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 get pleasure from easy, irritation-free pores and skin.
As a result of shaving could be additional brutal in winter, it’s no shock that our legs is likely to be trying lower than stellar—and there’s nothing fairly like these indignant purple bumps, unpleasant ingrown hairs, and irritated pores and skin to wreck 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!
Leap to:
What Causes Ingrown Hairs?
Ugh,ingrown hairs are the worst. And so they’re normally in spots that get a variety of friction (yep,I’m speaking to you,bikini line),making them particularly uncomfortable.
Whereas most of us think about that razor bumps occur throughouta shave,in actuality,they happen later—because the hair begins to develop again. These dreaded purple bumps are literally a results of sharp hairs that curl round and re-enter the pores and skin—ouch!
They’re brought on by “a hair follicle that has grown inward quite 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 Stop Ingrown Hairs
Exfoliate usually:To stop new ingrown hairs,incorporate light exfoliation into your skincare routine 1 to 2 occasions per week.
Use the proper shaving approach:With a pointy razor,shave within the course of hair progress,and use a soothing shaving creamor gel to scale back the chance of ingrown hairs.
Deal with the pores and skin after hair removing:Apply a soothing,anti-inflammatory spray with alcohol-free witch hazel,aloe vera,or salicylic acidinstantly after hair removing to scale back irritation.
Maintain the pores and skin moisturized:Apply a hydrating moisturizer each day to maintain the pores and skin delicate. This may make it simpler for hairs to pierce by the pores and skin barrier with out turning into trapped.
Put on free clothes:Tight clothes can exacerbate ingrown hairs by inflicting friction. Go for free,breathable materials,particularly instantly after exfoliation or shaving.
Selfmade Leg Scrubs for Ingrown Hairs
Making use of an ingrown hair scrub can exfoliate the realm and launch any trapped hairs. These recipes are usually not solely designed to assist with ingrown hairs but in addition to nourish and pamper your pores and skin.
1. Tea Tree Ingrown Hair Scrub
A mild sugar scrub can take away lifeless pores and skin cells and allow the hair to develop out freely. Including tea tree oil with its antibacterial properties helps forestall an infection,and it could possibly additionally convey down swelling and irritation [source].
Like different oils,tea tree important oilmoisturizes,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.
Elements:
Directions:
- Soften the coconut oil barely,and let it cool however not solidify.
- Combine within the granulated sugar till absolutely 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 susceptible to ingrown hairs.
- Rinse completely with heat water and pat dry. Comply with with a liberal software of coconut or olive oil to moisturize.
2. Delicate Pores and skin Oatmeal Scrub
Oatmeal is a mild exfoliant appropriate for delicate pores and skin or wherever which may be just a little tender with ingrown hairs or razor bumps. It has anti-inflammatory properties,making it helpful for calming the itching brought on by 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.
Elements:
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 light,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.
Elements:
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 completely 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 very least a couple of times per week to take away lifeless pores and skin cells that may construct up inside your pores and stop ingrown hairs in addition to folliculitis.
Exfoliating legs with ingrown hairs requires a mild but efficient method to keep away from irritation whereas liberating trapped hairs. Right here’s find out how to do it safely:
Step 1:Select the Proper Exfoliant
Select a mild 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 carry off these hairs from the adherent lifeless pores and skin cells for an excellent 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
Maintain a physique scrubwithin the bathe for a fast pores and skin polish. Use light,round motions to use the scrub to your legs.
Give attention to areas with ingrown hairs,however keep away from urgent too laborious. The aim is to frivolously buff away the highest layer of lifeless 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 delicate towel.
Step 5:Moisturize
Apply a light-weight,noncomedogenic moisturizer to appease and hydrate the pores and skin. Merchandise containing components like aloe vera or tea tree oil could be helpful for soothing irritation and stopping an infection.
Step 6:Deal with Ingrown Hairs
Typically,you possibly can see the hair below the pores and skin floor and take away it. You must solely do that if the hair is definitely accessiblewith 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. Comply with by making use of an antiseptic to the pores and skin.
Don’t decide! Selecting on the pores and skin can result in irritation,an infection,and scarring.
For one thing just a little extra everlasting,and particularly for many who battle with a variety of hair progress,take into account laser hair removing. The expertise has come a great distance,is extra inexpensive,and might deal with all pores and skin varieties [source]. There’s a variable danger of scarring concerned [source],so be certain that to go to a good doctor.
Selfmade Exfoliating Scrubs for Bikini Space
Relating to DIY exfoliators for the bikini space,it’s important to decide on components with light results to keep away from irritation. Listed here are some DIY bikini scrub recipes that may assist forestall ingrown hairs:
4. Antibacterial Baking Soda Exfoliator
Aloe vera gel soothes and hydrates the pores and skin. Baking soda is a mild exfoliant that helps take away lifeless pores and skin cells. Add just a few drops of tea tree oil for its antibacterial properties that may assist forestall ingrown hairs.
Elements:
Directions:
- Mix the aloe vera gel and baking soda in a bowl till you may have a easy paste.
- If utilizing,add just a few drops of tea tree important oil and blend completely.
- Apply the combination gently in round motions,then rinse off with cool water. This scrub is very good for soothing the pores and skin after shaving.
