Buzz
Ingrown hairs caused by shaving (also known as pseudofolliculitis) lead to red bumps on the skin, which are not just a cosmetic concern but also highly susceptible to infection, causing pain and increasing the risk of various skin conditions. The pubic area is particularly challenging to manage due to its sensitive skin. After shaving, it’s essential to learn how to treat redness and restore smooth, itch-free skin.
Steps
Treating Redness After Shaving
Allow some hair growth before shaving again. Shaving over irritated skin only worsens the condition and increases the risk of infection (and makes it harder to achieve a clean shave). If possible, let the hair grow for a few days and see if the redness subsides on its own.
Avoid scratching. Red bumps can be very itchy, but scratching with your hands may cause damage, leading to infections and scarring. Try to resist the urge to scratch as much as possible.
Use specialized redness treatment products. Look for products containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, witch hazel, aloe vera, or a combination of these ingredients. Some products come in roll-on bottles for direct application, while others are liquid solutions that require a cotton pad for application.
- If unsure what to buy, seek advice from nearby beauty clinics and ask for product recommendations. You can also purchase products directly from the clinic or online.
- Apply the solution to the skin at least once daily, avoiding excessive use. It’s best to apply after bathing, before sweating, or exposure to external elements.
Treat infections with aloe vera, followed by a moisturizer to keep the skin clean and smooth. If you suspect an infection from ingrown hairs, apply an antibacterial cream daily. Bacitracin, Neosporin, and Polysporin are topical antibacterial creams you can use.
Treat scars with Retin-A. Retinoids, derived from Vitamin A, can soften the skin and reduce the appearance of scars or marks left by redness.
- Consult a doctor for a prescription.
- Do not use Retin-A during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Using Retin-A during these periods can cause severe birth defects.
- Skin treated with Retin-A is highly susceptible to sunburn. Cover the area or apply SPF 45 sunscreen.
- Avoid using Retin-A on areas scheduled for hair removal, as it can significantly weaken the skin, making it more vulnerable during the process.
Consult a dermatologist. If the redness from shaving persists for several weeks, avoid shaving again and visit a dermatologist instead.
Preventing Redness from Shaving
Discard dull razors. Dull or rusty razors cannot shave hair cleanly, as they tend to break the hair instead of cutting it, causing irritation around the hair follicles.
Space out shaving days as much as possible. Shaving daily can irritate newly formed red bumps, so try to wait an extra day before shaving again. If possible, shaving every two days is even better.
Gently exfoliate. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and other debris, allowing for a closer and cleaner shave. You can use exfoliating creams, loofahs, skin brushes, or any suitable tool.
- If you have sensitive skin, consider exfoliating on non-shaving days.
- If your skin tolerates exfoliation well and shows minimal irritation, try exfoliating before shaving.
Avoid pressing the razor while shaving. Applying pressure during shaving can lead to uneven hair removal. Instead, hold the razor lightly and glide it over the area.
Try not to shave the same area twice. If you miss spots, shave with the grain instead of against it.
- Shaving against the grain means moving the razor in the opposite direction of hair growth. For example, when shaving your legs, shaving against the grain means shaving from the ankle upward to the knee.
- Shaving with the grain usually causes less irritation but doesn’t remove hair as closely. Try to shave this way as much as possible when revisiting areas you’ve already shaved.
Shave while the shower is running. The warm steam from the shower serves two purposes: softening the hair and reducing the risk of nicks and irritation.
- If you usually shave first, rearrange your shower routine to make shaving the last step. Wait at least 5 minutes after showering before shaving.
- If you don’t have time for a shower, soak a towel in warm water and place it on the area for 2-3 minutes before shaving.
Use shaving cream (or a substitute). Shaving cream softens the hair, making it easier to remove (and helping you see where you’ve already shaved).
- Look for shaving creams containing aloe vera or other moisturizing agents.
- If you’re in a hurry and don’t have shaving cream, hair conditioner can be a substitute. Something is better than nothing!
Rinse with cold water. Finish with a cold water rinse or use a cold towel to close the pores and reduce the risk of irritation and infection.
Dry the freshly shaved area gently. Avoid rubbing the towel harshly on the skin. Instead, pat the area dry to prevent irritation.
Apply deodorant to the intimate area (optional). Some people believe that applying deodorant to the pubic area after shaving (similar to underarms) can help reduce irritation.
Preventing Long-Term Redness
Consider waxing. You may still experience ingrown hairs after waxing, but this method helps new hair grow back softer, rather than coarse and blunt.
- If you decide to wax, the second session should be 6-8 weeks after the first. Subsequent sessions can be spaced further apart.
- Choose a reputable salon. Ask for recommendations from friends or search online.
- Know what to expect. The skin may be slightly red and irritated after waxing, but be cautious if there are open wounds or widespread bruising. Additionally, if you notice signs of infection 1-2 days after waxing, start applying antibiotic cream and inform the salon immediately.
Consider laser hair removal. Contrary to popular belief, laser hair removal does not remove hair permanently. However, it significantly reduces hair growth.
- Note that laser hair removal works best on dark hair and light skin. If your skin and hair are too similar in color (too light or too dark), this method may not be suitable.
- Laser hair removal is expensive and requires at least 4-6 sessions. Consider the cost and look for promotional offers.
Tips
- Aloe vera works wonders. Apply it at least twice daily until the redness disappears. Redness from shaving will fade quickly with consistent use.
- Avoid shaving too frequently! Shaving can cause tiny cuts, and since the pubic area is highly sensitive, it’s more prone to irritation and redness.
- Try bathing with antibacterial soap and a loofah, drying the area thoroughly, applying witch hazel with a cotton pad, and then using Hydrocortisone on ingrown hairs. This method is highly effective.
- Avoid talcum powder products as they are often too fine and can worsen skin irritation.
- Some post-shave treatments claim to reduce redness after shaving. These products aren’t available everywhere, and many find them ineffective. If you want to try one, opt for a product designed for sensitive skin (with minimal ingredients) and containing Lidocaine to soothe the skin. Products with barley extract may also help.
- Keep the area moisturized (fragrance-free lotions are usually better for the skin) throughout the day. Without pubic hair, the skin tends to dry out and become more prone to bacteria. Moisturizing prevents dryness, reduces itching, and adds a protective layer to the skin.
Warnings
- Avoid plucking ingrown hairs to prevent infections and/or scarring.
- Consult a doctor before attempting to use a needle to remove embedded hairs. Even sterilized needles can harm the skin if not used properly, and improper sterilization can spread infections.
