Ingrown hairs are a common irritation and there are some factors that can increase how often you experience them and whether or not they could have an effect on your skin over time. Discover what exactly an ingrown hair is, how it forms, the top reasons you get them, and some of our top tips on how to keep ingrown hairs at bay for smooth, even-toned skin.
An ingrown hair occurs when a hair strand attempts to grow out of a follicle opening but ends up growing into the skin. When the hair grows into the skin, your body considers it a foreign object, causing redness and inflammation as it attempts to fight it off. Some ingrown hairs may also cause infection or become pus-filled pustules, similar to an acne breakout.
There are three types of ingrown hairs:
Typically speaking, the first type, which grows back in on itself, is easy to treat at home and less likely to risk infection. The latter two types, however, are more likely to cause inflammation, infection, hyperpigmentation, and keloid scarring in some cases. On a serious note, it is best to let the professionals treat you instead of trying to remove it yourself with the risk of scarring.
Generally speaking, the reason you get ingrown hairs is likely one of three main causes:
For those who wish to continue to shave, our tips for a stress-free shave can also double up as steps to lower your risk of ingrowth. For shaving, waxing, or tweezing, exfoliating between hair removal sessions and ensuring the skin stays hydrated can also help to keep follicles open, encourage healthy, supple hair growth, and better prevent ingrown hairs. Furthermore, lotions or cleansers containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or glycolic acid can offer a gentle exfoliation as compared to physical methods, like those containing sugar, which can feel harsher on sensitive skin.
For pigmentation related to ingrown hairs, depending on where it has occurred, a retinoid-based treatment may be an effective solution. Retinoids help to exfoliate skin and encourage healthy skin cell turnover to gradually reduce the appearance of scarring or pigmentation. For sensitive areas or ingrown hairs that may be affected, it’s best to speak to a dermatologist or aesthetics professional before treating the area with a retinoid, as the hair may need to be removed or an infection cleared prior to pigmentation treatment.
To get to the very root of the problem, though, laser hair removal treatments may be your best bet. Using advanced technology, Venus Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and diode laser hair removal treatments remove hair at a deeper level as compared to shaving and goes one step further than waxing or tweezing to inhibit hair regrowth. These treatments utilize IPL and diode laser technology to target the pigment in each hair and destroy the hair follicle, causing the treated hair to fall out and preventing regrowth. Multiple sessions are needed to ensure all hairs are treated because hair cycles through growing phases. The result is a permanent reduction in hair regrowth and an effective way to end the cycle of your chronic ingrown hairs. For those considering an at-home diode laser hair removal device, weigh the pros and cons here before you commit.
Interested in learning more about how hair removal treatments can help you better manage and prevent ingrown hairs? Locate a treatment professional near you using the search field below to book a consultation today.
Find a certified treatment provider near you.
Search below to find a certified treatment provider in your area.
For more information call: (888) 907-0115 // [email protected]
REGULATORY CLEARANCES [ More ]
Venus Versa™ is cleared by the FDA for the treatment of benign pigmented epidermal and cutaneous lesions, benign cutaneous vascular lesions, removal of unwanted hair, treatment of acne vulgaris, dermatological procedures requiring ablation and resurfacing of the skin, and non-invasive treatment of moderate to severe wrinkles and rhytides. Venus Versa™ is licensed by Health Canada for the treatment of benign pigmented epidermal and cutaneous lesions, benign cutaneous vascular lesions, removal of unwanted hair, treatment of acne vulgaris, dermatological procedures requiring ablation and resurfacing of the skin, non-invasive treatment of moderate to severe wrinkles and rhytides, and body contouring via skin tightening, circumferential reduction, and cellulite reduction.
Venus Legacy™ is cleared by the FDA for the non-invasive treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and rhytides and temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite, and licensed by Health Canada for the non-invasive treatment of skin tightening, temporary circumferential reduction, cellulite reduction, and wrinkle reduction.
Venus Velocity™ is cleared by the FDA and licensed by Health Canada for hair removal, permanent hair reduction, and the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae.
Venus Viva™ is cleared by the FDA and licensed by Health Canada for dermatological procedures requiring ablation and resurfacing of the skin. The DiamondPolar™ applicator is licensed by Health Canada for the non-invasive treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and rhytides.
Venus Freeze Plus™ is cleared by the FDA for the non-invasive treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and rhytides, and licensed by Health Canada for the non-invasive treatment of cellulite reduction, skin tightening, and temporary reduction in the appearance of stretch marks.
Venus Fiore™ has been launched in India, Hong Kong, and other Asian countries, and is undergoing regulatory processes in Europe and North America. It is designed as a unique solution for feminine health with three applicators to address internal vaginal health restoration, labia skin tightening, and mons pubis reduction.
Copyright © 2024 Venus Concept. All rights reserved.
You are entering our website. For other country/regions and language options, please click the button below.
Click HereAre you a physician or aesthetician? Please visit our medical and aesthetic professional website to learn more.
Click Here