Able to say goodbye to painful ingrown hairs? These ingrown hair scrub recipes work to exfoliate and soothe your legs and bikini space so you possibly can so you possibly can take pleasure in easy, irritation-free pores and skin.
As a result of shaving may be additional brutal in winter, it’s no shock that our legs is likely to be wanting lower than stellar—and there’s nothing fairly like these offended crimson bumps, ugly ingrown hairs, and irritated pores and skin to smash a brand new outfit.
Whether or not it was a uninteresting razor, piping sizzling water, or not sufficient shaving cream, we’ve all been there!
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What Causes Ingrown Hairs?
Ugh, ingrown hairs are the worst. They usually’re normally in spots that get lots of friction (yep, I’m speaking to you, bikini line), making them particularly uncomfortable.
Whereas most of us think about that razor bumps occur throughout a shave, in actuality, they happen later—because the hair begins to develop again. These dreaded crimson bumps are literally a results of sharp hairs that curl round and re-enter the pores and skin—ouch!
They’re attributable to “a hair follicle that has grown inward somewhat than outward from the pores and skin, which creates irritation on the level of re-entry into the pores and skin,” explains Mary Alice Mina, M.D., Atlanta-based dermatologist and Mohs surgeon.
How To Forestall Ingrown Hairs
Exfoliate often: To forestall new ingrown hairs, incorporate mild exfoliation into your skincare routine 1 to 2 instances per week.
Use the precise shaving approach: With a pointy razor, shave within the course of hair development, and use a soothing shaving cream or gel to cut back the danger of ingrown hairs.
Deal with the pores and skin after hair elimination: Apply a soothing, anti-inflammatory spray with alcohol-free witch hazel, aloe vera, or salicylic acid instantly after hair elimination to cut back irritation.
Preserve the pores and skin moisturized: Apply a hydrating moisturizer day by day to maintain the pores and skin gentle. This will make it simpler for hairs to pierce by means of the pores and skin barrier with out changing into trapped.
Put on unfastened clothes: Tight clothes can exacerbate ingrown hairs by inflicting friction. Go for unfastened, breathable materials, particularly instantly after exfoliation or shaving.
Do-it-yourself Leg Scrubs for Ingrown Hairs
Making use of an ingrown hair scrub can exfoliate the realm and launch any trapped hairs. These recipes should not solely designed to assist with ingrown hairs but additionally to nourish and pamper your pores and skin.
1. Tea Tree Ingrown Hair Scrub
A delicate sugar scrub can take away useless pores and skin cells and allow the hair to develop out freely. Including tea tree oil with its antibacterial properties helps stop an infection, and it might probably additionally carry down swelling and irritation [source].
Like different oils, tea tree important oil moisturizes, cleanses, and nourishes the pores and skin. However what makes it completely different are its pure antiseptic and antibiotic properties [source]. These innate therapeutic properties make it good for soothing pores and skin irritation and therapeutic ingrown hairs.
Components:
Directions:
- Soften the coconut oil barely, and let it cool however not solidify.
- Combine within the granulated sugar till totally built-in.
- Stir within the tea tree important oil and aloe vera gel.
- Apply the scrub to moist legs in a round movement, concentrating on areas vulnerable to ingrown hairs.
- Rinse totally with heat water and pat dry. Observe with a liberal software of coconut or olive oil to moisturize.
2. Delicate Pores and skin Oatmeal Scrub
Oatmeal is a delicate exfoliant appropriate for delicate pores and skin or wherever which may be a bit tender with ingrown hairs or razor bumps. It has anti-inflammatory properties, making it helpful for calming the itching attributable to dermatitis and therapeutic the pores and skin’s protecting barrier [source].
Almond oil is an emollient that’s wealthy in vitamin E, hydrates, and reduces pores and skin irritation [source]. Use lavender or rose important oil for his or her calming and soothing properties.
Components:
Directions:
- Combine the bottom oatmeal and almond oil till you get a paste-like consistency.
- Add the important oil of your selection and blend effectively.
- Apply to the legs in mild, round motions, then rinse off with heat water.
