How do you treat ingrown hairs? Regardless of how many years you have spent shaving; razor bumps and ingrown hairs happen. Not only can they feel uncomfortable and prevent you from having the smooth skin that you set out to achieve; they can be unsightly and make you feel unconfident. So, if laser hair removal isn't an option, let's get to the bottom as to why they happen in the first place, prevent skin irritation, and prevent ingrown hairs & razor bumps from occurring in the future.

Why Do Razor Bumps And Ingrown Hairs Happen?

Ingrown hairs and razor bumps are not serious skin care issues however, they can be irritating. They can happen to both men and women. Razor bumps and ingrown hairs happen when the shaved hair gets trapped inside the follicle or grows back into the skin (usually because the hair follicle has gradually become weak through regular hair removal and cannot break through the skin) causing an inflamed bump.

Ingrown hairs and razor bumps can cause scarring, redness, and swelling (its medical term is Pseudofolliculitis Barbae or PFB). As tempting as it can seem, ever try to remove ingrown hairs yourself, even with a sterile needle or sterile tweezers.

Is Anyone More Prone To Ingrown Hairs And Razor Bumps?

Yes, the texture of the hair plays a huge role and those with thicker, curly hair types will be affected more so than others. This means that those with coarse hair or darker skin tones will experience ingrown hairs and razor bumps more regularly.

Which Areas Are Affected The Most?

It tends to be areas of the body that have folds such as the armpits, groin area, and legs.

The prime location for men is usually the beard and neck areas whereas the legs, underarms, and bikini line are prime locations for ingrown hair and razor bumps to occur for women.

How Do I Get Rid Of Razor Bumps?

Don't allow your razor blade to become so well-used and dull that it causes razor burn! If you can't remember the last time that you changed your razor blaze, it needs replacing ASAP. If you keep your razor in the bathroom for convenience, it's time to move it somewhere else as the moisture and dampness can cause bacteria and mold to form and lead to inflammation.

Make it a habit to shave with, not against, the way hair grows. Always use shaving cream or gel, and never shave on dry skin. Shave whilst you're in the shower or bath so that the warm water and steam can soften the skin and allow for an easier shave.

Ideally, when it comes to hair removal, you want to provide yourself with a close shave (ensuring that the razor cut hairs close to the skin). All of these practices will allow for a smooth shave and prevent skin irritation.

How Do I Get Rid Of Ingrown Hairs?

There are many products on the market that claim to get rid of and prevent ingrown hair. However, exfoliation is the key factor in order to remove dead skin cells and releasing the trapped hair. Salicylic acid is one of the only proven skincare ingredients to do so. Not only is it a highly anti-inflammatory skincare ingredient to reduce inflammation but will also gently exfoliate, clear pores, and helps to prevent infection.

Which Products Get Rid Of Ingrown Hairs?

Daily use of a product containing exfoliating acids to the affected area is a great place to start. These are our top picks:

PRIORI 2xfoliant Peel+Scrub LCA fx160: A truly multi-functional at-home microdermabrasion product for both face and body. Exfoliating and hydrating your skin at the same time, this dual-purpose peeling scrub for the face and body is formulated to deliver the perfect balance between a mild chemical peel and a mechanical micro exfoliator.

NeoStrata Resurface Glycolic Renewal Smoothing Lotion: Give your face, body, and hands the five-star glycolic treatment with this lightweight, exfoliating body lotion. This potent body lotion features a 10% Alpha Hydroxy Acid blend of Glycolic and Citric Acids to promote skin rejuvenation for a visibly smoother appearance. Two AHAs. One efficacious body lotion!

Jan Marini Bioglycolic Resurfacing Body Scrub: Experience the ultimate in glowing skin with this double-action glycolic acid and physical exfoliating body scrub. Highly concentrated glycolic acid is combined with physical exfoliating particles and key botanical extracts for noticeably smoother glowing skin that is silky smooth to the touch.

Which Products Get Rid Of Ingrown Hairs AND Dark Spots?

So, you have a product to prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs but, what about the dark spots that can be left behind as well? You need PFB Vanish + Chromabright. This gold gem is the only product on the market that is clinically proven to both lighten dark spots and prevent ingrown hairs from forming. It contains a patented ingredient Chromabright to lighten dark spots and a cocktail of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) including glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid (the super ingredient!) to remove dead skin cells sitting on the skin's surface and causing the ingrown hairs.

Dark spots commonly occur on the skin's surface after ingrown hairs due to the healing process - it is called post-inflammatory pigmentation. Ingrown hairs are often accompanied by bacteria and inflammation in the follicle, which causes the skin to mobilise a protective response in the form of increased melanin.