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Profile: Ingrown Hairs.

Definition: A hair that curls back and grows under the dermis because it has not managed to penetrate the epidermis to continue its usual trajectory. This can even lead to the appearance of inflamed red spots where the hair should have emerged, which can itch or even be painful. Generally, the ingrown hair disappears by itself, but, in some cases, it continues to grow under the skin and tends to become infected, especially if it has been handled with fingers or non-sterilised tweezers, transforming into folliculitis and then into an abscess or cyst. It then becomes painful, swollen and filled with pus. If it has been scratched or fiddled with, scarring can even occur. Although they can appear on all parts of the body, some areas are more prone to develop them. Indeed, ingrown hairs are mainly located on the legs, underarms and bikini area in women, and on the chin, neck and chest in men.

Internal and external causes: Hair removal/shaving, continuous friction of clothing against the skin, thick corneal layer, genetic origin, skin condition, nature of hair growth, thickness of the hair.

How to reduce or eliminate: Apply a warm water compress or one soaked in witch hazel hydrosol locally to soften the skin; use a lotion containing hydroxy acids (glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, gluconolactone, etc...) locally; apply a semi-thick layer of green clay to the area to be treated to facilitate its removal; exfoliate your skin. If the ingrown hair persists or becomes infected, consult a dermatologist.

Preventative steps to take: Exfoliate your skin with a mechanical scrub or a chemical one containing fruit acids (glycolic acid, lactic acid, PHA...) before shaving; avoid scratching to release the hair to prevent scarring; consider permanent laser hair removal; apply a urea-based treatment; moisturise your skin with a product rich in hygroscopic elements (hyaluronic acid, aloe vera...) to soften it; remove hair in the direction of growth, not against it; use a single-blade razor with a lubricating strip; limit the number of times the blade passes over the same area; avoid dry shaving but do it on wet skin, while using a shaving gel/cream; favour depilatory cream.