Bumpy Road: Protect Against Ingrown Hair Bumps

Ingrown hair bumps have been wreaking havoc on my armpits and bikini line for years. Since bikini weather is fast approaching, I plan on managing the appearance of these unsightly bumps so as not to interfere with my poolside confidence.  Get my drift ladies?

So let’s go back to basics.  What is an ingrown hair bumps and what causes it?  It’s when the hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin. Tight clothing, shaving, dead skin and blocked pores are all causes for ingrown hair bumps, but all is not lost so read on.

Take a look at bikini-clad babe supermodel, Naomi Campbell and Academy Award winning actress, Halle Berry. From all accounts, it looks like they’ve both nipped the ingrown hair issue in the bud, but what about us regular folk? My friend Diona had a long-time problem with facial hair on her upper lip and chin so she sought Laser Hair Treatment which is a permanent hair removal solution and is best for dark coarse hair. But this ain’t cheap.  In Diona’s words,” each treatment session for my face started at $200 and after the 4th session, all visits were 25% off, $150.” By all means, if you can swing this option then bless you. She described the feeling of a laser treatment as someone throwing a water balloon at you at high speed. “There is a stinging sensation and the pain/discomfort is heightened depending on the most sensitive areas that are being treated.”

If you can’t afford laser treatments right now, don’t fret because there are other more economical options to choose from. I have recommended Tend Skin for years on my facial clients which costs a mere fraction of laser treatments and with regular use reduces the appearance of ingrowns. Use this liquid on affected areas between shaving or waxing sessions for the best result. You may experience a slight stinging sensation since it contains Salicylic Acid so I wouldn’t suggest using it right after a shave or waxing. Ouch!

Don’t like the idea of a liquid? Ingrown Hair Eliminating Peeling Pads by Bliss solves that problem. I like the notion of just wiping a pad on my problem areas and going about my day and so far, I’m really happy with this product. Even B&C Ladies SkinTight has graced the inside of my medicine cabinet. What’s great about this line is that they offer a variety of delivery options like liquid, roll-ons and cremes to combat your ingrown hair problem.

And I shouldn’t forget, a plain old loofah and a body scrub can be effective in whisking away dead skin from problem spots as well. Just wet the loofah, pour on some scrub, gently rub in a circular motion and rinse. You will definitely notice a difference. I love, love, love Soap and Glory Flake Away Body Scrub. After I use it, my skin feels softer and looks really smooth.

My Pro Picks:

Benefit Cosmetics Wonder Mitt: a double-sided shower mitt. $14

Ingrown Hair Eliminating Peeling Pads by Bliss: these innovative pads contain a solution of hydroxy acids to quickly and easily eliminate ingrown hairs. USe before and between shaving or waxing for bump-free skin. ideal for legs, bikinis, brows and beards. Simply wipe over problem areas and enjoy smoother, sofer skin. $38

Tend Skin: reduces the appearance of unsightly razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and redness from shaving, waxing and electrolysis. For men’s faces, necks and women’s legs, underarms, and bikini lines. $15.79

B&C Skin Tight Care Razor Solution for Ladies: prevents and soothes ingorwn underarm and bikini line hair. $9.20

Soap and Glory Flake Away Body Scrub: exfoliating body polish. $9.99