One package includes 12 mitts that come pre-dipped with the formula. Luckily, tea tree oil is non-comedogenic, which means that it won't clog pores. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io. While our editors independently select these products, making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. It also does double-duty as a facial toner and can remove layers of makeup as a cleanser or reduce the appearance of wrinkles. If the product you're using is irritating your skin, stop using the treatment and contact your dermatologist. Ingrown hairs are often a result of dead skin buildup. Another incredible chemical exfoliant for ingrown hairs is this one by First Aid Beauty. Although treating ingrown hair on your own is a safety no-no, you can most certainly take precautions to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Learn more about The brush's soft, silicone bristles remove dead skin cells that could add to ingrown hair growth. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. If you're looking for another well-rounded treatment option, give the Bevel Spot Corrector a try. Form: Oil scrub | Key Ingredients:Glycerin, coconut oil | Dosage (Application Frequency): Once a week or as needed. Luckily, there are a bunch of clean treatments and preventive products on the market to help you avoid these pesky spots. This is exacerbated when you're removing hair from skin that hasn't been exfoliated. If it's not budging, stop ASAP to prevent scarring. "These ingrown hair pads with AHA and BHA provide a convenient exfoliating ingredient soaked pad that can be used anywhere on the body," says Chiu. You can apply this serum to the whole body (aside from the pubic area) and follow up with a high-quality moisturizer to keep your moisture barrier balanced. These pesky, pimple-like bumps happen to everyone. A clean, hydrated finish, sans ingrown hairs and inflammation. Let's get into it. Then when shave day comes, I'm prepped and ready to go. This way, you can treat your ingrowns without worry. "Avoid picking or popping a cyst, this will just get rid of the accumulated liquid, but will not get rid of the hair itself. The formula includes willow bark extract (a type of hydroxy acid that helps to unclog pores and brighten dark spots on your skin) and aloe vera, (a moisturizing ingredient known for its has anti-inflammatory powers and ability to calm irritated skin). It's time to kick-start your smooth, bump-free shave experience. Happy shopping. Removal of Ingrown Hair Cysts. "AHA/BHA exfoliating pads from First Aid Beauty will do the trick," Marcus said. This serum plays two roles: It's A+ for preventing ingrown hairs but also offers a gentle treatment for them once they've arrived. Board-certified dermatologist Rebecca Marcus, M.D., led the way on our search: "Gentle exfoliation can be helpful in preventing ingrown hairs," she said. The latter can cause redness and inflammation, which may look like a pimple on the surface. 2009 - 2022 MindBodyGreen LLC. It also includes allantoin, a type of moisturizing ingredient thats commonly used to help improve the appearance of minor cuts, scrapes, rashes, and scars. After cleansing the area in concern, spray the product where needed. "Salicylic acid will chemically exfoliate the top layer of dead skin to prevent hairs from getting trapped underneath and prepare the surface for a smoother shave," Dr. Cheung says. Doing this for 10 minutes will bring the hair close to the skin, making it easier to remove. Ingrown hairs can resolve on their own as they grow out, but they "may become inflamed or infected if left untreated," says Jessie Cheung, MD, board-certified dermatologist. She has a B.S. Using sprays like thiseven on non-facial areascan decrease the bacterial load that can lead to inflammation around ingrown hairs, she explains. Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash $6.00, Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA $28.00, Bliss Lemon and Sage Satin Body Scrub $22.00, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Exfoliating Body Treatment Peel $58.00, SweetSpot Labs Buff & Brighten AHA/BHA Body Exfoliating Pads $30.00. I would avoid putting this serum on right after shaving as it's unnecessary and may result in some tingling, as all exfoliating products will post-shave. Use a single edge razor (not double or triple blades) to shave in the direction of hair growth. Not to mention, my favorite method of exfoliation is chemically, and salicylic acid happens to be my ingredient of choice due to its ability to decrease redness and irritation. The best steps to prevent ingrown hair is to prep your skin before and after shaving, and shave in the direction of hair growth, says Dr. Cheung. Use an astringent to remove the buildup that may be trapping the hair under the skin. Dry brushing has tons of benefits for the skin. 2022 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. When it comes to reducing razor burn and bumps, these SweetSpot Labs Buff & Brighten pads are here to help save the day. I mean, yeah, razor burn sucks, but ingrown hairs definitely take the cake, IMHO. This, in turn, causes the new hairs to curl back into the skin as they grow, which can lead to painful pimple-like masses. This way, the hair can come out with ease and you can shave closer without worry. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. Retinoids: This is another ingredient to look out for when selecting an ingrown hair treatment. Before we get into all the ~science~ behind ingrown hairs, here's a little sneak peek of what's to come: Most ingrown hairs occur "when a hair curls back under the skin in the process of growing back after removal," says Chiu. Kayla Hui, MPH is the health and wellness commerce writer at Dotdash Meredith. As we mentioned, scrubs are great for preventing ingrown hairs. And the Weightless Body Treatment is no exception. Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. It also includes probiotics, which have been used topically for treating eczema. Its a lotion-like solution that you can slather onto your arms and legs or use as a spot treatment before or after your shave. "An ingrown hair can become a cyst when the body builds a wall around the hair to protect itself, surrounding the hair like a balloon," Dr. Cheung explains. Wouldn't it be really f*cking nice if just for once after you shaved or waxed, razor burn, or even worse, an ingrown hair didn't come creepin' in?! "The hair that has now curled back into the skin, instead of growing outward, becomes inflamed due to the skin treating it like a foreign body." If you currently have an ingrown hair, know that they "are generally easy to treat, but treatments depend on the severity of your condition," says Chiu. Enriched with 9 percent of lactic acid, the corrector breaks down oils and dead skin cells that obstruct hairs. One of the most effective ways to treat and remove ingrown hairs is by using gels, oils, pads, and brushes, which "work to soften and exfoliate the skin chemically or mechanically," says Dr. Cheung, noting that many of these options are available over the counter. Simply run the brush over your skin before stepping in the shower, and be sure not to press too hardthe bristles do the work for you. Not only do those pesky bumps irritate the heck out of your skin, but they're also super freaking uncomfortableespecially in sensitive areas like the bikini line or underarms. Bonus? Call your dermatologist if you have an ingrown hair that is re-occurring frequently or creates hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin). Just apply a small amount onto your skin, let it sit, and youre good to go. Here's the good news: There are things you can do to both prevent future ingrowns from forming and treat those that are already present. "Darker skin tones can easily develop dark spots and pigmentation due to the inflammation caused by ingrown hairs. Once you have it evaluated by the pros, they can recommend an individualized treatment plan. Not only does it increase circulation, but it also offers a gentle exfoliation for the body. If your skin is sensitive to chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs, a dry brush is a perfect alternative. Want to be the first to hear about the latest (and greatest) SHOP product drops, custom collections, discounts, and more? As mentioned earlier, "you can purchase an over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1 percent cream and apply it twice a day to affected areas right after shaving to prevent ingrown hairs," says Eldik. These are two powerful chemical compounds that are known for their ability to break down dead skin cells, clear out pores, reduce inflammation, and even help balance skin tone. Form: Silicone brush | Key Ingredients:Silicone, plastic | Dosage (Application Frequency): Once a week or more as needed. More traditionally, it is referring to hairs that are trying to get to the surface but never make it through and continue growing under the skin," Fenton explained. Think of where the treatment will be applied and select a treatment based on the sensitivity of that area. Avoid stretching the skin prior to shaving. The result? Whether you're shaving or waxing, ingrown hairs are a common byproduct of the hair removal process. While some ingrown hairs may be small and pass on their own, others can result in significant irritation and inflammation, which may lead to scarring, especially for those with darker skin tones. Wait, Do Cellulite Creams Really Do Anything? Although it shouldn't ever get close enough to reach your pH-sensitive skin, it's better to be safe than sorry. The formula contains willow bark extract and lactic acid to exfoliate the skin and ease redness. Kayla Hui is a public health journalist and writer who focuses on the social determinants of health and the impact it has on disadvantaged communities. Ingrown hair and razor burn go together like, well, ingrown hair and razor burn. ), use steel point tweezers to gently pull out the hair. These products contain only gentle naturally derived or safe synthetic ingredients that have been proven to improve skin health. She has a degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has work published on sites like Health, Shape, and Brides. Like we said before, once an ingrown hair causes significant discomfort, you should consult a dermatologist to treat the spot to prevent scarring or complications. Zinc PCA minimizes the appearance of skin irritation as well. What's more, the formula is free of parabens, phthalates, genetically modified substances, and triclosan, making it gentle enough to apply to your bikini line and face. "Products with salicylic acid can help smooth the skin to help the skin turnover," adds Dr. Kaminska. Instead, use warm compresses and gentle exfoliation techniques. Using dull razors can also contribute to ingrown hairs and an overall less effective shave. Chris Vincent, MD, is a licensed physician, surgeon, and board-certified doctor of family medicine. Alcohol: Alcohol is a key ingredient in in-grown hair treatments. Like antibiotics, alcohol can eliminate bacteria and reduce your risk of post-shave infections. 4 Mistakes That Are Causing You to Waste Money on Skin-Care Serums, According to an Esthetician, These Are the Best Anti-Chafing Denim ShortsAccording to Some Very Happy Reviewers. Exfoliating products are bucketed into two types: chemical and physical exfoliators. When it comes to facial exfoliation, you should be particularly careful to not use any exfoliants that are extra-strong, as the moisture barrier on your face could become compromised. I use this one myself, and here's what I do: A day or two before I plan on shaving, I'll lather this serum on, let it dry, and then put on a body lotion. While the name in itself is fairly self-explanatory, here's a technical explanation: "Ingrown hairs are caused by hairs that get stuck under the top layer of the skin," board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Jeremy Fenton, M.D., told mbg. When looking for a chemical exfoliator, you'll want to seek out ingredients' lists that include hydroxy acids like salicylic acid or glycolic acid. Once you choose that, you've gotta consider the ingredients: Now that you've got all the info, I made your job a little easier: Here are nine of the best ingrown hair treatments below. The Easiest Way to Get Rid of Acne Scars at Home, This Is How to *Permanently* Remove Your Hair, The Top 50 Must-Buy Beauty Products on Amazon, The 17 Easiest, Most Gentle Waxing KitsEver, Tinted SPF = My Holy Grail Beauty Product, 9 Best Ingrown Hair Treatments to Prevent and Remove Ingrown Hairs Safely, Amazon Basic Care Hydrocortisone 1 Percent Cream, Tower 28 Beauty SOS (Save.Our.Skin) Daily Rescue Facial Spray, Jack Black Bump Fix Razor Bump & Ingrown Hair Solution, First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads with BHA & AHA. So with any form of hair removal, you're prone to developing ingrown hair. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. It's also free of alcohol, parabens, sulfates, dyes, and artificial fragrance, making it ideal for all skin types.