Ingrown Hair Prevention & Toner
An ingrown hair occurs when growing hair fails to break the surface of the skin and grows sideways underneath it. Ingrown hairs can often become painful and infected. However, they can be prevented and treated. Using a toner on the problem area will exfoliate the skin surface to allow the hair to emerge. Does this Spark an idea?
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How an Ingrown Occurs
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Ingrown hairs occur for many reasons. They frequently happen in areas that are shaved, where tight clothing is worn and where hair tends to be curly. When hair is shaved it is cut at an angle and grows back in on itself, according to ingrownhairfacts.com. Tight clothing does not allow skin to breathe and it also causes friction against the surface of the skin. Waxing can clog pores and does not allow hair to grow through the surface.
Prevention and Maintenance
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Wearing loose-fighting clothing that does not rub on skin is one way to prevent ingrown hairs. Natural fabrics also allow skin to breathe. Shaving in the direction of the hair growth is also key to keeping the hair growing in the right direction. Shaving less or not at all is also helpful.Treating the problem skin area is just as important as prevention. Using skin toners is essential to treatment.
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Ingredients in Toners
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There are several key ingredients to look for in toners.
-Witch hazel is a timeless trick to shrink inflamed skin and to soothe irritation. It is derived from natural ingredients and is gentle on the skin.
-Salicylic acid de-flakes the top layer of skin to prevent clogged pores and to create a smooth surface for hair to grow through.
-Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) loosen the glue-like substances that hold the surface skin cells to each other, therefore allowing the dead skin to peel off, according to glycolic.org. However, they are more harsh and should not be used on sensitive skin or skin exposed to sun. AHA promotes new skin growth and cell regeneration.
-Glycolic acid is a form of AHA that is more gentle than full-strength alpha hydroxy. It is fruit based and has the same skin regeneration powers.
Picking the Right Toner
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Many companies market products specifically for ingrown hair treatment. Stay away from heavy creams and oil products as they block pores. Witch hazel is very inexpensive and can be bought in large quantities. Many beauty specialty shops sell ingrown hair treatments as well. They an be expensive but are generally effective.
Home Remedies
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A rubbing alcohol solution is a cheap alternative to store bought products. Dampen a cotton ball with water and alcohol solution and dab on the problem skin area.
Another home remedy alternative is to dissolve 2 aspirin in 1 oz of rubbing alcohol and water. Apply to affected skin and allow to dry.
Talk to Your Doctor
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Your doctor or dermatologist will have ideas of how to treat and prevent ingrown hairs Depending on the severity of your ingrown hairs and the condition of your skin, he may prescribe a topical antibiotic.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Betsy Fletcher
