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Ready to say goodbye to painful ingrown hairs? These ingrown hair scrub recipes work to exfoliate and soothe your legs and bikini area so you can so you can enjoy smooth, irritation-free skin.
Because shaving can be extra brutal in winter, it’s no surprise that our legs might be looking less than stellar—and there’s nothing quite like those angry red bumps, unsightly ingrown hairs, and irritated skin to ruin a new outfit.
Whether it was a dull razor, piping hot water, or not enough shaving cream, we’ve all been there!
Jump to:
What Causes Ingrown Hairs?
Ugh, ingrown hairs are the worst. And they’re usually in spots that get a lot of friction (yep, I’m talking to you, bikini line), making them especially uncomfortable.
While most of us imagine that razor bumps happen during a shave, in reality, they occur later—as the hair begins to grow back. Those dreaded red bumps are actually a result of sharp hairs that curl around and re-enter the skin—ouch!
They are caused by “a hair follicle that has grown inward rather than outward from the skin, which creates irritation at the point of re-entry into the skin,” explains Mary Alice Mina, M.D., Atlanta-based dermatologist and Mohs surgeon.
How To Prevent Ingrown Hairs
Exfoliate regularly: To prevent new ingrown hairs, incorporate gentle exfoliation into your skincare routine 1 to 2 times a week.
Use the right shaving technique: With a sharp razor, shave in the direction of hair growth, and use a soothing shaving cream or gel to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs.
Treat the skin after hair removal: Apply a soothing, anti-inflammatory spray with alcohol-free witch hazel, aloe vera, or salicylic acid immediately after hair removal to reduce irritation.
Keep the skin moisturized: Apply a hydrating moisturizer daily to keep the skin soft. This can make it easier for hairs to pierce through the skin barrier without becoming trapped.
Wear loose clothing: Tight clothing can exacerbate ingrown hairs by causing friction. Opt for loose, breathable fabrics, especially immediately after exfoliation or shaving.
Homemade Leg Scrubs for Ingrown Hairs
Applying an ingrown hair scrub can exfoliate the area and release any trapped hairs. These recipes are not only designed to help with ingrown hairs but also to nourish and pamper your skin.
1. Tea Tree Ingrown Hair Scrub
A gentle sugar scrub can remove dead skin cells and enable the hair to grow out freely. Adding tea tree oil with its antibacterial properties helps prevent infection, and it can also bring down swelling and inflammation [source].
Like other oils, tea tree essential oil moisturizes, cleanses, and nourishes the skin. But what makes it different are its natural antiseptic and antibiotic properties [source]. These innate healing properties make it perfect for soothing skin irritation and healing ingrown hairs.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Melt the coconut oil slightly, and let it cool but not solidify.
- Mix in the granulated sugar until fully integrated.
- Stir in the tea tree essential oil and aloe vera gel.
- Apply the scrub to wet legs in a circular motion, concentrating on areas prone to ingrown hairs.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry. Follow with a liberal application of coconut or olive oil to moisturize.
2. Sensitive Skin Oatmeal Scrub
Oatmeal is a gentle exfoliant suitable for sensitive skin or anywhere that may be a little tender with ingrown hairs or razor bumps. It has anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for calming the itching caused by dermatitis and healing the skin’s protective barrier [source].
Almond oil is an emollient that is rich in vitamin E, hydrates, and reduces skin irritation [source]. Use lavender or rose essential oil for their calming and soothing properties.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Mix the ground oatmeal and almond oil until you get a paste-like consistency.
- Add the essential oil of your choice and mix well.
- Apply to the legs in gentle, circular motions, then rinse off with warm water.
3. Cooling Salt + Peppermint Scrub
Sea salt is a natural disinfectant and exfoliant that works well on thicker skin areas. Peppermint essential oil brings naturally cooling pain relief.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Mix the sea salt and grape seed oil until combined.
- Add the peppermint essential oil and stir well.
- Apply the scrub in circular motions to damp legs, paying special attention to areas with ingrown hairs.
- Rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat the legs dry.
How To Exfoliate Legs for Ingrown Hairs
Dr. Nadir Qazi, D.O., a cosmetic dermatologist in Orange County, California, recommends exfoliating your skin at least once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells that can build up within your pores and prevent ingrown hairs as well as folliculitis.
Exfoliating legs with ingrown hairs requires a gentle yet effective approach to avoid irritation while freeing trapped hairs. Here’s how to do it safely:
Step 1: Choose the Right Exfoliant
Choose a gentle scrub that won’t aggravate your skin. Avoid harsh scrubs that can cause micro-tears or further irritate ingrown hairs.
Exfoliate before shaving to help lift off those hairs from the adherent dead skin cells for an even closer shave and smoother skin.