3. Cooling Salt + Peppermint Scrub
Sea salt is a pure disinfectant and exfoliant that works effectively on thicker pores and skin areas. Peppermint important oil brings naturally cooling ache aid.
Components:
Directions:
- Combine the ocean salt and grape seed oil till mixed.
- Add the peppermint important oil and stir effectively.
- Apply the scrub in round motions to damp legs, paying particular consideration to areas with ingrown hairs.
- Rinse off totally with lukewarm water and pat the legs dry.
How To Exfoliate Legs for Ingrown Hairs
Dr. Nadir Qazi, D.O., a beauty dermatologist in Orange County, California, recommends exfoliating your pores and skin at the least a couple of times per week to take away useless pores and skin cells that may construct up inside your pores and forestall ingrown hairs in addition to folliculitis.
Exfoliating legs with ingrown hairs requires a delicate but efficient strategy to keep away from irritation whereas liberating trapped hairs. Right here’s the best way to do it safely:
Step 1: Select the Proper Exfoliant
Select a delicate scrub that gained’t irritate your pores and skin. Keep away from harsh scrubs that may trigger micro-tears or additional irritate ingrown hairs.
Exfoliate earlier than shaving to assist raise off these hairs from the adherent useless pores and skin cells for a good nearer shave and smoother pores and skin.
Step 2: Soften the Pores and skin and Hair
Earlier than exfoliating, take a heat bathe or bathtub for five to 10 minutes. The steam and heat will assist soften the pores and skin and hair, making the exfoliation course of more practical and fewer abrasive.
Step 3: Apply Exfoliant Gently
Preserve a physique scrub within the bathe for a fast pores and skin polish. Use mild, round motions to use the scrub to your legs.
Concentrate on areas with ingrown hairs, however keep away from urgent too onerous. The aim is to frivolously buff away the highest layer of useless pores and skin cells with out irritating the pores and skin.
Step 4: Rinse and Pat Dry
Rinse your legs with lukewarm (not sizzling!) water and pat your legs dry with a gentle towel.
Step 5: Moisturize
Apply a light-weight, noncomedogenic moisturizer to appease and hydrate the pores and skin. Merchandise containing substances like aloe vera or tea tree oil may be helpful for soothing irritation and stopping an infection.
Step 6: Deal with Ingrown Hairs
Generally, you possibly can see the hair beneath the pores and skin floor and take away it. It’s best to solely do that if the hair is well accessible with out breaking the pores and skin barrier.
Soak a washcloth in heat water, and apply it to the realm for about 5 minutes to melt the pores and skin and hair. Sterilize a pair of tweezers with alcohol and gently pluck the hair. Observe by making use of an antiseptic to the pores and skin.
Don’t decide! Choosing on the pores and skin can result in irritation, an infection, and scarring.
For one thing a bit extra everlasting, and particularly for many who battle with lots of hair development, think about laser hair elimination. The know-how has come a great distance, is extra reasonably priced, and might deal with all pores and skin varieties [source]. There’s a variable danger of scarring concerned [source], so make certain to go to a good doctor.
Do-it-yourself Exfoliating Scrubs for Bikini Space
On the subject of DIY exfoliators for the bikini space, it’s important to decide on substances with mild results to keep away from irritation. Listed below are some DIY bikini scrub recipes that may assist stop ingrown hairs:
4. Antibacterial Baking Soda Exfoliator
Aloe vera gel soothes and hydrates the pores and skin. Baking soda is a delicate exfoliant that helps take away useless pores and skin cells. Add just a few drops of tea tree oil for its antibacterial properties that may assist stop ingrown hairs.
Components:
Directions:
- Mix the aloe vera gel and baking soda in a bowl till you’ve got a easy paste.
- If utilizing, add just a few drops of tea tree important oil and blend totally.
- Apply the combination gently in round motions, then rinse off with cool water. This scrub is particularly good for soothing the pores and skin after shaving.
5. Pores and skin-Soothing Sugar Scrub
Sugar is a pure exfoliant that dissolves simply, lowering the danger of irritation. Jojoba oil mimics the pores and skin’s pure oils [source], offering deep moisturization with out clogging pores. Chamomile important oil has anti-inflammatory exercise [source] that lightly soothes and calms irritated pores and skin.
