Ingrown hairs are a cosmetic and aesthetic problem in the growth zone of those hairs that are periodically removed. We suggest finding out the reasons for the appearance of this trouble, as well as methods of getting rid of it. Content:
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Ingrown hair reasons
- The most common
- When depilation
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How to get rid of ingrown hair
- First symptoms
- In the cabin
- With tweezers and a needle
- Folk remedies
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Ingrown hair remedies
- Cream
- Lotion
Ingrown hair is a phenomenon that occurs in the upper layers of the epidermis, characterized by slight darkening, irritation, inflamed bumps and redness in areas of frequently and incorrectly removed hair. An ingrown hair is the main part of the hair remaining under the skin, which continues its natural growth in the opposite direction from the desired and normal direction, that is, inward under the skin.
Causes of ingrown hairs on the legs
Ingrown hairs can appear anywhere in the hair growth. Most often, this difficulty can be encountered in the area of / u200b / u200bthe location of hard hairs - legs, beard and neck in men, bikinis in women, armpits. Frequent mechanical hair removal causes hair thinning, a change in the direction of growth and, as a consequence, the impossibility in the future to "pave" the correct way out through the dense layer of the epidermis.
The most common causes of ingrown hairs on the legs
Ingrown hairs on the legs can be associated with the following reasons:
- Density of the epidermis layer … It is noticed that the problem of ingrown hairs is more often faced by people with dense skin, through which it is very difficult for a new growing hair to punch its way in the right direction. It grows bent and follows the path of least resistance.
- Hair structure and structure … People with dark hair color, curly, naturally curly hair and nationalities, gifted with a tough, coarse and dense type of curls (African Americans, Africans), are more likely to face the problem of ingrown hairs.
- Improper skin preparation … The condition of the covers before the removal of unnecessary vegetation is of great importance. The normal growth of the hair shaft is disrupted due to the lack of preliminary preparation, which consists in exfoliating the old dead layer of the dermis with scrubs.
- Hormonal background … An increase in the number of ingrown hairs can be influenced by a surge in the hormone estrogen, the production of which changes during adolescence and the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy and endocrinological diseases.
- Inappropriate use of work equipment … The razor should be with sharp blades, as over time, burrs appear on old edges that have been in use for a long time, which can make small cuts, scratches that act as an entrance for infection. With the help of a dull machine, it is impossible to immediately shave off the hair to perfect smoothness from the first time, therefore it is often necessary to carry out several times in the same place, constantly injuring the skin and irritating it. Electric shavers create a lot of friction on the skin, and this can also cause ingrown hairs.
- Hair Removal Products … These include depilatory creams, wax. Their regular and constant use contributes to the fact that the hair follicle (root) becomes irritated, inflamed, the hair structure becomes weaker, they become thinner and are no longer able to germinate normally and correctly.
- Lack of proper skin care … After the performed manipulations to remove hair, a special disinfectant and moisturizer should be applied to the skin of the legs. The skin after the procedures is the most vulnerable and "open" to bacteria, so it should be provided with maximum protection. Inflammatory processes that can appear on the epidermis after removing unnecessary vegetation favor the appearance of ingrown hairs. The skin must be treated with special lotions, gels or creams intended for use after shaving. The main condition for such funds is that they should not clog the pores of the epidermis.
- Tight and tight clothing … Do not wear too tight tight clothing, as this leads to excessive rubbing of the skin and can also provoke ingrown hair. The skin is constantly subjected to mechanical friction and pressure, and this contributes to the fact that its upper layers are denser, the mouths of the hair follicles are clogged, and the appearance of ingrown hairs is more frequent.
Why does leg hair grow in during depilation?
Ingrown hairs are often associated with burning, painful itching, discomfort, and even abscesses and suppuration in the areas of hair removal. From a medical point of view, this phenomenon does not pose any threat to health, but from a cosmetic point of view, in the future it can lead to such unpleasant consequences as the appearance of scars, hypertrophic scars, discoloration of the skin, infectious processes on the skin.
