What are ingrown hairs?
Ingrown hairs are a common occurrence that happens when hairs grow back into the skin instead of out of it. They can happen anywhere on the body, but are particularly common on areas that are regularly shaved or waxed, such as the legs, underarms, and bikini area.
What is body brushing?
Body brushing is a technique where you use a dry brush with firm bristles to massage your skin in a circular motion. It’s often done before showering or bathing and is known to have multiple benefits for the skin, including exfoliating dead skin cells and promoting lymphatic drainage.
Can body brushing help with ingrown hairs?
Yes, body brushing can be helpful in preventing and treating ingrown hairs. By exfoliating the top layer of dead skin cells, body brushing helps to prevent them from trapping hairs and causing them to grow back into the skin.
In addition, body brushing also promotes healthy blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which can help to reduce inflammation and redness associated with ingrown hairs. It’s important to note that body brushing should be done gently and with a light touch, particularly in areas where you’re prone to ingrown hairs.
Other ways to prevent and treat ingrown hairs
While body brushing can be helpful in preventing and treating ingrown hairs, there are other steps you can take to keep them at bay. These include:
- Exfoliating regularly with a gentle scrub or using an exfoliating glove or cloth
- Moisturizing your skin regularly to keep it hydrated
- Avoiding tight clothing that can rub against your skin and cause irritation
- Using a sharp, clean razor when shaving and using shaving cream or gel to reduce friction
- Consider taking a break from shaving or waxing if you’re prone to ingrown hairs
When to seek help
If you have persistent or severe ingrown hairs, you may want to see a dermatologist or other healthcare provider for treatment. They can prescribe topical or oral medications to help reduce inflammation and prevent infection, as well as provide other treatments like laser hair removal or chemical peels to help prevent ingrown hairs from forming.