5. Pores and skin-Soothing Sugar Scrub
Sugar is a pure exfoliantthat dissolves simply,decreasing the chance 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.
Elements:
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 completely with lukewarm water and pat dry with a delicate towel.
6. Tremendous Light Inexperienced Tea Scrub
Elements:
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 can assist cleanse the pores and skin.
- Apply the combination to the affected space in light round motions.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.
7. Non-Abrasive Yogurt+Charcoal Masks
Mix the light 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.
Elements:
- 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 mild method to stop irritation whereas nonetheless successfully eradicating lifeless pores and skin cells and serving to to stop ingrown hairs. Right here’s find out how 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.
Light exfoliators:Select a scrub with high-quality,easy particles and keep away from something too abrasive. Selfmade scrubs utilizing components like high-quality sugar or finely floor oatmeal could be light 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 could be extra delicate instantly after hair removing.
2. Pre-Exfoliation
Cleanse:Use a mild,fragrance-free cleanser to wash 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 delicate.
3. Exfoliating the Bikini Space
Apply gently:The pores and skin within the bikini space is delicate,so apply the scrub with light,round motions. Use gentle stress to keep away from irritation,and don’t exfoliate over any cuts,open wounds,or irritated areas of pores and skin.
Rinse completely:Use lukewarm water to rinse the realm completely.
Pat dry:Gently pat the realm dry with a clear towel.
4. Put up-Exfoliation Care
Moisturize:Apply a mild,fragrance-free moisturizer to appease and hydrate the pores and skin.
Put on breathable clothes:After exfoliating,put on free,breathable clothes. Tight clothes may cause friction,which is able to irritate the pores and skin.
Extra Leg Scrub Recipes
Creating specialised leg scrubs with important oils can tackle varied pores and skin issues like cellulite,keratosis pilaris,strawberry legs,dry pores and skin,and razor bumps.
8. Stimulating Leg Scrub for Cellulite
The unhealthy information:9 out of 10 girls have some type of cellulite. The excellent news:there are at-home DIY cellulite curesthat may assist with these unpleasant dimples,lumps,and bulges.
Earlier than heading out to the seaside,I make an simple espresso scruband slather on loads of grapefruit cellulite oil.
Elements:
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 just like the tiny seeds on the surface of this purple fruit,and the general impact can have a strawberry-like look.
“Strawberry legs is just not a medical situation. Reasonably,it’s a symptom usually brought on by clogged pores,however it could possibly additionally end result from different pores and skin circumstances,” explains Dr. Qazi. “The necessary factor to notice is that strawberry legs are normally innocent,painless,and simple to repair at dwelling or with the assistance of a dermatologist.”
This straightforward scrub can assist unclog and tone enlarged pores:
Elements:
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 may cause solar sensitivity,so use the scrub at night time or put on sunscreen in your legs if you happen to’ll be out within the solar.
10. Hydrating Leg Scrub for Dry Pores and skin
Because the summer time begins,solar,salt,and chlorine can shortly result in dry,scaly legs. And sure,you may get blackheads in your legs!
Among the best occasions to eliminate dry pores and skin is after cleaning. Maintain this straightforward scrub within the bathe to moisturize and exfoliate dry pores and skin.
Elements:
Directions:
- Combine brown sugar and olive oil.
- Add important oils and stir till blended.
- Spoon the combination right into a small glass jar. Maintain it coated in your bathe (to maintain moisture-loving mould at bay),and you should use all of it summer time lengthy.
- Gently scrub the areas for two–4 minutes,after which rinse with water.
11. pH-Balancing Leg Scrub for Keratosis Pilaris
Often known as KP,keratosis pilaris is a standard situation that tends to crop up on the backs of arms and thighs,in keeping with Dr. Mina.
“KP happens when there may be retention of pores and skin cells (keratin) inside the hair follicles,” she says. “Why some individuals develop this and never others is unknown. Nonetheless,individuals extra susceptible to eczema and dry pores and skin look like particularly susceptible to KP.” So exfoliating is vital!
Elements:
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 forestall an infection,whereas witch hazel reduces irritation and irritation.
End with an antibacterial oil to disinfect,soothe irritation,and calm redness.
Elements:
Directions:
- Mix sea salt and aloe vera gel.
- Stir in tea tree important oil and witch hazel.
- Apply to areas susceptible to razor bumps in light round motions,then rinse.
End by including 3–5 drops of tea tree EO to a tablespoon of any service oil like jojoba,coconut,or rosehip seed,and apply a small quantity to razor bumps.
Deal with Your Toes Subsequent!
Your ft get a variety of put on and tear throughout the summer time. I’m normally in flip-flops or barefoot,which creates thick calluses very quickly.
Pamper your ft with weekly soaksand foot scrubsto maintain the pores and skin delicate and fairly. For heel cracks,make a therapeutic foot salveand put on it in a single day with socks for critical restore.
DIY Ingrown Hair Scrub
Do not be afraid to indicate 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 put up was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley,a board-certified dermatologist with in depth expertise in medical,beauty,and surgical dermatology. Study extra aboutHey Glow’s medical reviewers right here. As all the time,this isn’t private medical recommendation,and we advocate that you just speak together with your physician.
