mbg Assistant Beauty Editor
By Hannah Frye
mbg Assistant Beauty Editor
Hannah Frye is the Assistant Beauty Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in ladies’s, gender, and queer research from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written throughout way of life sections together with well being, wellness, sustainability, private growth, and extra.
Image by Karolina Grabowska / Pexels
Our editors have independently chosen the merchandise listed on this web page. If you buy one thing talked about on this article, we might earn a small fee.
June 21, 2022
If you have ever had an ingrown hair, you understand the drill: It’s pink, uncomfortable, lasts just a few days too lengthy, and would possibly even depart behind a darkish spot. These pesky, pimple-like bumps occur to everybody. Here’s the excellent news: There are issues you are able to do to each forestall future ingrowns from forming and deal with these which might be already current.
We consulted the consultants to study a bit extra about what these bumps are, what to search for in remedy merchandise, a few of the finest choices, and tips on how to keep away from getting extra within the days to return. It’s time to kick-start your easy, bump-free shave expertise. Let’s get into it.
What are ingrown hairs?
While the identify in itself is pretty self-explanatory, here is a technical rationalization: “Ingrown hairs are caused by hairs that get stuck under the top layer of the skin,” board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Jeremy Fenton, M.D., instructed mbg.
Not all ingrown hairs are the identical, although. “Sometimes it is due to having curly hair that grows back into the skin, which is a condition called pseudofolliculitis barbae. More traditionally, it is referring to hairs that are trying to get to the surface but never make it through and continue growing under the skin,” Fenton defined.
The latter could cause redness and irritation, which can seem like a pimple on the floor. While some ingrown hairs could also be small and cross on their very own, others can lead to vital irritation and irritation, which can result in scarring, particularly for these with darker pores and skin tones.
“Darker skin tones can easily develop dark spots and pigmentation due to the inflammation caused by ingrown hairs. So care should be taken not to aggravate the area too much,” clear beauty chemist Krupa Koestline instructed mbg.
As we mentioned, prevention is every little thing in the case of ingrown hairs. Board-certified dermatologist Rebecca Marcus, M.D., led the best way on our search: “Gentle exfoliation can be helpful in preventing ingrown hairs,” she mentioned. To light exfoliation, we go.
How we picked:
These merchandise comprise solely light naturally derived or secure artificial elements which have been confirmed to enhance pores and skin well being. This manner, you may deal with your ingrowns with out fear.
We know ingrowns pop up in many alternative locations, so we chosen just a few choices for every space of the physique. In addition, we chosen picks that work wonders for curly-hair-induced ingrown hairs with authenticated consumer critiques.
We’ve examined a few of these merchandise ourselves so we can provide you genuine suggestions. When this wasn’t attainable we appeared to licensed buyer critiques and skilled ideas.
We requested dermatologists and beauty chemists what to search for in one of the best ingrown therapies. We included a few of their suggestions and used their experience as a suggestion for choosing these choices.
mbg’s picks for finest ingrown hair therapies 2022:
Pro
- May assist deal with lively ingrowns
Con
- Not one of the best for delicate pores and skin
Lifestyle concerns: Vegan, Cruelty-free, Helps brighten darkish spots, Safe for pubic space
This serum performs two roles: It’s A+ for stopping ingrown hairs but additionally provides a mild remedy for them as soon as they’ve arrived. It accommodates two totally different exfoliators: Willow bark extract (a pure type of salicylic acid) and lactic acid, which is able to assist brighten the pores and skin as properly. Witch hazel works to tighten pores and cut back redness, whereas aloe vera soothes irritated pores and skin and provides a much-needed increase of hydration for pores and skin that is simply been shaved or waxed.
Best scrub: SkinFix Resurface + Glycolic and Lactic Acid Renewing Body Scrub
Resurface + Glycolic and Lactic Acid Renewing Body Scrub
VIEW ON Sephora | $32
Pro
- Physical & chemical exfoliant
Lifestyle concerns: Vegan, Cruelty-free, Helps brighten darkish spots
As we talked about, scrubs are nice for stopping ingrown hairs. While you would not wish to take a harsh scrub to the face, a mild different can supply a bodily exfoliation that may assist forestall ingrown hairs. This one by SkinFix consists of glycolic and lactic acid as properly, serving as a chemical exfoliant too. This is a good possibility for the physique and could also be nice for these with keratosis pilaris (generally known as KP or rooster pores and skin) as properly.
Con
- Contains perfume for many who keep away from it
Lifestyle concerns: Cruelty-free, Safe for delicate pores and skin, Helps brighten darkish spots
When it involves facial exfoliation, you need to be significantly cautious to not use any exfoliants which might be extra-strong, because the moisture barrier in your face may develop into compromised. For those that shave and fear about ingrown hairs on the face, this aftershave is a good follow-up. It’s formulated with pure botanical oils together with rosemary oil (which has been confirmed to extend hair development). Vitamin A works to exfoliate the pores and skin, vitamin C helps brighten the complexion, and vitamin E works alongside allantoin to easy and hydrate. The outcome? A clear, hydrated end, sans ingrown hairs and irritation.
Lifestyle concerns: Vegan, Cruelty-free, Safe for delicate pores and skin, Helps brighten darkish spots, Safe for pubic space
This one is simply as inexpensive as it’s efficient. The formulation accommodates willow bark extract and lactic acid to exfoliate the pores and skin and ease redness. Bisabolol helps cut back irritation, which is ideal for ingrown spots attributable to shaving (aka razor bumps). You can use this remedy as spot prevention as properly to get forward of any regularly areas of difficulty. It’s a small tube, however that is since you solely want a tiny quantity to see a major enchancment within the seen look of your ingrown.
