May 13, 2021 

“Ingrown hairs can crop up when the hair follicle is obstructed by dead skin cells, which is where exfoliation comes in. Somewhat of a savior for those ingrown hairs, as well as acne, glycolic acid breaks down the mixture of sebum and dead skin cells that cause obstructions to hairs, so that they can reach the surface much easier and without the area becoming inflamed,” explains the Elle Beauty Team.

To create a smoother shaving experience, and silky legs, regular chemical exfoliation with glycolic acid is an effective, dermatologist recommended option to help prevent ingrown hairs.

Ingrown hairs are shaved or tweezed hairs that curl back around and grow down into the skin, instead of out of the follicle. Ingrown hairs cause inflammation and are often red and bumpy.  

“When the hair strands are cut too short, they retract back and get trapped in the skin. Sometimes, the hair curls back into the skin and the hair follicle closes over the curled hair which causes the hair to grow underneath the skin,” Dr. Adeline Kikam, dermatologist, told InStyle. “As the hair grows back, it can break into the wall of the hair follicle resulting in inflammation of the surrounding skin.”

Ingrown hairs not only look unpleasant, but also can be painful. Ingrown hairs can itch or form painful blisters. Ingrown hairs may also harbor bacteria and can even cause permanent scarring if left untreated.

Even worse? For many consumers, ingrown hairs on the legs often become a continuing, consistent problem thanks to frequent shaving.

However, there is a simple solution to help reduce the chances of an ingrown hairs on the legs. Chemical exfoliation with glycolic acid.

One of the best ways to shrink the chances of ingrown hairs on the legs is to regularly exfoliate prior to shaving. Exfoliation once a week can help to unclog pores, reduce excess sebum, and shed off dead skin cells that can wreak havoc on a razor’s efficiency.

“Exfoliation helps reduce the occurrence of ingrown hairs. Regular exfoliation will help ingrown hairs grow out of the hair follicle instead of curling back into the skin and help loosen any hairs that might get trapped beneath dead skin. Dead skin can also clog razors and lead to an uneven shave,” explains Gerrie Summers in Brydie.

While many consumers turn to manual scrubs for body exfoliation, chemical exfoliation with glycolic acid can offer a faster, more effective option.

Glycolic acid is one of the best ways to exfoliate the legs before shaving because of how effective it is at shedding off dead skin cells.

When glycolic acid is applied topically to the skin, it works to melt the “glue” holding dead skin cells together. This helps to slough away older, weaker, dry skin cells from the surface of the legs and spur new skin cells to the surface.

By sweeping away dead skin cells, chemical exfoliation with glycolic acid helps to keep pores clearer and removes the dry skin cells that could trip up a razor.

Most experts recommend chemical exfoliation with glycolic acid once a week to help battle ingrown hairs:

“Products that contain a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid can help dissolve dead skin cells that trap ingrowns. Getting rid of them—gently!—with the help of a chemical exfoliant-containing cream or lotion or just by using a washcloth in the area before removing the hair can help prevent ingrowns from forming,” Korin Miller and Sharon Jacoby report in SELF.

With summer here, consumers are ready to bare their legs in shorts and skirts. Regular exfoliation with glycolic acid can help to prime the legs for more effective shaving and reduce the chances of  bumpy, painful ingrown hairs. Smooth shaving ahead!

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