Believe it or not, but there’s a world of difference between men’s skin and women’s. Some issues, however, remain the same. Both men and women suffer from ingrowth, but given the difference in skin type, the procedure to get rid of them is slightly different. If you’re a man fraught with severe ingrowth, read on to learn exactly what causes it, and how to get rid of it:
What is an ingrown hair, and what causes it?
Simply put, ingrown hair in men is caused when the hairs on the skin that were supposed to rise up from it, curl around and grow back into it. The most common cause of ingrown hair in men is shaving. Regularly shaving you face produces a raised, red bump that may look like a pimple, but isn’t really one. Men notice ingrowth mostly as little bumps on the chin, cheeks, and neck.
The more hair you have on your body, the more likely you are to have an ingrown hair infection. If you leave it untreated for a long time, it is likely to get infected, darken the skin, and leave behind a scar.
Ways to get rid of Ingrown Hair
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- Massage the infected area with a toothbrush with soft bristles:
This, when combined with a cleanser, will help soften the hard edge of the ingrowth, and allow the trapped hair to grow out. Make sure to apply an over-the-counter medicated cream containing retinoids or glycolic acid to suppress any inflammation that follows.
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- Rub your face with a wet wash cloth every day:
Soak a wash cloth in lukewarm water for five minutes, and rub your face with it before you shave. This will soften the edges, and make way for a smooth shave.
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- Shave with a single-bladed razor:
Shaving with a single-bladed razor in the direction of hair growth reduces occurrence of any further ingrowth.
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- Take antibiotics and apply post-shave products containing salicylic acid:
This is one ingredient that actively improves razor bumps, and exfoliates as well as moisturises your skin. Dermatologist-recommended antibiotics, on the other hand, speed the healing process, and help reduce any further ingrowth.
Last, but not the least, wash your face and neck area regularly to keep it clean and avoid clogged pores. If the problem still persists, it’s best that you consult a dermatologist, and opt for more elaborate ingrown hair treatments.
