SOS ingrown hairs: our advice to get rid of them

As summer approaches, ingrown hairs can become a real source of irritation, spoiling our desire for smooth legs for sunny days. Don't panic! In this article, discover our tips for getting rid of them and displaying smooth skin throughout the summer season. Thanks to our practical tips, say goodbye to ingrown hairs and show off your legs with confidence!

Ingrown hairs, what are they?

How do ingrown hairs appear?

An ingrown hair occurs when the hair, instead of growing outward, folds back on itself and continues to grow under the skin. A small red bump can then appear, often painful and sometimes accompanied by inflammation or infection. But what are the causes?

  • Hair removal or shaving: often cut too short, the hair cannot pass through the skin and bends, giving rise to an ingrown hair.
  • Dry or dead skin: The accumulation of dead cells can clog hair follicles and prevent hair from growing properly.
  • Hair Type: Coarse, curly hairs are more prone to becoming ingrown because they curl into the dermis.
  • Lack of hydration: Dry, rough skin creates a barrier that is difficult for growing fine hairs to penetrate.

What are the consequences?

  • Inflammation and pain: The skin around the ingrown hair may become red, swollen and painful, causing burning or itching sensations.
  • Cyst or abscess formation: If the inflammation persists, a cyst or even an abscess may form, sometimes requiring medical treatment to avoid complications.
  • Hyperpigmentation: Recurring ingrown hairs can cause hyperpigmentation of the skin, creating dark spots that can be difficult to remove.
  • Skin infections: If there is an abscess or the skin is irritated and open due to the ingrown hair, there is an increased risk of infection.
  • Permanent scarring: When ingrown hairs are frequent or poorly treated, it can lead to permanent scarring, altering the appearance of the skin.

How to identify them?

Identifying an ingrown hair is crucial to treating it effectively. Typical signs include a small, colored bump on the skin, often red or pink, and sometimes itchy or painful. You may also see a curl of hair beneath the surface of the skin. These symptoms are most commonly seen in areas that are prone to shaving or waxing, such as the legs, bikini line, and underarms. If the area is swollen and painful, it is likely that an ingrown hair is the cause.

Learning to spot these signs can help you take quick action to treat the ingrown hair and prevent potential complications. When you identify an ingrown hair, it is advisable to avoid handling it, as this can worsen the inflammation or lead to infection. Instead, using specific products such as gentle scrubs or antibacterial treatments can help release the hair and reduce inflammation. Once treated, the ingrown hair should gradually disappear, allowing the skin to return to its normal state.

How to overcome it?

It's crucial to resist the urge to scratch or pull out the ingrown hair with tweezers, as this can lead to marks, scarring, and potentially infection.

It is best to start by disinfecting the infected area, for example with lavender or tea tree essential oil. Be patient, ingrown hairs often tend to resolve on their own over time.

Tips that can help you

Hydration

Insufficient hydration can lead to ingrown hairs. It makes the skin dry and rough, which creates a barrier for normal hair growth. Here's why hydration is essential:

  • Skin barrier: Dry skin accumulates more dead cells, clogging hair follicles.
  • Ingrown Hair Prevention: Proper hydration after shaving or waxing keeps skin supple, promoting normal hair growth.
  • Drink enough water: This helps maintain the skin's internal hydration, reducing the risk of irritation and ingrown hairs.

Evoluderm body products are specially formulated to nourish and moisturize the skin, helping to effectively prevent the appearance of ingrown hairs while maintaining soft and smooth skin every day.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation plays a crucial role in preventing and treating ingrown hairs by removing dead skin cells, unclogging hair follicles and promoting normal hair growth. Regular exfoliation also helps keep your skin soft and smooth, reducing the risk of irritation and inflammation. Regular exfoliation of ingrown hair-prone areas will help you:

  • Remove impurities: body scrubs effectively remove impurities and dead skin cells.
  • Improve your skin texture: By promoting cell turnover, exfoliation improves the overall texture of the skin making it soft and smooth.
  • Prepare areas for shaving or waxing: Exfoliated skin is smoother, allowing for more effective shaving or waxing and reducing the risk of ingrown hairs.
  • Gently moisturize: Evoluderm body scrubs, enriched with natural ingredients, moisturize and soften the skin after exfoliation.

Incorporating Evoluderm body scrubs into your skincare routine will help you maintain healthy, glowing skin, ready to face summer challenges with confidence.