Ingrown hairs are hairs that get trapped under the skin and are unable to grow out. Unfortunately, these hairs -- especially when picked at -- can cause unsightly scars. Though ingrown hair is not considered a serious medical problem, they can lead to uneven skin tone, scarring, skin infections and post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation.
To get rid of ingrown hair scars, it is imperative to remove the ingrown hair from the area as well.
- Soak a washcloth in equal parts of water and vinegar and put the cloth on the affected areas for 10-15 minutes.
- Exfoliate the area so the skin obstructing the hair growth is as smooth as possible.
- If you can extract an ingrown hair yourself, wipe the area with alcohol and use sterile, clean tweezers to pluck out the hair.
Other treatments that help with ingrown hair scarring are topical antibiotics. These creams help reduce the scratching and picking at the ingrown hair which can lead to scarring. Retinoids, which are a strong type of vitamin A, exfoliate the skin, which lessens the chance of ingrown hairs forming. Skin lighteners can also be used to fade discoloration.
- Wax or shave hair after bathing, as hair is softer and easier to remove.
- Exfoliate regularly. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and prevents ingrown hair from developing.
- Use an antiseptic after cleansing and exfoliating. Antiseptics can prevent ingrown hairs from becoming infected, which will lessen the chance of scarring. Natural antiseptic options are tea tree oil, aloe vera gel or witch hazel, which can also help to soothe and protect the skin.
- Scars can be massaged with cocoa butter and vitamin E oil to help fade them over time.