How to Remove Dark Spots From Razor Bumps & Ingrown Hairs
Razor bumps and ingrown hairs that occur as a result of regular shaving can lead to hyperpigmentation of the skin. The ingrown hairs can also lead to infections of the skin similar to acne, which then lead to dark spots. Even after the ingrown hair is removed, the dark spots may remain for months and even years. Luckily, there are several simple remedies to help remove dark spots from razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
Exfoliate the area daily with a gentle scrub. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that keep the dark spots from fading away. It also allows healthy skin cells to come to the surface. An exfoliant that contains salicylic acid will be especially productive.
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Moisturize with a lotion rich in vitamin E daily. Vitamin E evens out skin tone and lightens discolorations with regular use.
Rub castor oil on the area twice a day. Castor oil promotes healthy skin by moisturizing rough patches, removing dead skin cells and gradually lightening dark spots from razor bumps.
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Take half a lemon and rub it on the area a few times a day. The citric acid in lemon exfoliates skin to remove damaged skin cells and lightens dark spots from razor bumps and ingrown hairs at the same time.
Use hydroquinone lotion to gradually fade the spots away. Hydroquinone is a powerful skin bleach that is ideal for removing stubborn dark spots from razor bumps and ingrown hairs. You can purchase 2% hydroquinone lotion from a local drugstore, but the more powerful version must be prescribed by a dermatologist.
Tips
Wear sunblock when you're out in the sun to prevent the dark spots from getting any darker.
Warnings
Don't pick at your ingrown hairs or razor bumps. Exfoliating your skin will help to remove the ingrowns without causing any scarring.
Related Articles
References
- MedlinePlus. Acne.
- Cleveland Clinic. Ingrown hair. Updated February 28, 2018.
- Merck Manuals. Ingrown beard hairs. Updated October 2019.
- Cleveland Clinic. Ingrown hair: Management and treatment. Updated February 28, 2018.
- Ogunbiyi A. Pseudofolliculitis barbae; current treatment options. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019;12:241-247. doi:10.2147/CCID.S149250
- MedlinePlus. Folliculitis. Updated October 8, 2018.
- Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, Alikhan A, Baldwin HE, et. al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2016; 74(5): 945-73. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037
Tips
- Wear sunblock when you're out in the sun to prevent the dark spots from getting any darker.
Warnings
- Don't pick at your ingrown hairs or razor bumps. Exfoliating your skin will help to remove the ingrowns without causing any scarring.
Writer Bio
Maggie Hira has been writing professionally since 2006. She has written for numerous websites and print publications, including "LA.Direct Magazine" and The Budget Fashionista. Hira holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of California, Los Angeles.