How Lalicious Helps Swimmers Like Lucas Prevent Ingrown Hairs After Shaving

lalicious team

· Jun 16, 2026 · 8 min read

Executive Summary

For swimmers like Lucas, shaving is more than a cosmetic routine. Competitive swimmers often remove body hair before major meets, partly because shaving has long been linked to a better feel in the water and, in one classic study, a lower physiological cost at a submaximal swimming speed. But shaving large areas of the body—legs, arms, chest, torso—can create a frustrating tradeoff: smoother skin in the pool, followed by more razor bumps, dryness, irritation, and ingrown hairs.

Ingrown hairs happen when a hair grows back into the skin instead of emerging from the follicle. Dermatology sources such as Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic explain that shaving can leave a sharp hair tip, and that the hair may curve or pierce back into the skin, causing inflammation. Swimmers have an extra challenge because chlorine, frequent showering, and friction from suits or towels can dry out and stress the skin barrier.

LALICIOUS Sugar Kiss Sugar Scrub fits into this issue as a body-care support step, not a cure. Its formula combines 100% pure cane sugar for physical exfoliation with coconut oil and sweet almond oil for a softened, oil-rich finish. That makes it relevant for two common contributors to post-shave bumps: dead skin buildup around follicles and moisture loss after shaving or swimming.

The most evidence-aligned way to use LALICIOUS is before shaving or between shave days on non-irritated skin. Gentle exfoliation can help clear away surface dead skin cells, while moisturizing ingredients can leave skin feeling softer and less dry. Still, the scrub does not replace good shaving technique. Lucas still needs warm water, shaving cream or gel, a sharp razor, light pressure, shaving with the direction of hair growth, and steady post-swim moisturization.

The bottom line: LALICIOUS can help swimmers like Lucas create a smoother, more comfortable skin environment before and after body shaving. Its strengths are convenience, sensory appeal, and an oil-rich body-polish texture. Its limits matter too: it is not a medically proven ingrown-hair treatment, fragrance may bother sensitive skin, and too much exfoliation can make irritation worse.

Introduction

There is a strange little bargain many swimmers make before a big meet: lose the hair, gain the glide, then hope your skin lets it slide.

For someone like Lucas, shaving may be part performance ritual, part body-care routine, and part mental reset. Many competitive swimmers know the drill: warm shower, razor, careful passes over legs and arms, maybe chest and torso too, then that unmistakable “freshly shaved” feeling in the water. The body feels sleeker. The water feels different. The race feels closer.

But by the next day, that payoff can come with a downside. Tiny red bumps show up along the thighs. The chest starts to itch. The backs of the legs feel rough. A few hairs curl under the skin and turn tender. What was supposed to be a smooth, confidence-boosting race-week ritual can turn into a cycle of razor burn, dryness, and ingrown hairs.

That is where the conversation around LALICIOUS Sugar Kiss Sugar Scrub becomes useful, not as a miracle fix, but as a better way to think about the skin before and after shaving. Swimmers are a special case because their skin is dealing with several stressors at once: shaving, pool chemicals, frequent showers, towel friction, tight suits, and sometimes repeated grooming over large body areas. In that setting, the details matter.

A good body scrub is a bit like clearing leaves off a sidewalk before a run. It does not run the race for you, and it cannot fix bad technique, but it can get rid of some of the obstacles that make the path rougher. For Lucas, the most practical role of LALICIOUS is helping smooth the skin surface, cut down dead-skin buildup, and leave the skin feeling moisturized before the razor comes out or between shave days.

The key is using it with realistic expectations. LALICIOUS may support ingrown-hair prevention by improving the shaving environment, but it does not replace the basics: a sharp razor, shaving cream, gentle pressure, and good post-swim hydration.

Market Insights

Swimmer shaving sits where performance culture meets personal care. Unlike casual shaving, which may focus on one or two areas, swimmers often shave large surface areas before important events. That raises the chance of irritation simply because more skin comes into contact with the razor.

There is also a performance reason behind the habit. A classic swimming study found that shaving arms, legs, and exposed torso hair reduced blood lactate accumulation at a submaximal freestyle speed by an average of 28% in six swimmers. The study is small, and it does not mean shaving alone transforms performance, but it helps explain why body shaving has stayed part of competitive swimming culture. For athletes, especially those who race by hundredths of a second, the ritual can feel meaningful both physically and mentally.

