What to do about Vacne?

Vacne is a term referring to blocked hair follicles or ingrown hairs, which can become inflamed, forming painful bumps or pustules around the groin area, ie ‘vaginal acne’. Vacne is caused by a variety of factors, many of which are related to hygiene, hair removal practices, and skin sensitivities.

Much like facial acne, clogged pores or hair follicles in the genital area can lead to spots. Dead skin cells, sweat, and natural oils can get trapped in hair follicles, causing irritation and infection. Wearing tight or non-breathable clothing, especially during exercise, can trap moisture and create an environment where bacteria thrive, further increasing the likelihood of developing spots. Hormonal fluctuations can also contribute to breakouts in this region. Just as with facial or body acne, changes in hormone levels can increase oil production, which may lead to clogged follicles and the formation of pimples or cysts. Additionally, people with more sensitive skin or conditions such as folliculitis—an inflammation of the hair follicles—may be more prone to developing these spots. 

Culprit one of the primary causes of vacne is ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs occur when a hair grows back into the skin instead of upwards and outwards. This can cause inflammation, bumps, and sometimes pus-filled cysts. Ingrown hairs typically occur after hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing, or tweezing. Shaving with a dull razor or against the direction of hair growth can cause the hair to be cut too short, encouraging it to curl back into the skin. Waxing or tweezing, especially when done improperly, can also cause hair to break below the surface of the skin, making it more likely to become trapped and grow inward. 

What can you do about vacne? Exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells that can clog hair follicles and prevent hairs from growing properly. Perhaps try a gentle scrub or exfoliating cloth designed for sensitive areas before shaving or waxing to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs. Who here is using the right razor? When shaving, always use a clean, sharp razor to avoid tugging or irritation. Dull blades are more likely to cause ingrown hairs. Shaving in the direction of hair growth, rather than against it, also reduces the likelihood of irritation and ingrown hairs. Moisturising is a step that is often overlooked (guilty as charged). Try moisturising the area with a fragrance free product to help keep the skin hydrated. For a stronger treatment, waxing or laser hair removal is a longer-lasting solution that can significantly reduce or eliminate hair growth, lowering the risk of ingrown hairs. These treatments target the hair follicle, reducing hair regrowth over time. Disclaimer: This article has been written to advise what to do about ingrown hairs, please do consult your doctor or dermatologist before trying anything surrounding the groin area and never apply product inside the vaginal area unless advised by a doctor. 

Ready for product? Here are our top favourite treatments and services…

Murad. Blemish Control Retexturizing Pads

Super smoothing, body & face treatment that minimises breakouts and ingrown hairs in just 3 days. It fades post-blemish marks and dark spots while soothing inflamed skin & offering oil-free hydration. Use once a day on the bikini line for best results.

Available at Murad. for £49

Wildsmith Skin Purity Exfoliating Body Cleanser

With an advanced AHA and BHA complex to control excess oil and deliver gentle chemical exfoliation. Formulated to purify and cleanse the skin, leaving skin feeling refined and soft to touch. Containing a blend natural surfactants, the silky-gel texture effortlessly cleanses leaving skin soft and nourished.

Available at Wildsmith Skin for £38

illumin8 Beauty Intimate Waxing

Having mastered the art of intimate waxing. The skilled therapists ensure a comfortable and discreet experience, using top-quality products to achieve precise and long-lasting results. Whether you choose a basic bikini, Brazilian, or Hollywood wax, please expect a flawless finish - minus the ingrown hairs!

Book your treatment through illumin8 Beauty’s website here

Murdock London Ingrown Hair Treatment

This powerful Ingrown Hair Treatment is your best defence against hairs that grow under the surface of the skin and cause painful bumps and lumps. Using proven actives such as Salicylic and Glycolic Acid, this treatment works to exfoliate the skin to free up hairs, reduce inflammation and help to keep it smooth and bump free. It's also anti-bacterial and deep cleansing so great for spots and irritation.

Available at Murdock London for £24

Femfresh Intimate Hygiene Daily Intimate Wash

This bottle of daily intimate goodness is the perfect partner for a quick spruce in the shower. The specially designed pH-balanced formula is enriched with soothing aloe vera to keep intimate skin happy and feeling fresh all-day long.

Available from Boots for £2.75

Aesthetics Lab Laser Hair Removal

Say goodbye to the hassle of shaving and plucking with the Aesthetics Lab Soprano Titanium Laser Hair Removal treatment. Using the latest and safest technology, tried and tested by the brand’s three founders, this advanced treatment reduces hair growth giving you smooth, hair-free skin without pain.

Book your consultation through the Aesthetics Lab website here