Ingrown hairs can develop in all areas of the body subject to shaving or hair removal. In our guide you will discover how to avoid ingrown hairs to have smooth and soft skin for longer.
Ingrown hairs are a problem that generally affects adolescents and adults in areas subjected to continuous shaving or depilation. They are nothing more than hairs under the skin that grow backwards or laterally instead of developing outwards. The formation generally occurs in men on the skin of the face and in women on the legs or in the groin due to the frequency of depilation/shaving.
Causes of Ingrown Hairs
The causes of ingrown hairs can be many and may not always be linked to shaving or hair removal.
Ingrown hairs on the legs can form in the case of hair removal with wax or silk-epil. In these cases the hair, after being pulled out at the root, finds a blocked epidermal passage and in its growth remains in the subcutaneous layer. This creates subcutaneous hair that cannot be removed by simple epilation.
Ingrown hairs can also form when using a razor due to hasty and incorrect shaving. In fact, when we shave, we tend to keep the skin taut to avoid cuts; when the skin then returns to its natural position, the hair tends to retract inward. When it tries to grow outward and out of the hair bulb, it finds an obstruction and therefore grows curved.
Dry, unexfoliated skin also increases the chance of ingrown hairs growing . Clogged pores accumulate waste substances and dead cells that do not allow the hair to come out.
In the presence of hair under the skin , inflammation and redness can form, causing burning, sensitivity, small lesions and itching.
How to get rid of ingrown hairs
To eliminate ingrown hairs , start with proper skin exfoliation: regularly removing dead cells will help avoid the accumulation of cells in the hair follicles, thus avoiding hindering the exit of the hair.
You can exfoliate your skin with a classic DIY homemade scrub , mixing sugar (or salt) together with oil or simply adding it to your regular body wash.
The mechanical rubbing will remove dead cells, leaving the skin smooth and soft.
You can also exfoliate using an Enzyme Exfoliating Gel : the fruit enzymes contained in the product help you remove dead cells without having to scrub, reducing the risk of irritation.
Once the skin is exfoliated, you can carefully remove the hair using clean, disinfected tweezers .
If you choose to use this method, be very careful as it could be dangerous: there is a risk of making the skin bleed and creating lesions and scars that would be more aesthetically visible (and long-lasting!) than a simple ingrown hair!
How to avoid ingrown hairs
You can avoid ingrown hairs with a few simple habits to practice before waxing or epilation.
Before waxing: prepare your skin.
If you use a razor, soften your skin with warm water and use a pH-neutral cleanser to cleanse before shaving.
Be careful to shave correctly: remove the hairs with the razor using gentle pressure and following the direction of their growth. No to shaving against the grain, so if we want to prevent ingrown hairs!
After waxing: moisturize your skin.
Choose moisturizing and nourishing products that will help keep your skin soft and supple to prevent ingrown hairs.
Use a cream enriched with soothing ingredients to pamper your skin after hair removal and avoid redness.
You can also choose a body butter with urea , a super-hydrating natural ingredient, naturally present on our skin, which helps keep your skin soft, hydrated and chapped.
Use moisturizer every day to keep your skin soft and supple.
Exfoliate your skin regularly: Exfoliating your skin is a necessary and very important step to keep it healthy and eliminate dead cells, reactivate microcirculation and avoid dry skin.
Remember not to exfoliate your skin immediately before or after hair removal: exfoliate 2-3 days before hair removal and wait at least a week before scrubbing, especially if you have waxed.
Find out everything about leg scrubs in our guide, perfect for preventing ingrown hairs!
To not miss our advice on the best cosmetics and tutorials, continue reading in our body care section!
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