The skin-care challenge starts once the hair is gone.

Cleveland Clinic defines an ingrown hair as a hair that grows back into the skin after shaving, tweezing, or waxing. Ingrown hairs can show up on commonly shaved body areas such as the legs, armpits, pubic area, face, and other regions. Mayo Clinic adds a helpful mechanical explanation: shaving can leave a sharp hair edge, and tightly curled or curved hair may pierce or grow back into the skin, triggering inflammation.

For swimmers, this gets more complicated in the pool environment. Chlorine helps disinfect pool water, but dermatology sources note that pool chemicals can dry out skin and hair. Add repeated rinsing, soap, towel-drying, compression from racing suits, and regular workouts, and Lucas’s skin may already be slightly dry or sensitized before he even picks up a razor.

This matters because dry skin and shaving do not mix well. Dry, rough skin can make the razor drag. Dead skin cells can gather around follicle openings. A weakened skin barrier may react more strongly to friction, fragrance, or exfoliation. The result is a skin surface that tolerates grooming less well and is more likely to become bumpy or irritated.

That is why the broader market for body scrubs, exfoliating polishes, and post-shave moisturizers matters so much for athletes. Swimmers do not just need “smooth skin.” They need a routine that respects the skin barrier while still helping them manage hair removal.

LALICIOUS Sugar Kiss Sugar Scrub enters this market as a sensorial, oil-rich exfoliating body scrub. According to the product page, the formula includes sucrose/cane sugar, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, fragrance/parfum, tocopherol, and honey. The brand describes the scent as citrus, rose, and vanilla, and lists the 16 oz size at $38, with 2 oz and 68 oz options also shown. LALICIOUS says the scrub gently exfoliates with 100% pure cane sugar, provides lasting hydration, supports smoother and softer skin, helps even skin tone, and helps prevent ingrown hairs. The product page also states that it is not tested on animals and is free from parabens, gluten, phthalates, formaldehyde, and sulfates.

The appeal is easy to understand: instead of using a separate exfoliant and body oil, Lucas can use one product that polishes and moisturizes at the same time. That convenience matters for swimmers, who may already shower multiple times a day during heavy training blocks.

But this category needs some nuance. Cosmetic body scrubs are not medical treatments. The strongest evidence does not prove that this specific scrub prevents ingrown hairs in swimmers. Instead, the evidence supports the general ideas behind it: gentle exfoliation can remove dead skin cells, and moisturizing after exfoliation can help reduce dryness and irritation. In other words, LALICIOUS makes sense as part of a routine, but not as a standalone fix.

Product Relevance

LALICIOUS Sugar Kiss Sugar Scrub is relevant to Lucas because it addresses two of the most common conditions that make post-shave ingrowns and irritation more likely: buildup and dryness.

The first part is exfoliation. The scrub uses cane sugar as a physical exfoliant. Mechanical exfoliation, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, uses a scrub, brush, pad, or sponge to physically remove dead skin cells. The AAD recommends gentle circular motions, rinsing with lukewarm water, and moisturizing afterward to reduce dryness and irritation. Cleveland Clinic also notes that gentle exfoliation with warm water and small circular motions can remove a dead layer of skin cells and may help release ingrown hairs.

This matters because shaving over dry, flaky, congested skin is like mowing a lawn through wet leaves. The razor can still cut, but the surface is uneven, and hair follicles may be surrounded by debris. A gentle sugar scrub before shaving may help Lucas create a smoother surface so the razor tugs less and the new hair has a clearer path out of the follicle.

The second part is moisturization. LALICIOUS is not a dry, gritty scrub that disappears completely after rinsing. It is built around oils—coconut oil and sweet almond oil—alongside sugar. Many users describe this kind of formula as leaving skin soft, hydrated, smooth, or moisturized. On the LALICIOUS product page, reviewers repeatedly mention softness, hydration, and scent as reasons they enjoy the scrub. Influenster reviews for the Sugar Kiss version are limited, but they also describe the texture as whipped, non-sticky, softening, moisturizing, and easy to use.

