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Symptoms of Hair that is Ingrown

An ingrown hair problem is generally characterized by a number of symptoms, but each person may experience the symptoms slightly differently. The most common symptom of ingrown hairs is inflammation of the skin in localized small bumps. The degree of inflammation will vary. Within the center of the bump, a barely visible curled hair is present. Accompanying the swelling is redness, mild pain, and itchiness. Ingrown hair can also lead to the formation of puss in the affected areas.

As will be discussed later, ingrown hairs are closely associated with the act of shaving. Therefore, the beard and neck areas in men are prime locations for ingrown hair to occur and it can be a significant mens skin care problem. However, women also commonly shave certain body areas and therefore, like men, women are also concerned about ingrown-hair. For women, the legs, underarms, and bikini area are all usually affected by these razor bumps.

Ingrown hair symptoms may resemble other skin care problems. One such problem is known as keratosis pilaris. This is a non-contagious skin condition that produces symptoms similar to ingrown hairs and it is commonly found on the upper arms, thighs, and occasionally on other body areas. Old shedding skin cells that get trapped in hair follicles cause this condition.

What Causes Ingrown Hair to Occur?
When a hair shaft is cut it has a sharpened edge and as this hair strand grows, it might curl back into the same hair follicle and get trapped underneath the skin surface. Basically, it grows back into the skin. Also, new hairs may also get caught under the skin surface without ever being cut. These scenarios create the irritation symptoms that occur with ingrown-hair.

Treatments and Prevention
Often ingrown hairs disappear on their own by growing out from beneath the skin’s surface. In addition, ingrown hairs can be removed by carefully lifting them out of the skin with tweezers. The hairs should not be plucked. However, for many individuals this is a chronic skin problem that does require more sophisticated action to be taken to alleviate the discomfort.

Possible treatments for individuals with chronic ingrown-hair problems are the use of depilatory creams or electrolysis in order to remove the hair. No hair, no ingrown-hair problem! Depilatory creams are used for the short-term removal of the hair. For a more permanent hair removal method, then electrolysis is the way to go. A dermatologist, depending on the severity of the condition, can prescribe other treatments. Topical antiseptics may be used to prevent infections from occurring or when there is infection, antibiotics may be required. Although it is not always possible to stop ingrown hairs from occurring, the best treatment is prevention.

Shaving Tips for Preventing Ingrown Hairs or Razor Bumps

Shaving often causes an ingrown hair problem to occur and that is why it is also referred to as razor bumps. Therefore, the best prevention technique is not to shave. Although this is a very logical approach, it is not very practical because not all men want facial hair and not all women are thrilled to have hairy legs or armpits. The alternative is to practice proper shaving techniques consistently and to follow certain shaving tips as described below.

Shave with an Electric Razor
Many individuals have found that shaving with an electric razor reduces the occurrence of hairs that are ingrown or razor bumps. This is likely due to the fact that electric razors do not shave as close as a wet blade. With blades, the shave is much closer and there is a greater chance of the cut and sharpened end of the hair to re-enter the hair follicle.

Use Shave Gel Instead of Foam
Gels are typically less irritating whereas foams can dry-out and irritate the skin. The shave gel product should contain plenty of lubricating agents and be specially formulated for sensitive skin. Do not use any product that contains alcohol. Alcohol will make this skin care problem substantially worse because it will dry out the skin and close the pores.

Wash the Skin Before Shaving
Wet hair is full of moisture and cuts easier. On the other hand dry hair is tougher and stronger. As a razor encounters this tougher hair, it gets pulled up from the follicle and then retracts beneath the skin surface after it is cut. This increases the risk of ingrown-hairs because the cut hair gets trapped inside the hair follicle and digs inward or sideways into the skin as it grows. The hair to be shaved should be wet for around five minutes prior to shaving. Washing the skin before shaving also helps to exfoliate it and helps lift the hairs away from the skin follicle.

