Or, you can use a topical antibiotic lotion or a short course of topical steroid cream to reduce inflammation.Īnd as always, the best solution is to check in with your dermatologist. Luckily, ingrown hairs typically resolve on their own, but if you simply can’t resist speeding up the process, you can get rid of that pesky ingrown hair by trying a chemical exfoliant like apple cider vinegar, acetic acid or retinol to break down skin cells above the hair. “Avoid picking at it! I don't recommend attempting to remove it at home because it can potentially cause an infection, scarring or discoloration,” González says. And the same rule of thumb applies to ingrown hairs. Unless you’re a pro, you know you should never pick at your acne. This can manifest as red bumps and can get infected, causing a flare-up," she explains. When the skin regrows it can grow over the follicular opening and cause hairs to grow underneath the skin. "It disrupts the superficial epidermis when the hair is pulled from the follicle. Dendy Engelman suggests avoiding waxing if you're hoping to prevent ingrown hairs. In general, board-certified dermatologist Dr. However, for patients with very light hair, laser hair removal may not work and electrolysis is the best option,” Khorasani says. Electrolysis, another hair removal method, has a greater risk of ingrown hairs. “Laser hair removal is the best way to permanently avoid ingrown hairs. You can also avoid shaving entirely by using alternate hair removal methods. "Try moisturizers with salicylic or glycolic acid, and a toner with anti-inflammatory ingredients like aloe or tea tree oil.” If need be, you can also apply cool compresses after showering to calm any irritation. “Moisturize right after you've shaved," González says. You also want to make sure that you're taking care of your skin post-shave. The process doesn't finish once you put the razor down. Other notes from the experts include using as few strokes as possible to avoid shaving too closely and shaving in the direction of hair growth. "A dull blade can cause more inflammation and increase the risk of infections.” “Remember to change your blades often," González says. You also shouldn't be using a weeks-old blade to shave (meaning, if you can't remember the last time you swapped yours out, it's definitely time for a change). Noelani González, a clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai, also suggests exfoliating often, not just before shaving. Hooman Khorasani, a quadruple board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Prior to shaving, use warm water to rinse the skin, followed by a moisturizing shaving cream or gel,” says Dr. To start, you want to make sure that your skin is well-prepped. While there’s no fail-proof method, you can typically prevent ingrown hairs by following good skin care practices before, during and after shaving. How to prevent ingrown hairs | How to treat them | Products to help | FAQs | Meet the experts How to prevent ingrown hairs We consulted top dermatologists to find out the most common causes of ingrown hairs, how to prevent them and the best ways to get rid of them when they do show up. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to avoid this beauty mishap before it rears its ugly head. Causing irritation, redness, itchiness and more, it's an unpleasant experience that even the most cautious shavers may encounter. Shaving is tiresome enough without having to worry about pesky side effects like ingrown hairs.
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