Question: What can be done about ingrown hairs on the face? I have tried every razor and cream and even had six treatments of laser surgery.

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

Ingrown hairs on your face are best managed by close attention to your skin, and by removing the offending hair before the acne-like boil sets itself up.

You are correct that a sharp razor that shaves without undue irritation is mandatory. Many of the blades now have four or even five cutting blades with a moisturizing strip that provide a far more effective cut without the skin irritation of the older one or two blade systems.

Use of the correct shaving gel also makes a difference, with my personal preference being for Edge gel.

After you have shaved, look for a dark area within the shaved follicle that may suggest two hairs have grown in the same shaft, or that the hair has curled within the shaft and is not oriented correctly. Removing these offending hairs with a good pair of tweezers will prevent many hair-induced acneiform eruption flares. Be sure any facial acne or rosacea is optimally controlled.

I am not a big proponent of laser treatment unless you are seeking a hairless area and do not wish to shave or use other hair removal products. Laser therapy for facial hair destruction in a male is unusual, and I recommend you seek out some alternatives that are not only more economical, but more skin-friendly.

If in doubt, seek the advice of your regular primary care physician, or request a consultation from a dermatologist or facial plastic surgeon if resurfacing is being considered.