Hair removal can cause trauma to the skin. Whether you wax, shave, epilate, or use depilatory creams, your skin undergoes a reaction—usually redness, known as erythema, which is the dilation of blood capillaries. If you're lucky, this will subside quickly, but if, like me, you have sensitive skin, the after-effects may linger.
Understanding Shaving Rash/Razor Burn
Many people experience a rash, known as folliculitis, after shaving or waxing. This appears as small red bumps and often feels tender with a burning sensation. It can be itchy and sore, anywhere you remove hair on the face or body.
What Are Ingrown Hairs?
Ingrown hairs occur when hair grows under the skin and doesn't surface as it normally should. This happens when the hair follicle becomes clogged with dead skin cells. When hair is cut very short (from shaving), it curls back on itself into the follicle. When hair is removed from the root (from waxing), it may grow sideways under the skin.
Ingrown hairs may appear in areas such as the face, legs, underarms, or pubic area and can affect people with all hair types, not just coarse or curly hair. It's common for the hair follicle to become infected, causing inflamed red spots that often become painful pustules.
How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs
- Regular Exfoliation: Removing dead skin cells that clog hair follicles is key. The most effective method is dry brushing, which carries fantastic health benefits too! Exfoliate before hair removal to clear pores and dead skin.
- Keep Skin Hydrated: Moisturise daily, as dry skin results in more dead skin cells that can block hair follicles. Folli Oil Daily Treatment Oil contains Jojoba Oil, a light-textured, deeply penetrating oil with excellent softening and moisturising properties. It resembles the skin's natural oil (sebum) and helps rebalance the skin. Papaya Seed Oil in the formula gently removes skin cells and unclogs pores while having antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to tackle infected follicles.
- Correct Shaving Technique: Protect the skin with shaving oil or gel, use a fresh, clean razor, and shave lightly with minimal strokes in the direction of hair growth. There'll be a further post on this later.
- Avoid Tight Clothing: Tight clothing can irritate the skin and encourage ingrown hairs. If you already have ingrown hairs or irritated skin, wear loose clothing, particularly underwear.
While few of us will escape the occasional shaving rash or ingrown hair, a little knowledge and effective skincare products can help alleviate symptoms and reduce their occurrence.