The main reason for the appearance of ingrown hairs is inappropriate use of hair removal methods and inappropriate depilation technique. Not everyone can use the same hair removal or depilation techniques. For example, when shaving and electrolysis, the structure of the hairs changes in the direction of thickening and compaction. Very often, with an illiterate procedure for eliminating unnecessary vegetation by these methods, not the entire hair is pulled out, but only its visible top, thus the root and growing part remains under the skin, and the hair changes its direction of growth.
Mistakes in the pulling and hair removal phase are a source of intradermal hair growth. Hair should be removed not aggressively (hand pressure should not be strong), so as not to damage the hair follicle, in the direction of their growth, and not against or chaotically, without pulling the skin. Due to damage during hair removal, a microcubule may form, in which the mouth of the hair follicle will narrow, and this will lead to the fact that it will be very difficult for hair to grow from such a narrow space to the surface. A curved hair coil will form under the skin, which will begin to grow directly into the skin and cause inflammation.
Another growth option is the growth of hair to the surface in the form of a loop, when the hair as it grows will bend downward, growing into the skin.
How to get rid of ingrown hairs on your legs
There are several ways to solve the problem of ingrown hairs - preventive, mechanical and by contacting a beauty salon. Let's take a closer look at their features.
Ingrown hair, what to do when the first symptoms appear
The appearance of infected pustules, redness, acne-like rashes, abscesses and painful bumps are associated with ingrown hairs into the skin. However, the problem will increase as they continue to grow. The inflamed area causes significant pain, and such feelings will continue until the cause (ingrown hair) is removed from under the skin.
In the presence of any inflammatory processes on the skin, first of all, inflammation should be removed with special agents (Miramistin, Chlorhexidine, calendula tincture), which have a sedative effect on the hair follicles, and then proceed to eliminate the source of this problem.
Try regularly (several times a week) to steam, soften and cleanse the skin, then treat it with moisturizers, anti-inflammation agents and special lotions that inhibit hair growth.
Removing ingrown hairs on legs in the salon
When the removal of ingrown hair becomes permanent and turns into a problem that is difficult to solve on its own, you can resort to salon hair removal methods, which lead to excellent results:
- Laser hair removal … It is a fast, painless, radical and most effective procedure for removing unwanted vegetation and ingrown hairs. This method gives long lasting and lasting results. Negative - the laser cannot remove gray and light hair.
- Photoepilation … Under the influence of high temperature, the destruction of the hair follicle occurs. The procedure is a little painful, but in terms of effectiveness it is not inferior to laser hair removal. Hair ingrowth and growth completely stops after 5-8 sessions.
- Electrolysis … A method of influencing the hair growth zone using a current. The procedure is painful, therefore it cannot be used on large areas of the skin. The big advantage of this method is that it is suitable for any type and color of hair.
- Bioepilation … A highly sought after hair removal procedure performed with cold, hot or warm wax. The result is not long-term, the method is painful.
How to remove ingrown hairs on legs with tweezers and a needle
Of course, it is better to entrust the removal of ingrown hairs to a professional, but often we try to cope with this problem on our own.
In order for the process of getting rid of ingrown hairs not to entail trouble in the form of an infection in the wound, all manipulations should be performed strictly following the rules:
- Before carrying out the procedure for extracting ingrown hairs from under the epidermis, it is necessary to steam the skin. To do this, apply a hot, wet compress based on a decoction of chamomile or calendula to the desired area for a few minutes.
- Then, using a stiff brush or a washcloth and a scrub in different directions, thoroughly rub the area designated for manipulation. Thanks to this, the surface layer of the skin will become softer and more pliable, blood circulation will improve, the hair follicle will be more prepared for the hair removal process. Further preparation consists in treating the skin with emollients.
- Then treat the skin with any antiseptic you have.
- Remove the ingrown hair using sterile or disinfected tweezers and a needle. Using a needle, you pry off a hair, and then remove it with tweezers in the direction of hair growth.
- Treat the newly removed hair with salicylic alcohol, calendula tincture, or tea tree oil.
Never try to squeeze out an ingrown hair, as this can injure the top layer of your skin and infect it.
Folk remedies for ingrown hair on the legs at home
The most effective home remedies used to prevent and remove ingrown hairs are self-made peeling scrubs. Such a cosmetic procedure as scrubbing can give a good visible effect almost from the first application due to the fact that the upper old layer of the epidermis is renewed and softened.
