TREATMENT | The Honey Wildflower

WHAT IS AN INGROWN HAIR?

A normal hair grows up out of your skin, but an ingrown hair instead curls inwards. This leads to a little bump that can quickly get infected and full of pus. It can also be painful. Proper exfoliation and a proper serum can aide in treating tough ingrown hairs. You can get ingrown hairs from shaving, using an electric razor, and yes, even sometimes waxing. Although ingrowns are more likely when shaving. Also, note that the difference between shaving vs waxing is shaving only removes the hair at the surface of the skin cutting the hair at an angle and often causing breakouts and the hair to grow in thicker. Waxing, on the other hand, removes the hair from the root. Over time, the hair will become softer and finer causing the hair to grow back slower. Other alternatives for hair removal are lasering, however, it can be quite costly and doesn't necessarily get rid of the hair permanently as claims have been made. Adequate research is suggested to make your educated decision.

Here are a few recommendations for preventing or treating ingrown hairs. It's important that you follow up with an aftercare treatment to ensure protection against bumps and breakouts. These oils can also help soothe the skin from redness and irritation. Here are a few to list that I recommend. You can buy a product that is designed for ingrown hairs (I suggest and provide a few in my studio) or you can simply make your own if you wish. I love natural products and do my best to promote products with the least amount of harmful chemicals.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR INGROWN HAIRS:

Tea Tree: This oil is great (and the most common) for tackling infections and blemishes (yes, acne) with its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Great for treating ingrown hairs and killing any bacteria.

Lavender: This is an amazing oil and is great for healing the skin. It will help control the inflammation caused by the ingrown hair as well as help with the healing process. Lavender has a calming effect and can alleviate any tenderness after waxing. Considered by a lot of natural healing practitioners to have skin-soothing properties.

Frankincense: Known as the king of essential oils, it has anti-inflammatory and anti-infection properties. It is also antifungal and antibacterial which makes it great for treating ingrown hairs.

Roman Chamomile: Notable for its calming effect and reducing redness/itchiness and helps to prevent infection. Great to treat ingrown hairs and to soothe the skin after being waxed.

Lemongrass: Helps fight off dermal infections, rejuvenates the skin, and reduces scarring that may be caused by ingrown hairs.

Geranium: Reduces soreness and swelling and has great antiseptic properties. Aides in acne, dermatitis, and inflammatory skin conditions.

Calendula: This is an amazing oil with many benefits. Promotes skin hydration and firmness. Heals wounds and minimizes scar formation. Great for eczema and acneic skin. Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and cell regenerative repairing.

It is always important to research about the benefits and properties of essentials oils before using them. There are some essential oils that can be used directly on the skin while others need to be diluted with a carrier oil or lotion. Always be mindful of exposure to the sun especially on the face after using essential oils. Sunscreen is always recommended.

Here is a brief explanation of some other common skin conditions. Some are treatable with a topical serum provided by a skincare specialist. Other more in-depth skin conditions may require examination by your healthcare provider or dermatologist. Always make sure to consult with your doctor prior to waxing.

Pustules - raised skin lesion containing pus. (acne pustule, folliculitis, rosacea, chickenpox, pustular psoriasis)

Papules - raised skin lesion that does not contain pus. (acne papule, moles, cherry angiomas, atopic dermatitis)

Nodules - solid mass of tissue growth that can be found anywhere on the body.

Cysts - capsules that form in the body that may contain fluid.

Folliculitis - small bumps in the skin when the hair follicles are inflamed often caused by bacteria.

Eczema - inflammation of the skin characterized by dry, itchy, red bumps.

Psoriasis - chronic skin disease resulting in scaly and itchy patches.

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE:

Our reproductive healthcare is just as important as any other healthcare. It's important to monitor our reproductive health and safety for ourselves and others. It is also important to know your options for healthcare whether through your physician or through an organization. Some infections are minor and very common, however necessary action should still be taken. I suggest waiting to get waxed if you are noticing any uncomfortable and unusual symptoms.