Shave in the Direction of Hair Growth and this Same Direction Each Time
For men, the direction of shaving is downwards on the cheeks, chin, and moustache areas and upwards on the neck. For women this means shaving downwards on the legs. This is a very important factor in preventing hairs from becoming ingrown. It prevents the hair from being cut too short. If shaving with the hair grain (direction of growth) is done consistently, then the hair can be trained to grow out straight, which prevents it from curling back into the skin.

Shaving against the grain will give a closer shave and some individuals prefer this technique. However, if one is prone to skin irritation and the development of hairs becoming ingrown then shaving with the grain of the hair is strongly recommended.

Shave with Skin in a Relaxed State
When shaving it is best not to pull the skin too tight. A little pressure is okay, but too much stretching will result in the hair being cut too short. Also, do not use too much pressure on the blade.

Avoid Repeated Strokes in the Same Area
Repeated strokes with the razor over the same area will cause the hair to be cut too short and result in a greater chance of the development of an ingrown-hair problem. Also, a single blade razor is generally preferred. With rigid twin blade razors, the first blade lifts the hair and the second blade cuts it deep and usually at an angle that makes the development of ingrown hair likely. Pivoting head razors with multiple blades are not as bad as the fixed blades razors.

Other Tips for Preventing Hair from Becoming Ingrown

Exfoliate the Skin
Exfoliating the skin can be a very useful procedure for preventing hairs that are ingrown or razor bumps. This process will remove the barriers that prevent the hair from growing out of the skin. It should be performed regularly when bathing or when the face is washed. Exfoliation can be performed with a gentle scrubbing pad, an exfoliating glove or a loofah. Certain creams that contain beta hydroxy acids, such as salicylic acid can help to exfoliate the skin and are very effective in reducing razor bumps.

Practice Daily Health Skin Care
Daily moisturization of the skin is necessary as well to prevent ingrown hair. Gentle cleansing and proper moisturization will keep the skin smooth and supple and will keep the hair follicles moisturized and the hair growing in the right direction. The moisturizer used should not clog the pores – such products are labeled as noncomedogenic.

Your skincare game plan

Follow these tips for an effective approach to a clear complexion.

Ditch the bar soap. Many men mistakenly think that using ordinary bar soap in the shower is sufficient for facial cleansing. However, soap can actually do more harm than good by stripping your face of its natural oils. Instead, use a facial cleanser to dissolve daily dirt and grime for clear, healthy skin. Short on time? Apply your cleanser in the shower while skin is already wet. Massage a small amount (pea size) over the face and neck, rinse carefully and pat dry. After you get out of the shower, apply lotion immediately to lock in moisture.

Scrub it off. You should exfoliate your face two to three times a week to get rid of dead skin cells. Exfoliating encourages new cell growth, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles and makes shaving easier. Today’s exfoliators feature vitamins, minerals, herbs and plant extracts. They’re designed to soften and smooth without damaging skin’s top layer.

 Remove residue. After washing your face, grease, film, dirt or soap might still remain. This is where your toner comes in: it removes any leftover residue. Pour some on a cotton ball or cotton round, and then apply it to skin with gentle strokes.

Moisturize. Although men’s skin is often thicker and coarser than women’s, moisturizing is still an important part of a guy’s basic routine. Top on the list of reasons: environmental damage, free radicals and pollution don’t discriminate — they affect women and men of all skin types, causing dryness and damage. If your skin is oily, simply look for an oil-free moisturizer to hydrate without causing greasiness or shine. If you have mature skin, consider an anti-aging moisturizer to combat wrinkles, dryness and other telltale signs of aging.

 Take cover from the sun. Add sun block to your year-round routine. You’ll ward off environmental damage, prevent fine lines and wrinkles and keep yourself safe from skin cancer. 

Unfortunately, many men don’t apply sunscreen daily, so they increase their risk for sunburn and skin cancer. In fact, men are twice as likely to get skin cancer and have the highest chance of dying from melanoma. That’s partially because men are less likely to wear sunscreen and don’t seek medical attention early enough.

