The onset of folliculitis can never truly be prepared for, as it appears quite suddenly on anyone, young or old. One day you can just wake up and find itchy patches of inflamed or painful skin on your otherwise flawless complexion, leaving you confused and bereft about what to do next.
Thankfully, folliculitis is a very common condition and is easily treated. Even better, there are a variety of ways in which avoiding folliculitis scars can be achieved. All it takes is a few simple methods and you’ll be back to seeing revitalized, flawless skin every time you look in the mirror.
Follow these seven easy tips for preventing folliculitis scars and never worry about another flare-up again!
1. Investigate Any Pool or Tub You’re Looking to Hop Into
While pulling out a magnifying glass and inspecting every crevice of your pool or tub may not be the first thing on your daily agenda (and rightfully so), it certainly pays off to do a quick sweep of the eye across these places before simply diving in.
The cleanliness of these areas can greatly affect the state of your skin, as brushing across any mold, mildew, or bacterial growths can irritate the skin and lead to the infection of the follicles themselves.
Also, if you’re already trying to overcome the onset of folliculitis and it’s in the healing stages, any friction across the rough patches already trying to heal can cause further irritation and the possibility of scarring.
2. Avoid Body Oils of Any Kind
Many tout the benefits of essential oils or fragrant body oils found in department stores. While they can be conditioning for the skin to retain moisture, such oils can also be harmful for your skin.
Oil is known for trapping bacteria in the skin’s pores, leading to many complexion issues like acne and – you guessed it – folliculitis. If your skin is dry and you need relief, try lotions for sensitive skin that don’t have many chemicals or harsh irritants that can lead to clogged pores.
3. Opt for Clean Towels At All Times
Preventing folliculitis scars means taking precautions to stay away from bacterial and/or fungal hazards. Unfortunately, used towels fall all too easily into this category.
Regularly washing and drying your towels to keep them consistently clean can help eradicate the possibility of attracting folliculitis. Hang up bath and pool towels immediately to dry after use so they don’t stay damp for long periods of time.
Furthermore, don’t swipe your face across hand towels draped in the bathroom or kitchen, as unknown bacteria could be lurking on their surface.
4. Tight Clothing May Be Cute, But Not Always Healthy
While wearing skinny jeans and tops that form to your body is all the rage these days in the fashion world, such tight fabrics can be detrimental to your skin.
Avoid wearing tight clothes that don’t allow your skin to breathe or that constantly rub and cause friction. These irritations can cause the hair follicles to clog or become inflamed, leading to folliculitis in no time. Light, flowing garments made of cotton are best for avoiding skin hassles.
5. Keep Rotating Your Bed Sheets Regularly
Snuggling into your soft sheets and warm comforter is always an amazing feeling, but spending hours every night and day curled into them can lead to dirt and sweat buildup. Gross, but true.
Changing your sheets every few days, or even daily if your skin is extra sensitive, is a great method for preventing folliculitis scars. Not allowing any bacteria to fester where you rest your body is key to avoiding clogged follicles and infection.
6. Take Extra Time to Watch Your Shaving Habits
Getting ready in the morning or preparing for a night out on the town often means taking shortcuts in your beauty routine to save time. This generally leads to quick and inefficient shaving techniques, which can spell disaster for your skin.
Don’t neglect your body’s largest organ simply to get out the door on time. Change your habits by shaving slower, moving the blades in the same direction as the hair growth to prevent irritation, and being extra cautious trailing over any bumpy patches of skin so as to avoid cuts or razor burn.
In fact, it’s wise to simply change your blades before every new shave. This way, you can eliminate the razor burn or rash often inflicted by dull blades, and avoid any bacteria buildup that is inevitably a factor with most razors over time.
7. Sticking With Warm Water and Mild Toiletries is Essential
Now you have a reason to always indulge in a long, hot bath!
To keep your skin soothed and moisturized, it’s best to always use warm water and mild soaps when you’re bathing. Water of a mild to hot temperature opens the pores, releasing toxins and clogged dirt or bacteria from your skin and leaving it clean, healthy and hydrated.
Exfoliating can also be very rewarding, helping to prevent dead skin buildup. This leaves less chance of the skin’s follicles becoming clogged or infected, giving you a greater chance of avoiding folliculitis or other skin disorders in the future.
Meanwhile, soaps and body washes with less manufactured ingredients means less chance of disrupting your skin’s optimal conditions. Sticking to organic soaps or cleansers with raw, natural ingredients can be the best option for maintaining beautiful, glowing skin year-round.
Folliculitis can happen to anyone, but it doesn’t have to leave its mark.
Following these simple methods for preventing folliculitis scars can become a quick and easy routine for you in no time, and will ensure your skin stays bright and luminous throughout your life.
If you’re having trouble with your skin that’s beyond the help of precautionary measures and home remedies, seeking the help of a dermatologist is always recommended.
However, giving any of these seven tips a try for the milder situations can be all the answer you need for touch-worthy skin you’ll be happy to show off.
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