Con
- Doesn’t deal with lively ingrowns
Lifestyle concerns: Vegan, Cruelty-free, Safe for delicate pores and skin, Safe for pubic space
Dry brushing has tons of advantages for the pores and skin. Not solely does it enhance circulation, nevertheless it additionally provides a mild exfoliation for the physique. As you understand, that is key to stopping ingrown hairs. If your pores and skin is delicate to chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs, a dry brush is an ideal different. You can use this on your entire physique, bikini space included (keep away from the face, although). Simply run the comb over your pores and skin earlier than stepping within the bathe, and ensure to not press too laborious—the bristles do the give you the results you want.
Lifestyle concerns: Vegan, Cruelty-free, Safe for delicate pores and skin, Helps brighten darkish spots, Safe for pubic space
When it involves the bikini line, you will wish to keep away from something that would interrupt your pH. Although it should not get shut sufficient to succeed in your pH-sensitive pores and skin, it is higher to be secure than sorry. This one from Lady Suite is ideal for this. This spray can be utilized weekly to fight ingrown hairs, razor bumps, and even post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which will have come from previous ingrown hairs. The formulation is light but efficient and pH-friendly.
Con
- Contains perfume, for many who keep away from it
Lifestyle concerns: Vegan, Cruelty-free, Safe for delicate pores and skin
This one is phenomenal for shave prep as a result of it hydrates the pores and skin superbly. In the bathe, apply this stick formulation liberally till you are feeling the comfortable serum-like texture in your pores and skin. There will not be a giant lather, only a easy feeling. Then go forward and shave as you usually would. You can use this as a moisturizer for delicate areas as properly. While that is nice for stopping ingrown areas when you shave, it’s best to double up with one other choice to exfoliate earlier than the shave begins for finest outcomes.
Pro
- Helps with uneven tone and texture
Con
- Shouldn’t be used on pubic space
Lifestyle concerns: Vegan, Cruelty-free, Helps brighten darkish spots
This one is a holy-grail physique product. You can apply this serum to the entire physique (except for the pubic space) and observe up with a high-quality moisturizer to maintain your moisture barrier balanced. I exploit this one myself, and here is what I do: A day or two earlier than I plan on shaving, I’ll lather this serum on, let it dry, after which placed on a physique lotion. Then when shave day comes, I’m prepped and able to go. I’d keep away from placing this serum on proper after shaving because it’s pointless and should end in some tingling, as all exfoliating merchandise will post-shave. Bonus: If you employ self-tanner, it is a nice product to make use of the day earlier than you tan.
Best for underarms: Topicals High Roller Ingrown Hair Tonic
High Roller Ingrown Hair Tonic
VIEW ON Sephora | $26
Pro
- Helps deal with curly hair ingrowns
Cons
- Not one of the best for hypersensitive pores and skin
Lifestyle concerns: Vegan, Cruelty-free, Helps brighten darkish spots, Safe for pubic space
The armpits are a delicate space, and you do not wish to be scrubbing away at that pores and skin an excessive amount of. This curler stick accommodates salicylic and glycolic acid to penetrate pores and goal bump-causing buildup. Zinc PCA minimizes the looks of pores and skin irritation as properly. The critiques for this product are glowing with reward, particularly for curly hair-induced ingrowns and easing pores and skin texture. This formulation can be used as a darkish spot remedy to assist lighten any earlier ingrown hair spots.
Con
- Not probably the most sustainable possibility
Lifestyle concerns: Vegan, Cruelty-free, Helps brighten darkish spots
“AHA/BHA exfoliating pads from First Aid Beauty will do the trick,” Marcus mentioned. This is a dermatologist-backed tip, so for those who’re on the lookout for one thing with splendid elements, that is it. These alcohol-free pads gently exfoliate the pores and skin, whereas aloe vera soothes and replenishes hydration. These are freed from drying alcohols and perfume, so that they’re nice for the bikini line. These pads have been designed for use 24 hours after hair removing on the face or the physique.
What causes ingrown hairs?
“Things that increase the risk of ingrown hairs include waxing, plucking, and shaving close to the skin,” Fenton mentioned. This is exacerbated once you’re eradicating hair from pores and skin that hasn’t been exfoliated.
While you need not exfoliate each single day, it’s best to attempt to slough off lifeless pores and skin cells earlier than taking a razor, waxing strip, or tweezers to your pores and skin. This manner, the hair can come out with ease and you’ll shave nearer with out fear.
“Also, keeping the area moisturized and lubricated before shaving can help prevent these,” Koestline added. Using merchandise like shaving cream or gel could be extraordinarily useful.
In addition to prepping the pores and skin, correctly lubricating it, and following up with moisturizer, it’s best to use a high-quality razor and alter it regularly. Using boring razors also can contribute to ingrown hairs and an total much less efficient shave.
The takeaway.
Ingrown hairs could be painful and uncomfortable, particularly in delicate areas. Luckily, there are a bunch of fresh therapies and preventive merchandise in the marketplace that can assist you keep away from these pesky spots. It’s finest observe to have a shaving instrument equipment as properly, together with a high-quality razor (listed here are a few of our favorites). Like we mentioned earlier than, as soon as an ingrown hair causes vital discomfort, it’s best to seek the advice of a dermatologist to deal with the spot to stop scarring or problems.