Why do hairs ingrow the skin, how to get rid of them and what to do for prevention?
The main reason for ingrown hairs is improper hair removal, in which the hair breaks off or part of the follicle remains under the skin. This happens with improper shaving against the hair growth and on dry skin. Less often - after improper depilation with wax, sugar, electric epilator, or tweezers.
Another reason is the thick superficial layer of the skin. The horny scales are layered and prevent the growing hair from breaking through. Thickening of the epidermis often occurs due to overdrying of the skin with aggressive surfactants and scrubs, as well as in certain diseases (for example, diabetes or hypothyroidism).
Tight underwear, tights, tight jeans rub mechanically, from which the skin is protected and thickened. Sunburn can also be the reason - the skin dries up, and it is more difficult for the hairs to break through the stratum corneum.
Hereditary factors can also affect. For example: when the follicle is located under the skin at an acute angle. African Americans, Caucasians, and Hispanics are more likely to suffer from ingrowth problems - thick, coarse, frizzy hair on its own can curl under the skin.
Taking hormonal medications may be affected. Hormonal medications change the general condition of the body - hair can change its structure, the skin can become drier or fatter. After undergoing treatment, everything returns to normal.
After laser hair removal, the hair does not grow in - the laser destroys the hair completely, along with the follicle.
Not necessary. This could be for any of the above reasons. Although it happens that the master does not follow the technique - or you go to different masters. They can be good and do everything according to the rules, but everyone's hands are different - they cannot remove hairs in exactly the same way. It turns out that once the hair was removed at one angle, the second time at a slightly different angle, the third at a third. It is better to go to one master.
First, the location: hair usually ingrows in the bikini area and on the legs. Next, we look at the formation itself: usually, ingrown hair looks like a reddish spherical seal with visible dark hair inside.
Ingrown hairs may look like pimples. Pay attention to the moment when the inflammation appears. Ingrown hairs appear within 24 hours after shaving or other depilation methods.
Herpes is accompanied by pronounced discomfort: pain and burning sensation. Bubbles with a clear liquid appear on reddened skin. Warts appear as flat, skin-colored elements. Sometimes they pass by themselves without a trace.
Dark spots are hyperpigmentation, similar to post-acne. They appear when inflammation appears at the site of ingrown hair, or the skin has been ripped open to remove it.
Serums with acids can be applied to the pigment spot to lighten it, or you can use special products against ingrown hairs. As a rule, they contain the same brightening components - fruit acids, vitamin C.
There are four types of ingrown hairs:
1. Subcutaneous (also called pantyhose) - more often appear on the legs from tight clothing (jeans and tights). The hair grows into the surface layer of the skin and grows lengthwise. Often it even shines through the skin, and it is unclear that it has grown at all.
Pantyhose hair is easy to deal with on your own. They can be treated with a scrub, light exfoliation, a scrubber, or special anti-ingrowth products. After this treatment, the mouth of the follicle is cleaned and the hair comes out.
2. Superficial ingrown hairs are hairs that have grown but have burrowed back into the skin. The reasons are tight clothing or deformation of the hair itself.
Ingrown hairs can be easily removed with tweezers. The main thing is not to do this when the skin around is inflamed: it is better to wait for a calm state so as not to get an infection.
3. Curled ingrown hairs are similar to subcutaneous ones, but the hair curls in one place and continues to grow under the skin rather than outward. This sometimes leads to inflammation. Experts advise against removing curled hairs on your own.
4. Follicular (growing inward) are the most dangerous, inflammation often forms around them, in this case, the hair can block the path of the sebaceous ducts, provoking the development of inflammation and the accumulation of bacteria. Looks like a large pimple or abscess. As a rule, it is found in owners of thick, dense skin.
Hair growing inward must be obtained from a doctor - beautician, dermatologist, surgeon. Even a qualified hair removal technician will not remove them - this is a medical procedure. After self-treatment, scars, and spots may remain.
If wait, won't a hair come out on its own? The hair can really grow by itself, as often happens after epilation. At first, it is weakened, but over time it comes to the surface. Often, subcutaneous and twisted hairs come to the surface themselves.
If inflammation occurs at the site of an ingrown hair, treat with an ingrown hair or acne remedy. They include salicylic, lactic, multifruit acids, enzymes, soothing ingredients, bisabolol, allantoin, panthenol. Wait for the inflammation to subside and, if possible, remove the hair. But, of course, it is better to go to a specialist.
If you see edema, or the purulent element has enlarged and hurts, you need to contact a dermatologist, cosmetologist or surgeon.
You can go to a salon with a medical license, to a clinic, to a cosmetologist, or to a surgeon. Removing hair in a salon or health center is safer than at home.
Give up tight synthetic underwear for 3-5 days after depilation. Wear non-binding cotton underwear and clothing, through which the skin will breathe - there is less risk of creating a pathogenic environment for bacteria.
Shave properly. Shave with a sharp shaver with special products (foams and gels improve glide). Do not steam the skin before shaving, do not lie in the bathroom for a long time - otherwise, you can remove the top layer of the skin with a shaver or injure the bends. You can do a light exfoliation or scrub in advance.
Use exfoliating products for the body - mild scrubs, enzyme powders, delicate exfoliating washcloths. Ideally, twice a week. If more often, the skin will begin to thicken and this will only aggravate the situation. Use moisturizers - it is easier for the hairs to grow through the moisturized elastic skin. Use anti-ingrowing products - use 2 times a day - morning and evening - until the ingrown hair appears on the surface. Then twice a week - for prophylaxis.
The main purpose of these products is to exfoliate and moisturize the skin so that hair can easily break through. This is provided by acids (salicylic and fruit acids), plant extracts (chamomile, calendula, aloe).
If there is no food against ingrowth at hand. What can replace them? You can use an acid toner, serum, light peeling, enzyme face powder - products with AHA, BHA acids, or enzymes. If the product is intended for home care (and not professional), it means that the concentration of the active substances is optimal.
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