Ingrowing hairs usually isn’t too much of a big problem when it occurs. They can appear as just a small pimple that can be barely noticeable. However, if you are a picker then these little problems. And can become deep scars from trying to ‘dig’ them out of your skin. Or the ingrowing hairs have the potential to become very painful and sore. Along with the possibility of scarring, even sometimes leading to operations to have them surgically removed. They are best to avoid all together for the general health and vitality of your skin. These little irritants can be found anywhere on your body or face, as long as there is hair. Ingrowing hairs are most common on the face, underarms, groin and legs, as the hairs tend to be stronger in these areas.
Ingrowing hairs are usually more common in people with thick curly hair, though not exclusive to them. And are caused when the hair breaks away very close to the skin (most commonly caused by shaving, tweezing and sometimes waxing). Hair left in the skin can bend or curl the wrong way, and then become lodged under the skin’s surface rather than facing outward. Our skin and body assume this is a foreign body and will become irritated trying to reject it. This is why the skin can become inflamed and red, often the area surrounding the hair can fill up with puss or a white substance.
Here we have some easy tips to avoid ingrowing hairs and keep your skin smooth and healthy in just a few steps.
Exfoliating is key
Exfoliating is key to maintaining healthy skin and avoiding ingrowing hairs. Exfoliating your skin at least once a week clears away dead skin cells that can stay on your skin if not washed properly. Dead skin cells create an obstruction so that your hairs can’t leave the skin and can cause them to bend into the skin instead. If you wax or tweeze your hair, you should aim to exfoliate at least 3 times a week to make sure to avoid ingrowing hair.
Another advantage to regular exfoliation is that it can also make waxing much smoother. As all of the hair will be removed together and can also lead to being hair free for longer.
Using separate body scrubs and facial scrubs is also an important piece of advice. Most body scrubs you will find in your local beauty shop or high street will be much harsher on your skin in comparison to facial scrubs. Harsher chemicals on your facial skin can cause irritation and breakouts, and in turn lead to more ingrowing hairs.
On the topic of scrubs, aim to use a biodegradable scrub for exfoliating. This ensures no harmful micro-beads are washed back into our oceans and is a big help to avoid plastic waste. If you’re looking for the perfect biodegradable scrub for your beauty needs. We stock a fantastic scrub called Ruff Stuff, which comes in a range of scents and is high quality for a great price.
Moisturising Daily
Moisturise daily and every time you have a wash. If you moisturise this will keep you skin nice and soft. This will in turn help the hair to come out of the skin and prevent any excessive in growing hairs.
If these simple tips above are still not working to treat your ingrowing hairs, or you already have one that is irritated and persistent. We also stock a fantastic product aimed at treating ingrowing hairs. Ingrow Go not only exfoliates the skin to prevent ingrowing hairs. It also includes ingredients that help sterilise pores, reduce swelling and remove dry skin cells.
Exfoliating and moisturising should get rid of most ingrowing hairs. Although sometimes there are some tough ones. Which are sometimes very painful irritating ingrowing hair. Ingrow go should help with these. However if they are very severe you must see your GP to get medical help. But the main thing I must advise is do not pick any ingrowing hair, you could make it worse than it is.
We really hope that the above bits of advice will help to keep those pesky ingrown hairs at bay and help keep your skin healthier and feeling good. If you still have any questions or concerns about your skincare needs and would like to arrange a personal consultation. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch today!