Ingrown hairs occur when a hair grows back into the skin. Regular exfoliation, careful hair removal and treatments such as SkinBase Microdermabrasion and IPL can help reduce their occurrence. Ingrown hairs are common, particularly in areas you regularly shave or wax. While they are usually harmless, they can feel sore and look inflamed. Find out what causes ingrown hairs, and what you can do to help prevent them.
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What Is an Ingrown Hair?
An ingrown hair develops when a hair curls or grows sideways beneath the skin instead of rising through the surface. This can cause a raised bump that feels itchy, tender or uncomfortable.
Some ingrown hairs may become inflamed or infected. Avoid picking or squeezing them, as this can damage the skin and increase the risk of infection.
What Causes Ingrown Hairs?
Ingrown hairs often appear when dead skin cells block the opening of a hair follicle. Shaving, waxing and plucking can also cause hairs to grow back into the surrounding skin.
Common causes of ingrown hairs includes:
- A build-up of dead skin cells
- Shaving too closely
- Shaving against the direction of hair growth
- Using a blunt razor
- Waxing, plucking or epilating
- Friction from tight clothing
- Naturally coarse or curly hair
Anyone can experience ingrown hairs, although they are more common if you have coarse or curly hair.
Where Do Ingrown Hairs Commonly Appear?
Ingrown hairs can develop anywhere hair grows, but they are most common in areas that are frequently shaved or waxed, including:
- Face and beard area
- Neck
- Legs
- Underarms
- Chest and back
- Bikini line
How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs?
Regular, gentle exfoliation can help prevent dead skin cells from building up around the hair follicles. Improving the way you shave or remove hair can also make a difference. Try these simple tips to prevent ingrown hairs:
- Exfoliate your skin regularly without over-scrubbing
- Wet your skin and use a shaving gel before shaving
- Shave in the direction your hair grows
- Use a clean, sharp razor
- Avoid shaving too closely or going over the same area repeatedly
- Do not pick, scratch or squeeze ingrown hairs
- Avoid tight clothing immediately after hair removal
Can Microdermabrasion Help Prevent Ingrown Hairs?
SkinBase Microdermabrasion professionally exfoliates the skin, removing surface-level dead skin cells and helping to improve rough, bumpy texture. For skin that is prone to ingrown hairs, regular exfoliation may help keep the area around the hair follicles clearer and reduce the likelihood of hairs becoming trapped. Microdermabrasion can be used on areas including the face, neck, legs and back.
SkinBase Microdermabrasion for Ingrown Hairs
Your SkinBase therapist will assess your skin before treatment with a thorough consultation. Find your nearest SkinBase Microdermabrasion therapist to get started.
Can IPL Hair Reduction Help with Ingrown Hairs?
If you regularly experience ingrown hairs after shaving or waxing, SkinBase Intense Pulsed Light may offer a longer-term solution. Banish unwanted and ingrown hairs with IPL.
SkinBase IPL for Ingrown Hairs
IPL targets the pigment within the hair, helping to reduce hair growth over a course of treatments. As fewer hairs grow back, and regrowth may become finer, you may experience fewer ingrown hairs and less shaving-related irritation. Your SkinBase therapist will provide a thorough consultation and patch test before beginning treatment. Find your nearest SkinBase IPL therapist to get started.
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