How to Get Rid of Ingrown Hair

A Definitive Therapy for Ingrown Hairs or Razor Bumps

by Deidra Garcia

Ingrown hairs (also called razor bumps) are unsightly and painful. They result when the shaved hair gets trapped inside the follicle or grows back into the skin. It can cause scarring, redness and swelling (its medical term is Pseudofolliculitis Barbae or PFB).

We have developed this comprehensive approach that will solve the most stubborn conditions or occasional ingrown hairs. You will need to follow all the steps in this regimen for several weeks.

1. Treat with active ingredients

- There are several products that claim to help treat ingrown hairs, but the reality is that Salicylic acid is the one active substance that can visibly improve razor bumps. It is a dermatological-grade ingredient that exfoliates, moisturizes, clears pores and can help prevent infection. Use a post-shave product with salicylic acid so it remains on your skin the whole day (see below).

- Use only a non-acnegenic shaving cream specially formulated for sensitive skin, with lots of lubricating agents (foam-based shaving creams can dry and irritate your skin).

- Do not use any product that has alcohol, it will seriously worsen ingrown hairs by drying the skin and closing the pores.

2. Improve your skin's surface

- Exfoliating (removing the upper layers of dead skin) is indispensable to manage ingrown hairs. Daily use of a gentle face scrub with glycolic and salicylic acid is particularly effective.

- Use a soft-bristle face brush and liquid cleanser in a circular motion on your beard to dislodge the tips of ingrown hairs, eliminate dead skin cells and clear follicles to allow hairs to surface unimpeded.

3. Adjust your shaving technique

- We hate to be the ones to tell you this, but shaving too closely is one of the triggers for razor bumps. Hair stubs cut too closely will get trapped inside the hair follicle and dig inward or sideways. Don't worry, the disappearance of unsightly ingrown hairs will more than make up for the "five-o'clock shadow" appearance.

- To avoid shaving too close, don't pull the skin when you shave; don't put too much pressure on the blades; shave with the grain and use a single-blade razor.

- You will need to maintain this approach over time, as one extra-close shave will be enough to cause a recurrence of ingrown hairs that will take weeks to heal.

4. Treat already ingrown hairs

- Carefully lift the ingrown end out with tweezers, but don't pluck the hair out; this will only make the hair regrow deeper.

- Azulene and Allantoin will help reduce the redness and swelling.

Deidra Garcia is a freelance writer and communications manager for MenScience Androceuticals, a men's skincare and grooming company. You can find more articles by Deidra, as well as further tips and advice, at http://www.MenScience.com

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