It’s all too easy for men to mistake ingrown facial hair for pimples. Both appear in the form of painful, red bumps which form across the neck, chin and cheek area.
But while acne is the result of a blocked pore, ingrown hairs are caused when the hair grows back into your skin and causes the area to swell. Thus, ingrown facial hair requires a slightly different approach for prevention and treatment.
What causes ingrown hairs and how can you get rid of them quickly?
Here are four things you need to know:
- Ingrown hairs occur when the hair shaft curls and grows back into the skin rather than growing straight and outwards.
- Although ingrown hairs are often caused by shaving, they can also occur when hair is left alone.
- Using a gentle men’s exfoliating scrub regularly can help prevent painful ingrown hairs.
- Salicylic Acid followed by a cortisone cream can soothe inflamed skin and get rid of ingrown hairs fast.
Step One: Clear a “Path” for the Hair to Grow
You probably know that a buildup of dead skin cells, dirt and oil can lead to acne. Did you know that it can also cause ingrown hairs?
Ingrown hairs occur when the hair grows inward rather than straight and up. A buildup of dead skin cells and oil can impede the hair’s growth path, making you more likely to develop those painful, itchy bumps.
Using a men’s exfoliating scrub twice per week can help loosen the debris from your pores and clear out dead skin cells. This will help ensure that the hair shaft has a clear path to grow.
Step Two: Reduce Excess Oil and Buildup with Salicylic Acid
For ingrown hairs that are already swollen and painful, go easy on the facial scrub. Scrubbing too hard can irritate the area and worsen inflammation.
To soothe painful bumps and gently clear out excess oil, use an acne cream containing Salicylic Acid. Derived from white willow bark, this powerful, acne-fighting ingredient has soothing properties which can reduce swelling.
Salicylic Acid also has antibacterial properties and promotes natural exfoliation (see claim: “…acts as a topical antibacterial agent due to its ability to promote exfoliation.”) On the chance that you’re dealing with acne along with ingrown hairs, this step will prove effective at eliminating both.
Take the skin care quizStep Three: Reduce Redness and Irritation with Topical Creams
If your ingrown hairs are still swollen and red after applying Salicylic Acid, an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help further reduce inflammation. Hydrocortisone creams are commonly used to treat swelling and redness in skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis and eczema (see claim: “Conclusively, the treatment of SD by topical hydrocortisone 1% can lead to earlier improvement of the condition…”)
Other topical creams and solutions which can potentially reduce inflamed ingrown hairs include aloe vera and tea tree oil. Both of these skin care ingredients contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce oil buildup and soothe inflamed skin.
Additional Ways to Prevent Ingrown Hairs in Men
The best way to get rid of ingrown hairs is preventing them from occurring in the first place. Here are a few things you can do to reduce your chances of developing ingrown facial hair:
- Prep Your Face Before Shaving—Open pores by taking a warm washcloth to your face and moving it gently in a circular motion. This will help loosen stuck hairs that are trying to grow inward.
- Adjust Your Shaving Technique—Shave with a single-blade razor and replace the blades often. Dull blades are a common cause of ingrown facial hair.
- Avoid Greasy Moisturizers—Daily moisturization is critical for healthy skin, but only if it’s the right moisturizer. Use a men’s moisturizer that won’t clog your pores and cause hair to grow incorrectly.
- Rinse Your Razor—Rinse your razor blade under water with each stroke. This will not only ensure that you get a close shave, it will also prevent irritation and razor bumps.
- Use Pre-Shave Oil—Pre-shave oil can lubricate your skin and minimize tugging which leads to ingrown hairs. Plus, shave oils can help you achieve an ultra-smooth shave.
Final Words
Ingrown facial hair in men can look an awful lot like acne. If you’re still not sure whether it’s acne or ingrown hair, you can always see a dermatologist who will get to the bottom of it.
The best way to prevent ingrown hairs is to wash and exfoliate your face regularly. Have you tried Tiege Hanley’s Acne System for men? It has everything you need to finally put those ingrown hairs—and your acne—to rest!
Check it out and let us know what you think!
