As irritating as they are, ingrown hairs pop into our lives, forcing us to deal with them. It’d be easier if they just never happened, right? That’s where your Knoxville Dermatology Team can help. Check out our easy-to-do tips for preventing ingrown hairs:

• Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! The major cause of ingrown hairs is dead skin blocking the hair follicle from growing out properly. A great at-home remedy can do the trick. Add a scoop of kosher salt to some shower gel and you’ve got an easy pre-shave exfoliator.
• Keep skin soft. Soft skin is more pliable which means your hair is less likely to snag on dead skin after you shave. Apply shaving cream or pre-shave oil 10 minutes before removing hair to prep the skin.
• Better safe than sorry! Avoid infection by using a lotion or oil with anti-bacterial ingredients like tea tree oil or lavender oil. Alcohol-based products are a no-no as they can dry out, irritate and inflame your skin.
• Adjust your technique. Believe it or not, there is a right and wrong way to shave. One trigger for razor bumps is shaving too closely, so don’t pull or tug at skin while shaving. Also, don’t put too much pressure on the blades. Use as few strokes as possible and in the same direction to avoid the hair follicle digging inward or sideways.

These quick tips will go a long way to help you achieve smoother skin this summer and say goodbye to those pesky ingrown hairs.

If you have any questions about ingrown hairs or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.