Ingrown hair - two little words that conjure up dread and strike fear in the hearts of many (OK - maybe a little exaggeration - but nobody wants to deal with them). In our quest for smooth, gorgeous, stubble-free skin, ingrown hairs are a pain in the *$$ at best and cause for concern at worst (infection, anybody?).
Whether they're springing up as bumps on your legs or wreaking havoc on your bikini line, ingrown hairs are an unwelcome guest that can lead to serious discomfort, inflammation, and even scarring.
The cause of ingrown hairs isn't complicated. Simply, when your hair starts to grow, sometimes it curls inward and gets trapped back under the surface of your skin. This can happen because dead skin cells clog up your hair follicle (so always, always exfoliate), but they also exist just because of your hair's natural growth pattern—so, unfortunately, those with curly hair may suffer the most.
Keep reading to learn how a few simple steps, DIY remedies, and easy fixes that banish bumps and can keep ingrown hairs at bay.
Aspirin-Honey Treatment
This first recipe is a double whammy. Not only does aspirin naturally contain salicylic acid, honey has antibacterial properties, which, when combined, can help reduce the possibility of inflammation and infection, says Kautilya Shaurya, MD, a NYC dermatologist. This mask will definitely help ward off infection and reduce swelling when applied. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 3 uncoated aspirin tablets (aspirin powder is also available, but you really have to look for it)
- 1 tsp. honey
- 1/2 to 1 tsp. water
Directions:
- Add warm water to a bowl
- Add honey
- Crush aspirin tablets
- Mix all ingredients together
- Leave mask on for 10 minutes
- Wipe off entirely with warm water
You know we love honey at Essentially Haitos - check out our best-selling honey mask here!
