The Truth About Dark Spots and Discoloration from Ingrown Hairs
Have you ever had a deep ingrown hair that left a dark, discolored spot after it’s healed? Ever wonder why that happens?
Your body’s natural healing response, Post Inflammation Hyperpigmentation ( PIH ), is the culprit!
Inflammation is one of your body’s first responses to wound healing! Melanin production, (that discoloration you see), can follow to create a protective “patch” on the area. This can happen anywhere on the body after injury, acne, ingrown hairs, or any other type of skin trauma. Some are more prone to PIH than others! Either way, it’s an extremely common side effect of ingrown hairs and it’s totally treatable.
The good thing is, if you’re experiencing PIH - it means your body is doing its’ job of healing after injury and the side effect of discoloration, itself, is harmless.
HOWEVER we understand that it can be a particularly annoying side effect!
You’re prone to ingrown hairs AND PIH... now what??
Ingrown prevention!
Prevent ingrown hairs by maintaining a regular exfoliation routine
Choose a hair removal method that fits your lifestyle and lessens the likelihood of ingrown hairs
Exfoliate! Exfoliating can prevent ingrown hairs from happening in the first place!
With a regular exfoliating routine, it can also lighten existing discoloration over time. (Exfoliating is a double whammy for PIH!)
2. Don’t pick!
Don’t attempt to remove an ingrown hair yourself by digging away at it with tweezers
Digging can cause additional skin damage and trauma to the skin. (Remember, skin damage = more PIH!)
It’s WAY too easy to damage your skin while in the pursuit of a stubborn ingrown hair! Our pain tolerances are much higher when we are the ones inflicting it. You could be damaging your skin and not even know it!
3. Wear sunscreen!
In general and especially anywhere the PIH that will be exposed to the sun
If you’re wearing a bikini and laying out, don’t forget to use sunscreen on your bikini line if you have dark spots
Remember sun exposure = increased melanin. This means your existing dark spots will get darker after prolonged sun exposure and will be more difficult to treat!
Ingrown hairs and PIH are more common than you think! There’s no shame in having them, but there are steps you can take to prevent them from happening and treating the ones you have.