to ensure you receive the treatment from a professional, certified provider using a legitimate laser. After all, no one wants a burn in a delicate area, especially with summer around the corner.
So, these are my top four insights and techniques for avoiding ingrown hairs. If you're keen to explore this topic further, or any other topic, feel free to drop a comment. Wishing you a fantastic week ahead!