You can buy a special exfoliating scrub at any cosmetic store, but when making a home remedy, you yourself can adjust the composition and its hardness, choose a recipe for a product that is suitable for the legs or bikini area, and take into account your skin type.
Recipes for scrubs for ingrown hairs on the legs:
- Salt scrub … Make a scrub that heals wounds and brings ingrown hairs closer to the surface of your skin. Take 2-3 tbsp. l. fine salt, add a little of any moisturizer and 2 tsp. oils (olive, peach, orange). By consistency, you should get a creamy mass. Rub the prepared product on your skin while you shower. After that, treat the skin with a mixture of calendula tincture and salicylic acid (1: 1). Finish the scrub with nourishing baby oil.
- Body scrub … Pure bodyagi or a mixture of bodyagi powder and hydrogen peroxide (1: 1) will help get rid of not only ingrown hairs, but also skin pigmentation that has arisen after them. Apply the composition for 10-15 on the area of hairs that have sunk into the skin, then lubricate the skin with moisturizing cream or baby oil.
- Sugar scrub … Make a scrub that softens and disinfects your skin. Mix 2-3 tbsp. l. brown sugar with 1 tbsp. l. oils (olive, grape or jojoba) and 10-15 drops of tea tree oil.
- Aspirin scrub … Mix 3-4 tablets of acetylsalicylic acid, 1 tsp. honey and a few drops of water. Apply the prepared mixture pointwise to the ingrown hairs for 15-20 minutes. This product perfectly exfoliates the skin, relieves inflammation and helps prevent their occurrence.
Note! Scrubbing should be applied the day before the planned hair removal and 2-3 days after. It is strongly not recommended to use a scrub immediately after hair removal. After scrubbing, be sure to moisturize, nourish and soften your skin.
Remedies for ingrown hairs on legs
The modern cosmetology industry offers a lot of professional products that are designed to prevent and combat ingrown hairs. Acting on the upper layers of the epidermis, they remove dead skin particles, soften it, cool and free the path for ingrown hair. Such funds are applied immediately before the hair removal procedure and several times after it.
Anti-ingrown leg cream
When choosing a cream, be guided by the fact that it must contain components that soften the skin.
The most popular remedies for ingrown hairs are:
- Tretinoin cream … Reduces clogging of the skin, thinns the epidermis and prevents abnormal hair growth.
- Vaniqa cream … The basis is 13.9% eflorintin hydrochloride, when applied 1-2 times a day in the area of ingrown hairs, this process is significantly reduced.
- Eldoquin Absorbent Cream … The main active ingredient in it is 4% hydroquinone, it can overcome not only ingrown hairs, but also skin pigmentation.
- Follivit cream … Prevents ingrown hair, inflammation of the skin and sets the right direction for hair growth.
Note! A distinctive feature of creams for ingrown hairs is the peeling effect, which is achieved thanks to the fruit acids included in the composition.
Lotion for ingrown hairs on legs
The action and composition of lotions is similar to the action and composition of creams for ingrown hairs, the only difference is that lotions can slow down the growth of unwanted vegetation.
Gloria Sugaring, Kalo or Green Mama and the professional Velvet line are considered effective lotions to combat ingrown hairs on the legs. They are proven products that have worked well in beauty salons and at home. Balanced and enriched with AHA acids, the composition gently, efficiently and effectively eliminates the problem of hair ingrowth. Moisturizing ingredients soften the skin, remove irritation and dryness.
To make a homemade lotion to combat ingrown hairs on your feet, use equal proportions of aspirin and glycerin. Apply this mixture to the ingrown hairs for 1 to 2 hours. Such a tool will help to stretch the hairs to the surface as much as possible, which will facilitate their removal.
How to get rid of ingrown hair - watch the video:
Ingrown hairs on the legs are a problem, but they can be easily solved with the observance of preventive measures and the correct method of hair removal. Each woman should try different methods of hair removal (epilation, shaving, sugaring, wax, depilation, laser) and choose exactly the one that will be less traumatic for her and will suit her skin of the legs the most.
