Ingrown hairs can leave ugly scars that may make some people feel uncomfortable. Although most of the time their appearance decreases considerably over time, there are some precautions you can take to make them less noticeable. If you don't notice any improvement within a few months, see a dermatologist.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Natural Remedies
Step 1. Apply lemon juice to lighten the most pigmented scars
Ingrown hairs can sometimes leave a dark mark on the skin; Vitamin C is essential to heal normal wounds and has light whitening properties, so you can use lemon juice to improve the appearance of these blemishes.
To proceed, wet a cotton swab or cotton swab with the juice and apply it on the area to be treated; wait for it to dry and then rinse with warm water. Repeat the treatment once a day
Step 2. Use aloe vera gel
Ingrown hairs can make skin tissue tight due to inflammation; massage the gel on these imperfections to soften them. This product has been found to be useful against burn scars, but it also helps reduce those caused by ingrown hair as it controls inflammation, especially in the initial phase; it is also able to increase the elasticity of new fabrics.
To apply it, use your finger and spread a thin layer of fresh aloe sap or pure gel on the scar; leave it in place until it dries
Step 3. Place a green tea bag over the blemishes
It is another substance that minimizes the marks left by ingrown hair by topical application, thanks to its antioxidant properties, which promote tissue healing and reduce the appearance of blemishes.
- Infuse an organic green tea bag in boiling water for about three minutes; then take it out, squeeze it to remove excess moisture and place it directly on the scar; repeat the treatment four times a day for 10-15 minutes at a time.
- As an alternative, you can soak a cotton cloth in green tea and use it as a compress; again, squeeze it to remove excess liquid and place it on the area to be treated for 10-15 minutes, three or four times a day.
Step 4. Try lavender essential oil
This is a useful remedy for your purpose; this oil has in fact anti-inflammatory properties that favor the healing of the epidermis.
To use it, pour two or three drops into a tablespoon of castor oil and massage it on the imperfections to be treated; repeat the procedure three to four times a day
Step 5. Evaluate St. John's Wort oil
It has proven effective in the treatment of scars due to cesarean delivery and can therefore also reduce those of other types, such as those caused by ingrown hair.
Mix a few drops with a tablespoon of castor oil and massage the mixture on the blemishes you want to remove; repeat three or four times a day
Method 2 of 3: Conventional Treatments
Step 1. Apply cortisone cream to red scars
New ones are often irritated due to inflammation and cortisone can soothe this redness precisely because it reduces inflammation; topical cortisone is available from pharmacies without a prescription.
- Read and scrupulously respect the instructions on the leaflet for a correct use of the drug; ask your dermatologist for confirmation if you do not know the dose and frequency of application.
- Do not use this type of cream on skin lesions; Make sure the pimple left by the ingrown hair has healed completely before applying the cortisone ointment.
- This type of ingrown hair typically forms after shaving. Make sure you use a lubricating product when you shave; these are also known as "shaving rashes" or "beard folliculitis".
Step 2. Apply a natural lightening cream
Ingrown hairs can leave rather dark colored scars and this type of cream can reduce their appearance. However, do not use hydroquinone products, as they have carcinogenic effects and can irritate the skin. If you want to try this method, choose products that contain the following substances:
- Kojic acid (which comes from mushrooms);
- Arbutin (sometimes described as bearberry extract);
- C vitamin.
Step 3. Leave the ingrown hairs and their scars alone
Teasing them can cause irritation, infection and increase the risk of even worse blemishes. To reduce this, you should avoid teasing, squeezing or squeezing them, but wait for them to heal on their own.
If you are concerned about their appearance, make an appointment with the dermatologist; for more advice you can also read this article
Step 4. Limit the time you spend in the sun and always apply sunscreen
Excessive exposure to sunlight can darken blemishes and slow down the healing process, so you shouldn't spend too much time in the sun. If you have to stay outdoors, protect your skin by spreading an SPF 30 cream and put on a wide-brimmed hat.
The sun's rays are strongest between 10:00 and 16:00; you should therefore avoid staying outdoors during this time slot
Method 3 of 3: Getting Help Against Scars
Step 1. Make an appointment with the dermatologist
If scars from ingrown hair are severe or do not improve despite treatments, you should see a specialist who examines the affected skin and defines the best treatment for you.
Step 2. Try laser treatment
If the blemishes are not reduced with natural remedies and over-the-counter products, you can proceed with this technique. There are several sessions with fractional laser to smooth the surface of the skin and stimulate the production of collagen in order to fill the pockmarked areas. Other types of laser procedures or filler treatments are:
- Ablative laser: this procedure flattens and smoothes the surface of the skin;
- Non-ablative laser: does not affect the surface of the skin, but promotes the growth of collagen to improve the appearance of the epidermis;
- Fillers (injections): it is possible to have collagen injections in combination with laser treatments to improve the appearance of the scars, but it is necessary to repeat them every four or six months to maintain the results.
Step 3. Learn about arnebia root
It is a plant that has been used for hundreds of years in traditional Chinese medicine to reduce skin blemishes; its scientific name is Lithospermum erythrorhizon, but it is also called Zi Cao. It works by releasing heat so that the epidermis expels toxins; it also helps to reduce the number and action of the cells that form this type of skin imperfections.