Animal studies have also looked at whether men’s skin is more sensitive to sun damage. In one study conducted at Ohio State University, researchers compared skin cancer risk between male and female rats. Both sets underwent UV lamp sessions three times a week for six months. According to findings, “Males got skin tumors earlier, got more of them and more of the tumors were severe,” pathology professor Tatiana M. Oberyszyn, Ph.D., tells WebMD.

In addition, men often spend more time outdoors than women, thereby increasing their skin cancer risk even further. So, slather on your sunscreen every day, and don’t forget to wear a hat and sunglasses.

Know thyself. Before purchasing any products, it’s important you know your skin type. Then, look for skincare that’s specifically designed for your type. When identifying your skin type, pay attention to how it looks and feels:

Dry skin often feels tight and can flake.

Oily skin is typically shiny, greasy and acne-prone.

Combination skin generally has a greasy T-zone — forehead, nose and chin — but other areas are normal or dry.

Still not sure of your type?  Consult a dermatologist or your esthetician.

13 Ways to Reduce Wrinkles

Protecting and caring for your skin are the best anti-aging treatments for a younger looking complexion.
By Linda Foster Medically reviewed by Christine Wilmsen Craig, MD

Are you tired of waging a war against wrinkles? Scott Gerrish, MD, of Gerrish and Associates, PC, a non-surgical skin care specialist with offices in Virginia and Maryland states, “Don’t give up yet. There are steps you can take to lessen and even reverse one of the biggest signs of aging: wrinkles.”

13 Simple and Smart Skin Care Steps to Reduce Wrinkles

Avoid sun exposure. Try to wear white or light colors, and wear a hat when you’re outdoors. Also, don’t use tanning booths, which can be worse than the sun.

Wear sunscreen. For the best anti-aging protection, Dr. Gerrish strongly recommends, “Apply sunscreen with at least an SPF 15 (sun protection factor) thirty minutes before sun exposure to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Look for one with zinc or titanium oxide in the ingredient list.”

Avoid environmental pollutants. Ozone, smoke, and gasoline fumes are just a few of the pollutants that can age skin and cause premature wrinkles.

Start an anti-aging skin care program. June Breiner, MD, an internist in Maryland suggests, “Consult with a non-surgical skin care doctor. There are many products available that thicken your skin and reduce wrinkles.”

Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke. Smoking takes away oxygen and nutrients, and it also increases the number of free radicals in your body’s cells, a main cause of skin aging. “The amount of cigarette consumption and the number of years you have smoked are correlated with an increase in premature wrinkles,” states Dr. Breiner.

Wear sunglasses. Other than staying indoors and away from windows, sunglasses are the best way to protect the thin, sensitive skin around your eyes from UV radiation.

Sleep on your back, if possible. Sleeping with your face pressed against the pillow can cause sleep lines, which can turn into wrinkles. Satin pillow cases can also help in the anti-wrinkle fight.

Use moisturizer. A good moisturizer will keep skin hydrated and soften wrinkles.

Exercise regularly. “It gets your cardiovascular system going, which is great for getting needed nutrients and oxygen to your skin,” Breiner explains. “You should get cardiovascular exercise for your heart and skin health, and weight strengthening exercises for muscle underlying your skin.”

Eat a nutritious, anti-aging diet. Drink plenty of water and teas, and get eight to ten servings daily of fruits and vegetables. Eat fresh caught Atlantic salmon three times a week or another fish high in omega 3 fatty acids, such as herring, mackerel, trout, or tuna. Foods have a tremendous ability to fight the aging process as they are chock full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs to combat wrinkles, says Breiner.

Avoid processed and refined foods and sugars. They contain chemicals that can cause your skin to age prematurely

Try Retin-A or Renova. Gerrish recommends, “See your doctor for a prescription of Retin-A Retin-A, a cream that has been proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and thicken thinning skin, which is part of the aging process.” If your skin is very dry, ask about Renova , a gentler formulation of the anti wrinkle cream.

Avoid stress. When you’re stressed out, your body releases a powerful aging hormone, cortisol, into your blood stream. “If you have chronic stress, take yoga, write in a journal daily, sing, take a walk, meditate. Do whatever works for you to reduce stress,” suggests Gerrish.