Introduction
Ingrown hairs and razor bumps are not particular to men or women and are one of the most common forms of skin irritation. Everyone who shaves is likely to develop these problems at some point in their lives. The problem is that many people do not know how to deal with them. The situation can be further aggravated if you are new to shaving and don’t have the right tools or techniques.
In this article, we will cover some of the most common causes of ingrown hairs, as well as some holistic approaches to prevent them from happening again.
Read On!
Causes of Ingrown Hair and Razor Bumps
Ingrown hairs and razor bumps are common problems that can plague men, especially when they shave. They can be painful, unsightly, and uncomfortable. In some cases, they can develop into infections that require antibiotics and sometimes even surgery.
The causes of ingrown hair and razor bumps differ, but both are caused by the hair growing in an abnormal direction. Ingrown hairs are caused by the hair follicle becoming trapped in the skin. This is usually due to a change in the direction of your hair growth or a condition such as seborrheic dermatitis. Razor bumps form when hair grows back into the same area it was shaved off, causing irritation and inflammation.
In addition, applying too much pressure when shaving also causes small tears in the top layer of the epidermis (the outmost layer of the skin), which makes it more susceptible to infection after shaving. People who experience a lot of ingrown hairs are more prone to developing pimples or blackheads on their faces or other parts of their bodies.
Other common causes of ingrown hairs and razor bumps include:
- Overuse of shaving cream, shaving gels, and other products used to exfoliate the skin.
- Using an incorrect technique when shaving.
Treatment for Ingrown Hairs or Razor Bumps
If you've ever had ingrown hair, you know how frustrating and uncomfortable it can be. The good news is that you can do a few things to treat ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
- If you have an ingrown hair, the first thing you want to do is stop touching it. This can be difficult, but resisting the urge to pick or squeeze is important. Touching ingrown hair can irritate the skin and make the problem worse.
- The next thing to do is cleanse the area with a gentle cleanser or soap. Once you've done this, pat the area dry and apply (our beard product recommendation). This will help prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
- Apply warm pressure while you wait. Each day you can apply a warm press to the bumps to soothe and soften the skin and encourage the hair to release itself
Prevention of Ingrown Hair or Razor Bumps with These Steps
There are several ways to prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps:
- Always use a new blade when shaving. Over time, blades become dull and will cut deeper into your skin.
- Shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it. Shaving against the grain can cause ingrown hair to grow inward toward your skin’s surface.
- Do not over-shampoo or exfoliate your pubic area before shaving. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that can pull on hair follicles, causing them to grow back into the skin. Shaving after exfoliating can also cause ingrown hairs because it pulls on any newly grown hair follicles trapped under dead skin cells left behind after exfoliating.
- Immediately after shaving, hydrate your skin with water and apply a moisturizing cream. This will help prevent infection and encourage healing.
Conclusion
If you've ever had problems with ingrown hair and razor bumps, these outline measures are powerful ways to discourage the development of these unsightly bumps. For sustainability, incorporating the right habit will most definitely help you achieve clearer and more beautiful skin.