Components:
Directions:
- Mix the sugar and jojoba oil in a bowl and stir till you get a constant combination.
- Add the chamomile important oil and blend effectively.
- Gently apply the scrub in round motions to the bikini space, avoiding direct contact with mucous membranes.
- Rinse totally with lukewarm water and pat dry with a gentle towel.
6. Tremendous Mild Inexperienced Tea Scrub
Components:
Directions:
- Combine the inexperienced tea leaves or powder with candy almond oil till you obtain a paste-like consistency.
- If desired, add lemon juice for its astringent properties, which may help cleanse the pores and skin.
- Apply the combination to the affected space in mild round motions.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.
7. Non-Abrasive Yogurt + Charcoal Masks
Mix the mild exfoliation of yogurt, a pure supply of lactic acid, with activated charcoal powder to assist draw out impurities. Lavender important oil is antibacterial and likewise soothes the pores and skin.
Components:
- 2 tablespoons yogurt
- 1 tablespoon activated charcoal powder
- 10 drops lavender important oil
Directions:
- Combine the yogurt and charcoal powder to kind a constant paste.
- Add the lavender important oil for its calming results on the pores and skin.
- Apply to the pores and skin in round motions, specializing in areas with ingrown hairs.
- Go away it on for a couple of minutes earlier than rinsing with cool water.
How To Exfoliate the Bikini Space
Exfoliating the bikini space requires a delicate strategy to stop irritation whereas nonetheless successfully eradicating useless pores and skin cells and serving to to stop ingrown hairs. Right here’s the best way to do it safely:
1. Select the Proper Exfoliant
Frequency: Exfoliate the bikini space not more than as soon as per week to stop over-exfoliation and irritation.
Mild exfoliators: Select a scrub with advantageous, easy particles and keep away from something too abrasive. Do-it-yourself scrubs utilizing substances like advantageous sugar or finely floor oatmeal may be mild sufficient for this delicate space.
Keep away from exfoliating instantly after shaving or waxing: Wait just a few days after shaving or waxing to exfoliate, because the pores and skin may be extra delicate instantly after hair elimination.
2. Pre-Exfoliation
Cleanse: Use a delicate, fragrance-free cleanser to scrub the bikini space. This helps put together the pores and skin for exfoliation by eradicating any floor oils and filth.
Soften the pores and skin: Take a heat bathe or bathtub earlier than exfoliating. The steam and heat will assist soften the pores and skin and hair, making the exfoliation course of more practical and mild.
3. Exfoliating the Bikini Space
Apply gently: The pores and skin within the bikini space is delicate, so apply the scrub with mild, round motions. Use mild strain to keep away from irritation, and don’t exfoliate over any cuts, open wounds, or irritated areas of pores and skin.
Rinse totally: Use lukewarm water to rinse the realm totally.
Pat dry: Gently pat the realm dry with a clear towel.
4. Submit-Exfoliation Care
Moisturize: Apply a delicate, fragrance-free moisturizer to appease and hydrate the pores and skin.
Put on breathable clothes: After exfoliating, put on unfastened, breathable clothes. Tight clothes could cause friction, which can irritate the pores and skin.
Extra Leg Scrub Recipes
Creating specialised leg scrubs with important oils can deal with numerous pores and skin issues like cellulite, keratosis pilaris, strawberry legs, dry pores and skin, and razor bumps.
8. Stimulating Leg Scrub for Cellulite
The dangerous information: 9 out of 10 girls have some type of cellulite. The excellent news: there are at-home DIY cellulite treatments that may assist with these ugly dimples, lumps, and bulges.
Earlier than heading out to the seaside, I make an simple espresso scrub and slather on loads of grapefruit cellulite oil.
Components:
Directions:
- Mix espresso grounds and sugar.
- Combine in melted coconut oil till effectively mixed.
- Stir in grapefruit important oil.
- Apply the scrub in round motions to areas affected by cellulite, then rinse.