Step 2: Soften the Skin and Hair
Before exfoliating, take a warm shower or bath for 5 to 10 minutes. The steam and warmth will help soften the skin and hair, making the exfoliation process more effective and less abrasive.
Step 3: Apply Exfoliant Gently
Keep a body scrub in the shower for a quick skin polish. Use gentle, circular motions to apply the scrub to your legs.
Focus on areas with ingrown hairs, but avoid pressing too hard. The goal is to lightly buff away the top layer of dead skin cells without irritating the skin.
Step 4: Rinse and Pat Dry
Rinse your legs with lukewarm (not hot!) water and pat your legs dry with a soft towel.
Step 5: Moisturize
Apply a lightweight, noncomedogenic moisturizer to soothe and hydrate the skin. Products containing ingredients like aloe vera or tea tree oil can be beneficial for soothing irritation and preventing infection.
Step 6: Treat Ingrown Hairs
Sometimes, you can see the hair under the skin surface and remove it. You should only do this if the hair is easily accessible without breaking the skin barrier.
Soak a washcloth in warm water, and apply it to the area for about 5 minutes to soften the skin and hair. Sterilize a pair of tweezers with alcohol and gently pluck the hair. Follow by applying an antiseptic to the skin.
Don’t pick! Picking at the skin can lead to irritation, infection, and scarring.
For something a little more permanent, and especially for those who battle with a lot of hair growth, consider laser hair removal. The technology has come a long way, is more affordable, and can treat all skin types [source]. There is a variable risk of scarring involved [source], so make sure to go to a reputable physician.
Homemade Exfoliating Scrubs for Bikini Area
When it comes to DIY exfoliators for the bikini area, it’s essential to choose ingredients with gentle effects to avoid irritation. Here are some DIY bikini scrub recipes that can help prevent ingrown hairs:
4. Antibacterial Baking Soda Exfoliator
Aloe vera gel soothes and hydrates the skin. Baking soda is a gentle exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells. Add a few drops of tea tree oil for its antibacterial properties that can help prevent ingrown hairs.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Combine the aloe vera gel and baking soda in a bowl until you have a smooth paste.
- If using, add a few drops of tea tree essential oil and mix thoroughly.
- Apply the mixture gently in circular motions, then rinse off with cool water. This scrub is especially good for soothing the skin after shaving.
5. Skin-Soothing Sugar Scrub
Sugar is a natural exfoliant that dissolves easily, reducing the risk of irritation. Jojoba oil mimics the skin’s natural oils [source], providing deep moisturization without clogging pores. Chamomile essential oil has anti-inflammatory activity [source] that gently soothes and calms irritated skin.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Combine the sugar and jojoba oil in a bowl and stir until you get a consistent mixture.
- Add the chamomile essential oil and mix well.
- Gently apply the scrub in circular motions to the bikini area, avoiding direct contact with mucous membranes.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
6. Super Gentle Green Tea Scrub
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Mix the green tea leaves or powder with sweet almond oil until you achieve a paste-like consistency.
- If desired, add lemon juice for its astringent properties, which can help cleanse the skin.
- Apply the mixture to the affected area in gentle circular motions.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.
7. Non-Abrasive Yogurt + Charcoal Mask
Combine the gentle exfoliation of yogurt, a natural source of lactic acid, with activated charcoal powder to help draw out impurities. Lavender essential oil is antibacterial and also soothes the skin.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons yogurt
- 1 tablespoon activated charcoal powder
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions:
- Mix the yogurt and charcoal powder to form a consistent paste.
- Add the lavender essential oil for its calming effects on the skin.
- Apply to the skin in circular motions, focusing on areas with ingrown hairs.
- Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing with cool water.
How To Exfoliate the Bikini Area
Exfoliating the bikini area requires a gentle approach to prevent irritation while still effectively removing dead skin cells and helping to prevent ingrown hairs. Here’s how to do it safely:
1. Choose the Right Exfoliant
Frequency: Exfoliate the bikini area no more than once a week to prevent over-exfoliation and irritation.
Gentle exfoliators: Choose a scrub with fine, smooth particles and avoid anything too abrasive. Homemade scrubs using ingredients like fine sugar or finely ground oatmeal can be gentle enough for this sensitive area.
Avoid exfoliating immediately after shaving or waxing: Wait a few days after shaving or waxing to exfoliate, as the skin can be more sensitive immediately after hair removal.
2. Pre-Exfoliation
Cleanse: Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser to clean the bikini area. This helps prepare the skin for exfoliation by removing any surface oils and dirt.
Soften the skin: Take a warm shower or bath before exfoliating. The steam and warmth will help soften the skin and hair, making the exfoliation process more effective and gentle.
