How to Get Rid of an Ingrown Hair Safely, According to Dermatologists
, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “This can lead to a red, angry bump that often becomes infected.”
That’s because, in some cases, “the skin identifies the hair as a ‘foreign body’ and mounts an immune response to it,” explains board-certified dermatologist Ife J. Rodney, M.D., founding director ofCue the inflammation, which can cause all sorts of uncomfortable symptoms, like red and irritated skin, a small bump with a visible hair or pus in the middle, pain and tenderness, and itchiness.Ingrown hairs are common, but some people may be more predisposed to them than others.
“Sometimes the curled hairs never actually exit the hair follicle onto the surface of the skin,” Dr. Rodney adds. “Instead, the hair simply curls into a ball under the skin.”—including shaving, tweezing, and waxing—can also increase your risk of developing ingrowns, especially if you’re using an old razor blade, stretching the skin to get a closer shave, or shaving against the direction your hair naturally grows.An ingrown hair can form on any area of skin that is tweezed, shaved, or waxed.
Before shaving an area of your skin, make sure you cleanse it thoroughly and apply a shaving cream or gel to help keep hairs soft.A single-blade razor is best if you’re prone to ingrown hairs, as they’re higher-quality with sharper blades. But no matter the type you use, it’s best to keep it. If you’re going with a disposable, make sure to use separate razors for separate parts of your body—a razor for your bikini line shouldn’t be used for your underarms.
If these tips don’t work, check in with your dermatologist, who may be able to offer other hair removal methods that work better with your skin type and last longer.
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