We’ve all had them–pesky ingrown hairs that seem to pop up out of nowhere and ruin our day. Okay, maybe that sounds a bit dramatic, but ingrown hairs can be uncomfortable, painful, and can even become infected. While some cases may resolve on their own within a few days, other ingrown hairs can linger, creating an inflamed blister-like bump on your skin. So what causes these bothersome little bumps in the first place, and can upping your exfoliating regimen really get rid of them for good?
What Causes Ingrown Hair?
Just like it sounds, ingrown hair happens when shaved, waxed or plucked hair begins to regrow inward towards the skin, rather than straight out of your skin. This can result in small, often red bumps on the surface of your skin, which are caused by inflammation. In some cases, you’ll be able to see the embedded hair, but in others, it may more closely resemble a pimple. These bumps can be itchy and uncomfortable, and anyone who shaves, waxes or plucks their hair can get them. In fact, men who shave their facial hair tend to be very susceptible to ingrown hair (Mayo Clinic).
How Exfoliating Can Help
If you’re not exfoliating regularly, a layer of dead skin cells, dirt, oil and other debris can build up on the surface of your skin. This may trap growing hair underneath, causing it to curl in on itself and grow back into your skin. Once you already have an ingrown hair, exfoliating the area can help to remove this buildup, allowing the hair to correct itself and grow smoothly.
For this same reason, regularly exfoliating your skin can work wonders when it comes to preventing future ingrown hairs from forming. When you keep your skin free of that layer of buildup, you lower your chances of having to deal with more ingrown hairs in the future.
Keep in mind, though, that not all exfoliation techniques and products are created equal. The ViaBuff Body Exfoliator is unique in that it utilizes an open-cell material to gently buff away dead skin, dirt and pollutants without using a harsh abrasive. That way, you can reap the amazing benefits of regular exfoliation without damaging or irritating your skin. Even better, the ViaBuff comes in four different levels of exfoliation, ranging from extra gentle to clinical, allowing you to custom-tailor your exfoliation routine to fit your skin care needs.
Other Useful Tips for Preventing Ingrown Hair
Exfoliation is really your best defence against ingrown hair, but other hair removal habits can help to enhance its effects. Remember to exfoliate before shaving, waxing or plucking, and keep these other shaving tips in mind to ward off ingrown hair:
- Shave in the direction of your hair’s growth, not “against the grain.”
- Use shaving cream; never dry shave.
- Use a sharp, clean razor.
- Avoid pulling your skin taut while shaving.
The Bottom Line
In a nutshell, if you’re not exfoliating, you’re missing a key component of your skin care routine. Not only can it prevent and treat ingrown hair, but it can also help you get a closer shave, kick breakouts to the curb and leave your skin looking and feeling soft, smooth and healthy. If you’re new to exfoliation, try the ViaBuff Body Exfoliator or the ViaBuff Facial Mini and see a noticeable difference in the overall texture and appearance of your skin after just one use, and forget about the woes of ingrown hair for good.