What kitchen remedies should I use to remove hair bumps and discoloration on my face?
Causes Of Hair Bumps
Hair bumps on the face are typically seen in people with very curly facial hair. The main cause is ingrown hair, a situation where the hair curls back to re-enter the skin. This causes severe inflammation of the skin, which may show as tiny bumps that are itchy and painful. In case you are suffering from repeated instances of ingrown hair, the tiny scars can also cause some discoloration. The problem usually arises when the curly hair is cut, leaving it with a tip sharp enough to penetrate the skin. This usually happens after shaving, though hair can also be broken off due to clothing or other reasons. A typical example is the presence of ingrown hair in the neckline, where the shirt collar can cause friction. Luckily, there are some basic precautions you can take to minimize the chances of getting ingrown hair in the future, though there is no way to change the curly nature of the hair itself.
Ingrown Hair Bumps Remedies
If you feel shaving might be the root cause, try changing razor blades. Avoid double- and triple-bladed instruments and choose a simple single-bladed razor. This does not leave the hair with a very sharp edge after cutting. If necessary, you can always shave more than once a day. Always prepare before a shave by using a warm washcloth to open up the pores and expand the hair. Try a shaving cream or foam with aloe vera gel, which soothes the skin and provides antiseptic protection after the shave. Aloe vera also helps the skin heal faster, reducing the chances of scarring and skin discoloration. Avoid using after shave lotions that contain alcohol, since it can dry the skin and close the pores, making ingrown hair worse. For any existing discoloration, try a weekly facial with a solution of tea tree oil and fresh lime juice. The lime juice has mild bleaching properties while the tea tree oil prevents skin damage.
If you do get hair bumps, use a pair of tweezers to gently remove the ingrown hair, but avoid tugging too hard. For recurring hair bumps, try letting the hair grow for a few days until it is too long to curl back to penetrate the skin. Once the skin has had time to heal, you can shave again. Some people suffer from such severe ingrown hair that they need to go for hair removal procedures, such as electrolysis. However, you should consult a good dermatologist before taking such a drastic step!
