| Author |
Here's to Your Health:  Shaving legs and ingrown hairs  |
|
|
ivmeer
True Blue Farmgirl
409 Posts
Amanda
Pawtucket
RI
USA
409 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 23 2008 : 11:42:45 AM
|
I've got coarse, dark body hair and pale, sensitive skin, and I've been having a real problem with ingrown hairs. I find that the more I shave my legs, the worse they get, so I quit shaving and let my leg hair grow out. This has helped somewhat, but I'm still getting some ingrowns. I've started taking a bath once a week to really slough off the dead skin, and this also appears to be helping. The cold weather and resulting dryness are making things worse, though.
Do any farmgirls have any tips? Waxing is not in my budget and honestly I can't understand why anyone would put themselves through so much pain willingly. |
|
|
kmbrown
True Blue Farmgirl
459 Posts
Misty
Waynesboro
Pennsylvania
USA
459 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2008 : 11:59:14 AM
|
| Hi Amanda! I sure can empathize with you. Several things that really helped my is scrubbing several times a week with Dead Sea Salts. It is very rough but of course is also known for its healing agents. It really takes all the dead skin off and makes your skin nice and smooth!! Then I follow up with a super moisturizing lotion like a body butter (from the Body Shop) or a mineral lotion. One other thing is to make sure you are using a GOOD razor (not just a disposable) with a good sharp blade...and use shaving cream, not just soap. All of these have really helped me!!! Good Luck! |
 |
|
|
ivmeer
True Blue Farmgirl
409 Posts
Amanda
Pawtucket
RI
USA
409 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2008 : 12:16:10 PM
|
| Thanks. What kind of razor do you use? |
|
|
|
kmbrown
True Blue Farmgirl
459 Posts
Misty
Waynesboro
Pennsylvania
USA
459 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2008 : 12:21:42 PM
|
| I Actually use a mans!! I like the Mach 3. It has good sharp blades. |
|
|
|
ivmeer
True Blue Farmgirl
409 Posts
Amanda
Pawtucket
RI
USA
409 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2008 : 12:35:12 PM
|
| I have a Venus 3. It doesn't seem to help. Maybe I don't change the blade often enough. |
|
|
|
Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22937 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22937 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2008 : 12:52:36 PM
|
I agree- Exfoliation is very key and a sharp razor. I actually use a specially formulated shaving soap and that has clay in it which helps micro exfoliate and provides a the slip needed for a clean shave. I also use it between shaves to keep exfoliated.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
|
|
|
Sitnalta
True Blue Farmgirl
4208 Posts
Jessica
NJ
USA
4208 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2008 : 12:59:46 PM
|
Hi Amanda!
Ooh don't you ljust love being a woman! We are blessed with such wonderful things like shaving our legs and suchwhats. :O) Of course the other aspects of being a woman far make up for this task. :O)
I found that when my razor is dull that I get more ingrown hairs more often. Also, the longer I wait in between shaving the same problem. Alee suggested using lotion as a shaving agent....and I haven't had problems with that since then.I use the Bare Naturals from Avon. Really inexpensive and leaves it nice and soft. My skin is super super sensitive so I have to be careful---I use the Mach3 too! :O)
HUGS
Jessie
Farmgirl Sister #235
|
|
|
|
kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2008 : 4:55:02 PM
|
My sister has this problem with the ingrown hairs. Her doctor told her to never use a razor more than once. She has to throw it away after one use. It works for her. And lots of lotion.
I don't shave much anymore myself, esp. in the winter, I need the extra hair for warmth here!
Kris |
|
|
|
ivmeer
True Blue Farmgirl
409 Posts
Amanda
Pawtucket
RI
USA
409 Posts |
Posted - Nov 24 2008 : 07:29:53 AM
|
| Perhaps it's too low-maintenance of me, but I sort of instinctively feel that not shaving is probably healthier for my legs, keeping them less dry. If my skin is rebelling against being shaved all the time, maybe I should listen. |
|
|
|
MsCwick
True Blue Farmgirl
775 Posts
Cristine
Farmville
Virginia
USA
775 Posts |
Posted - Nov 24 2008 : 10:12:16 AM
|
maybe you would be better off just using clippers at a surgical length and just leaving a little stubble? At least that way the hairs are already out of the skin and not fighting to get out...
I waxed my legs two summers ago and they are just now clearing up. Aparently when the hairs eventually grow back, the hole where they originally came out of is closed up and my skin is thick and very tan, so tough skin...and I had hairs I could see growing under my skin!
You can make your own salt/sugar scrub at home! Scrubbing and exfoliating is the bestest way to keep those pores open and clear for the hair to come through. And probably moisturizing also, will keep the skin soft and plaible for the hair to poke through!
Best of luck!
Check out my website in a few days, I have some great lotions and salt scrubs!
Cristine
Do what you can, with what you have, right where you are. - Roosevelt
www.thelittlegreenstore.embarqspace.com
www.thelittlegreenstore.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/thelittlegreenstore
|
|
|
|
Homespun Livin
True Blue Farmgirl
409 Posts
Brenda
Louisiana
USA
409 Posts |
Posted - Nov 26 2008 : 6:25:20 PM
|
It was suggested in a Prevention mag once that you should shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it to help prevent ingrown hairs. Just a thought.
"Love one another." |
|
|
|
catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Nov 26 2008 : 6:40:35 PM
|
Best tip for B E A U T I F U L legs...first, let legs get wet enough, say while you are washing your hair/face, then exfoliate with scrub, nice circular motions, rinse, then apply shaving cream or gel or whatever you prefer and shave in the direction of hair growth, followed by gentle towelling off and some THICK body butter. I have used the Body Shops body butter and scrub for years and I love my legs...best of luck!!!
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
FARMGIRL #90 |
|
|
|
Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Nov 29 2008 : 03:23:44 AM
|
Depending on how hot the water is, when you soak, it may be making your legs drier.
Try moisturizing as soon as you get out and maybe keep the water a little cooler?
|
|
|
|
Mother Hen
True Blue Farmgirl
604 Posts
Cindy
Peck
ID
USA
604 Posts |
Posted - Nov 29 2008 : 8:50:16 PM
|
Amanda, have you tried using an electric razor? It isn't as "close" a shave and you have to do it more often but it doesn't take the hair out of the pore. Also you can moisturize after to keep your skin soft and subtle.
Personally, I'm with several of the others though, I rarely shave my legs anymore. It's amazing you can't hardly tell that I have hair on my thighs anymore. I'm just waiting for that to happen on my calves. But I wear jeans all the time all year round so why waste the time shaving unless there is a special occasion to do so.
I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalms 34:1 |
|
|
| |
Here's to Your Health: Shaving legs and ingrown hairs |
|
Shaving legs and ingrown hairs
