Question: I've heard that a swipe of deodorant along the bikini line after hair removal prevents ingrowns from forming—true or old wives' tale?
Answer: According to Dr. Jessica Weiser, Board Certified Dermatologist, ingrowns form when hairs are completely pulled from the follicle during waxing, epilation and tweezing (contrary to popular belief, you won't get them if you're shaving correctly). In the time it takes for the hair to regrow in the follicle, skin can grow over the pore and block the new hair's exit from the skin surface, causing an ingrown. While there are anecdotal reports that deodorant or antiperspirant can treat the problem, Weiser isn't so sure. "Excess sweat and oils can cause a proliferation of bacteria that can infect hair follicles and lead to pimple-like bumps known as folliculitis. Antiperspirant decreases sweat production and may diminish folliculitis, but ingrown hairs and folliculitis don't always coexist and antiperspirant cannot change the growth or trajectory of hairs in the hair follicle. Additionally, antiperspirant and deodorant may cause significant irritation on sensitive skin sites such as bikini line and should be kept away from the moist mucosal surfaces." Your surest best is laser hair removal—"it can treat both normal and ingrown hairs because the laser recognizes the pigment in the hair whether it is above or under the skin surface—and light exfoliation two or three times a week.