9. Exfoliating Scrub for Strawberry Legs
Strawberry legs are an actual factor. The time period refers back to the look of enlarged pores and hair follicles in your legs. These can usually look fairly much like the tiny seeds on the surface of this crimson fruit, and the general impact can have a strawberry-like look.
“Strawberry legs just isn’t a medical situation. Slightly, it’s a symptom usually attributable to clogged pores, however it might probably additionally consequence from different pores and skin circumstances,” explains Dr. Qazi. “The essential factor to notice is that strawberry legs are normally innocent, painless, and straightforward to repair at dwelling or with the assistance of a dermatologist.”
This easy scrub may help unclog and tone enlarged pores:
Components:
Directions:
- Mix cornmeal and jojoba oil.
- Stir in lemon important oil till effectively combined.
- Apply in round motions specializing in the legs, then rinse. Lemon EO could cause solar sensitivity, so use the scrub at evening or put on sunscreen in your legs when you’ll be out within the solar.
10. Hydrating Leg Scrub for Dry Pores and skin
Because the summer season begins, solar, salt, and chlorine can shortly result in dry, scaly legs. And sure, you may get blackheads in your legs!
Among the best instances to eliminate dry pores and skin is after cleaning. Preserve this straightforward scrub within the bathe to moisturize and exfoliate dry pores and skin.
Components:
Directions:
- Combine brown sugar and olive oil.
- Add important oils and stir till blended.
- Spoon the combination right into a small glass jar. Preserve it coated in your bathe (to maintain moisture-loving mould at bay), and you should use all of it summer season lengthy.
- Gently scrub the areas for two–4 minutes, after which rinse with water.
11. pH-Balancing Leg Scrub for Keratosis Pilaris
Also referred to as KP, keratosis pilaris is a standard situation that tends to crop up on the backs of arms and thighs, in response to Dr. Mina.
“KP happens when there’s retention of pores and skin cells (keratin) throughout the hair follicles,” she says. “Why some folks develop this and never others is unknown. Nonetheless, folks extra vulnerable to eczema and dry pores and skin look like particularly vulnerable to KP.” So exfoliating is essential!
Components:
Directions:
- Combine baking soda and candy almond oil.
- Add lavender important oil and apple cider vinegar and blend effectively.
- Gently apply to affected areas in round motions, then rinse.
12. Disinfecting Scrub for Razor Bumps
Sea salt has pure antiseptic properties, and aloe vera gel is soothing and therapeutic. Tea tree helps stop an infection, whereas witch hazel reduces irritation and irritation.
End with an antibacterial oil to disinfect, soothe irritation, and calm redness.
Components:
Directions:
- Mix sea salt and aloe vera gel.
- Stir in tea tree important oil and witch hazel.
- Apply to areas vulnerable to razor bumps in mild round motions, then rinse.
End by including 3–5 drops of tea tree EO to a tablespoon of any provider oil like jojoba, coconut, or rosehip seed, and apply a small quantity to razor bumps.
Sort out Your Ft Subsequent!
Your ft get lots of put on and tear in the course of the summer season. I’m normally in flip-flops or barefoot, which creates thick calluses very quickly.
Pamper your ft with weekly soaks and foot scrubs to maintain the pores and skin gentle and fairly. For heel cracks, make a therapeutic foot salve and put on it in a single day with socks for severe restore.
DIY Ingrown Hair Scrub
Do not be afraid to point out off your legs in skirts and shorts with this DIY ingrown hair scrub.
Yield: 1
Value: $3
Directions
-
Mix every part in a small bowl and stir effectively.
-
To make use of, apply a handful of scrub to your legs and gently therapeutic massage in a round movement. Rinse off, pat dry, and apply moisturizer or physique oil to lock in moisture.
Notes
If there’s any leftover scrub, retailer in an hermetic container and use inside 3–4 days.
References
This submit was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with intensive expertise in medical, beauty, and surgical dermatology. Study extra about Good day Glow’s medical reviewers right here. As at all times, this isn’t private medical recommendation, and we suggest that you simply discuss together with your physician.
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