Get into the habit of applying cold water or witch hazel to your face immediately after shaving or waxing. Both can reduce irritation, tighten pores, moisturize, and help treat ingrown hairs. Witch hazel also stops bacteria from growing in hair follicles.
#6: Use witch hazel
After your shave, Helton says you should dry your skin gently and dab on witch hazel; it should have less than 14% alcohol, to avoid stinging and irritation. This will soothe your skin and gently close the pores, so you're less likely to get a rash or bumps.
To remove an ingrown hair, gently exfoliate your skin. Exfoliating your skin removes a dead layer of skin cells and helps release ingrown hairs. Use warm — not hot — water and small, circular motions to wash your affected areas with a washcloth, exfoliating brush or exfoliating gel or scrub.
Use a benzoyl peroxide cream. This ingredient found in OTC acne medicines can help dry up the affected area and reduce redness. Moisturize. A non-greasy moisturizer can get rid of dead skin cells, which often clog follicles and contribute to ingrown hairs.
Start by applying a warm compress to the area, since the heat will soften the skin, says Dr. Solomon. Then, very gently, exfoliate the skin trapping the hair. “Move a washcloth or clean, soft-bristled toothbrush over the area in a circular motion for several minutes,” she suggests.
Improper hair removal
The most common cause of ingrown hairs is an improper shaving technique. Cutting hair very close to the skin creates a very sharp tip on the end of each of the hairs. Most of these hairs will grow back out without a problem. However, some hairs can curl back on themselves and grow into the skin.
Often, an ingrown hair will go away on its own. But if it doesn't, you could have: An infection. Darkened skin.
If you can see an ingrown hair beneath the skin, apply a warm, damp compress for a couple of minutes to soften the skin, says Rodney Basler, MD. Then sterilize a needle or tweezers and pluck the hair. Follow with an antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol.
Although ingrown hairs can be uncomfortable at times, they're best left alone. Many cases clear up on their own without any interference. Mild cases of infection may clear up on their own after a few days, but severe cases can take a couple of weeks.
A dermatologist may recommend draining the fluid from the cyst by making a small incision. If a cyst becomes inflamed or infected, a doctor might suggest a steroid injection or antibiotics. Also, a steroid cream may help reduce swelling or irritation.
To soothe irritation.
Witch hazel can reduce inflammation and minimize irritation for minor skin injuries (aka cuts, scrapes and/or rashes), bug bites, poison ivy or hemorrhoids. It's important to emphasize that it works on small areas and should not be used as a solution for skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
People with oily skin find that Witch Hazel helps them to achieve a pH balance that other toners can't. Those with dry skin see the flakes leave while essential moisture remains. Our toner cleans and calm sensitive skin, unclog pores and help you restore your skin to its natural pH balance.
First things first: Apply an antiseptic like witch hazel to help control inflammation. Put some on a cotton round and apply it directly to the bumps to reduce redness and irritation.
Ingrown hairs can look like raised, red, itchy spots on the skin. Sometimes you can see a hair trapped under the skin. You may be more likely to get ingrown hairs if you have coarse or curly hair. Infected ingrown hairs can be painful.
If you develop ingrown hairs, Delaney recommends applying warm water compresses for 10 minutes, three times a day. “These compresses can help soothe irritated spots, remove any crust and reduce drainage,” she said. They also soften the top layer of the skin to help release the ingrown hairs.
Apply a warm, moist — not dripping — washcloth for 10 to 15 minutes, three or four times a day. Warm compresses soften your skin and may help ease inflammation and discomfort by allowing your skin to open and drain if there's any pus present.
Moisturize liberally.
Moisturize your skin, even if it doesn't feel dry, to help soothe irritation and make ingrown hairs go away faster.. Doing so will keep your skin soft so your hairs can push out of your skin and your skin can heal.
Never pop an ingrown hair cyst, as this can increase your risk for infection and scarring. You also shouldn't try to lift the hair out with tweezers like you might with a normal ingrown hair. At this point, the hair is embedded far too deep underneath the bump or cyst for you to pull it out.
Ingrown hair that doesn't clear up can lead to: Bacterial infection (from scratching) Patches of skin that are darker than usual (postinflammatory hyperpigmentation) Raised scars that are darker than surrounding skin (keloids)
Anyone can get an ingrown hair. But the problem is more common in people who have very curly or coarse hair. Curly hair is more likely to bend back and re-enter your skin, especially after it's been shaved or cut.
1. Witch Hazel and Rose Water. This feminine hygiene wash uses natural ingredients that will leave you feeling refreshed. The two main ingredients are witch hazel and rose water.
Witch hazel is an astringent that is often used as a natural topical remedy. It contains several compounds with potent anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which may be useful in treating a variety of conditions ranging from acne and scalp sensitivity to hemorrhoids.
Witch hazel is a natural medicinal product with anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that benefit the skin. People use it for acne and other skin conditions, such as sunburn and insect bites. Some people successfully use witch hazel to treat their acne.