3. Exfoliating the Bikini Area
Apply gently: The skin in the bikini area is sensitive, so apply the scrub with gentle, circular motions. Use light pressure to avoid irritation, and do not exfoliate over any cuts, open wounds, or irritated areas of skin.
Rinse thoroughly: Use lukewarm water to rinse the area thoroughly.
Pat dry: Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel.
4. Post-Exfoliation Care
Moisturize: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to soothe and hydrate the skin.
Wear breathable clothing: After exfoliating, wear loose, breathable clothing. Tight clothing can cause friction, which will irritate the skin.
More Leg Scrub Recipes
Creating specialized leg scrubs with essential oils can address various skin concerns like cellulite, keratosis pilaris, strawberry legs, dry skin, and razor bumps.
8. Stimulating Leg Scrub for Cellulite
The bad news: 9 out of 10 women have some form of cellulite. The good news: there are at-home DIY cellulite remedies that can help with those unsightly dimples, lumps, and bulges.
Before heading out to the beach, I make an easy coffee scrub and slather on plenty of grapefruit cellulite oil.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Combine coffee grounds and sugar.
- Mix in melted coconut oil until well combined.
- Stir in grapefruit essential oil.
- Apply the scrub in circular motions to areas affected by cellulite, then rinse.
9. Exfoliating Scrub for Strawberry Legs
Strawberry legs are a real thing. The term refers to the appearance of enlarged pores and hair follicles on your legs. These can often look quite similar to the tiny seeds on the outside of this red fruit, and the overall effect can have a strawberry-like appearance.
“Strawberry legs is not a medical condition. Rather, it is a symptom typically caused by clogged pores, but it can also result from other skin conditions,” explains Dr. Qazi. “The important thing to note is that strawberry legs are usually harmless, painless, and easy to fix at home or with the help of a dermatologist.”
This simple scrub can help unclog and tone enlarged pores:
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Combine cornmeal and jojoba oil.
- Stir in lemon essential oil until well mixed.
- Apply in circular motions focusing on the legs, then rinse. Lemon EO can cause sun sensitivity, so use the scrub at night or wear sunscreen on your legs if you’ll be out in the sun.
10. Hydrating Leg Scrub for Dry Skin
As the summer begins, sun, salt, and chlorine can quickly lead to dry, scaly legs. And yes, you can get blackheads on your legs!
One of the best times to get rid of dry skin is after cleansing. Keep this simple scrub in the shower to moisturize and exfoliate dry skin.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Mix brown sugar and olive oil.
- Add essential oils and stir until blended.
- Spoon the mixture into a small glass jar. Keep it covered in your shower (to keep moisture-loving mold at bay), and you can use it all summer long.
- Gently scrub the areas for 2–4 minutes, and then rinse with water.
11. pH-Balancing Leg Scrub for Keratosis Pilaris
Also known as KP, keratosis pilaris is a common condition that tends to crop up on the backs of arms and thighs, according to Dr. Mina.
“KP occurs when there is retention of skin cells (keratin) within the hair follicles,” she says. “Why some people develop this and not others is unknown. However, people more prone to eczema and dry skin appear to be especially prone to KP.” So exfoliating is key!
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Mix baking soda and sweet almond oil.
- Add lavender essential oil and apple cider vinegar and mix well.
- Gently apply to affected areas in circular motions, then rinse.
12. Disinfecting Scrub for Razor Bumps
Sea salt has natural antiseptic properties, and aloe vera gel is soothing and healing. Tea tree helps prevent infection, while witch hazel reduces inflammation and irritation.
Finish with an antibacterial oil to disinfect, soothe irritation, and calm redness.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Combine sea salt and aloe vera gel.
- Stir in tea tree essential oil and witch hazel.
- Apply to areas prone to razor bumps in gentle circular motions, then rinse.
Finish by adding 3–5 drops of tea tree EO to a tablespoon of any carrier oil like jojoba, coconut, or rosehip seed, and apply a small amount to razor bumps.
Tackle Your Feet Next!
Your feet get a lot of wear and tear during the summer. I’m usually in flip-flops or barefoot, which creates thick calluses in no time.
Pamper your feet with weekly soaks and foot scrubs to keep the skin soft and pretty. For heel cracks, make a healing foot salve and wear it overnight with socks for serious repair.
DIY Ingrown Hair Scrub
Don’t be afraid to show off your legs in skirts and shorts with this DIY ingrown hair scrub.
Yield: 1
Cost: $3
Instructions
-
Combine everything in a small bowl and stir well.
-
To use, apply a handful of scrub to your legs and gently massage in a circular motion. Rinse off, pat dry, and apply moisturizer or body oil to lock in moisture.
Notes
If there’s any leftover scrub, store in an airtight container and use within 3–4 days.
References
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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