How to Remove Scars Caused by Ingrown Hair

Apply lemon juice to lighten dark scars. Ingrown hairs can sometimes darken the skin. Vitamin C is important for the normal wound healing process and has mild bleaching properties, so lemon juice can help lighten scars caused by ingrown hairs when applied to the skin.

• How to use lemon juice: Dip a cotton ball or cotton swab into the lemon juice and gently apply it to the scar. Let the lemon juice dry, then rinse with warm water. Repeat this once a day.

Use Aloe Vera Gel. Ingrown hairs can cause skin irritation and inflammation. Aloe vera gel can be applied to these affected areas to soften the skin and alleviate discomfort. Aloe vera has shown effective in healing burn scars, and it can also aid in reducing scars from ingrown hairs. It helps minimize inflammation, especially in the early stages of scar formation, and promotes the elasticity of new skin tissue.

• How to use Aloe Vera: Apply a thin layer of fresh aloe vera gel or pure aloe vera gel to the scar using your fingers. Let the gel dry on the affected area.

Apply Green Tea Bags to the Scar. Green tea can also help lighten scars caused by ingrown hairs when applied to the skin. Green tea has antioxidant properties that assist in healing tissue and fading scars.

• How to use Green Tea: Steep an organic green tea bag in hot water for about 3 minutes, then remove the bag and gently squeeze out excess water. Apply the tea bag directly to the scar and hold it in place. You can perform this treatment 3-4 times a day for 10-15 minutes each time.
• Alternatively, soak a cotton cloth in brewed tea and use it as a compress. Squeeze out excess tea and apply it to the scar for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times daily.

Try Lavender Essential Oil. Lavender essential oil can also help lighten scars caused by ingrown hairs. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can promote healing of the scar.

• How to use Lavender Oil: Mix 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil with 2 tablespoons of castor oil and massage it onto the scar. Repeat 3-4 times daily.

Consider St. John's Wort Oil. St. John's Wort oil has been shown to effectively heal scars from Caesarean sections, so it may also be helpful for other types of scars, including those caused by ingrown hairs.

• How to use St. John's Wort Oil: Combine a few drops of St. John's Wort oil with 2 tablespoons of castor oil. Massage the oil into the scar. Apply 3-4 times a day.

Apply Cortisone Cream to Red Scars. Fresh scars often appear red due to inflammation. Cortisone cream can help reduce the redness of ingrown hair scars by alleviating inflammation. This type of cream is available without a prescription.

• Be sure to follow the instructions on the product packaging. Consult a dermatologist if you're unsure about the correct dosage or frequency of application.
• Do not apply cortisone cream on broken skin. Make sure the ingrown hair has fully healed before using it.
• This kind of ingrown hair is often caused by shaving. Always use shaving cream or gel when shaving. These injuries are sometimes referred to as “razor bumps” or “shaving bumps.”

Try a Natural Whitening Cream. Ingrown hairs can leave dark scars, and using a whitening cream can help lighten them. Before purchasing any whitening cream, consult your doctor, and opt for a cream with natural ingredients. Avoid products that contain hydroquinone as it can be carcinogenic and may irritate the skin. Instead, look for creams with the following ingredients:

• Kojic acid (extracted from mushrooms)
• Arbutin (sometimes labeled as bearberry extract)
• Vitamin C

Don't Touch Your Ingrown Hair Scars or Ingrown Hairs. Picking or poking at scars (or ingrown hairs) can lead to irritation, infection, and an increased risk of scarring. To minimize these risks, avoid squeezing, popping, or manipulating the scars or ingrown hairs. Allow the scar to heal on its own.

• If you're concerned about the cosmetic appearance, make an appointment with a dermatologist. You can also read the article How to Remove Ingrown Hairs.

Limit Sun Exposure and Always Use Sunscreen. Excessive sun exposure can cause scars to darken and slow the healing process, so try not to stay in the sun for prolonged periods. If you must go outside, protect your skin with a wide-brimmed hat and apply sunscreen with SPF 30.

• Sunlight is most intense between 10 AM and 4 PM. Try to avoid being outdoors during these hours.

Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. If your scars are severe or unresponsive to the methods mentioned earlier, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist for an evaluation of the scars and to determine the best treatment options.

Consider scheduling a laser skin resurfacing appointment. If your scars from ingrown hairs are not improving with natural remedies or over-the-counter treatments, you may want to explore laser therapy. A few sessions of fractional laser treatment can flatten the skin surface and stimulate collagen production to fill in pitted scars. Other laser resurfacing options include:

• Abative laser. This method smooths and flattens the skin surface.
• Non-ablative laser. This treatment leaves the skin's surface intact but encourages collagen production to improve the skin's texture.
• Dermal filler injections. Collagen injections combined with laser therapy can help reduce the appearance of scars, but you'll need touch-up treatments every 4-5 months to maintain the results.

Learn about Radix Arnebiae. Radix Arnebiae, known as Lithospermum erythrorhizon or purple root, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to reduce scarring. It is known for its properties of cooling and detoxifying. This herb can help reduce the formation and function of scar tissue cells.

• Consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to purchase this herb.