The moisturizing angle is especially relevant for swimmers. The AAD notes that pool chemicals can dry the skin and recommends rinsing right after swimming and applying moisturizer while the skin is still damp. Cleveland Clinic has also explained that chlorine, while useful for disinfecting pools, can dry out skin and hair. For Lucas, whose skin is repeatedly exposed to pool water and showering, the oil-rich finish of LALICIOUS may feel more comfortable than a basic exfoliant that rinses completely clean.

There is some supportive evidence for coconut oil as a moisturizer. A randomized, double-blind trial in 34 patients with mild to moderate xerosis found that coconut oil and mineral oil both significantly improved skin hydration and skin surface lipid levels over two weeks. This does not prove that LALICIOUS prevents ingrown hairs, but it does support the narrower point that coconut oil can work as a useful moisturizing oil for dry skin.

Where LALICIOUS fits best is before the razor comes out or between shave days. It can help prepare non-irritated body skin by smoothing the surface and leaving it more conditioned. But it should not replace shaving cream or proper shaving technique. Mayo Clinic recommends washing with warm water and a mild cleanser before shaving, applying lubricating shaving cream or gel, using a sharp single-blade razor, avoiding skin stretching, shaving in the direction of hair growth, rinsing the blade after each stroke, and applying a cool wet cloth plus a soothing after-shave product afterward. The AAD gives similar advice for razor bumps: soften hair with warmth and moisture, use moisturizing shaving cream, use a sharp single-blade or electric razor, shave in the direction of growth, avoid excess pressure, and avoid going over the same area more than twice.

This is the most important distinction for Lucas: LALICIOUS can improve the conditions around shaving, but it cannot undo aggressive shaving habits. If he dry-shaves, presses too hard, uses a dull razor, stretches the skin tightly, or shaves against the grain, ingrown hairs may still happen.

There are also tradeoffs.

The first is over-exfoliation. The AAD warns that exfoliation should be chosen based on skin type and that too much exfoliation can lead to red, irritated skin. This is especially relevant for swimmers because chlorine exposure may already leave skin drier or more sensitive. If Lucas uses a scrub every day during a heavy training block, the routine that was supposed to prevent bumps could end up causing more inflammation.

The second is fragrance. Sugar Kiss contains fragrance/parfum, and the scent profile—citrus, rose, and vanilla—is a major part of the product’s appeal. Many users enjoy that spa-like experience. But fragrance is also a common issue for people with sensitive skin or contact allergies. Cleveland Clinic notes that fragrance mixes are a major source of contact allergy in skin-care products. For Lucas, that means the scrub may be best saved for normal, intact body skin, not freshly irritated, eczema-prone, raw, or actively inflamed areas.

The third is residue. The oil-rich finish is a plus for people who love soft, moisturized skin, but not everyone likes an oil film. Some users of related LALICIOUS body scrubs have said they dislike the residue. For swimmers, this is more than a texture preference. If Lucas wants a completely clean rinse before getting into a pool, or if his team or facility has expectations around lotions and oils before swimming, he may prefer to use the scrub after training or on non-pool evenings rather than right before practice.

So the product relevance is strong, but specific. LALICIOUS Sugar Kiss Sugar Scrub is most likely to help swimmers who deal with mild bumps related to dryness, roughness, or flaky skin after shaving; who want a body-only scrub for larger shave zones; and who enjoy fragranced, spa-style body care with a moisturized finish. It is less ideal for swimmers with eczema flares, open sores, infected bumps, strong fragrance sensitivity, very acne-prone body skin, or a strong dislike of oil residue.

Actionable Tips

For Lucas, the smartest routine is not “scrub harder.” It is “make the whole shaving process gentler.”

A good swimmer shaving routine has four phases: prepare, shave, recover, and maintain.

Before shaving, soften and lightly exfoliate.
Lucas should start with warm water, not hot water, to soften the skin and hair. If he is using LALICIOUS Sugar Kiss Sugar Scrub, he should apply a small amount to damp body skin and use light circular motions. The goal is to polish, not sand. The AAD recommends gentle circular motions for about 30 seconds when using a scrub, followed by rinsing with lukewarm water.

This step works best on non-irritated skin. Lucas should avoid using a physical scrub on open cuts, active razor burn, sunburn, infected bumps, or raw patches. The AAD specifically advises against exfoliating open wounds or sunburned skin. If the skin is already angry, the better move is to pause exfoliation and focus on gentle cleansing and moisturizer.

Use LALICIOUS as preparation, not shaving cream.
The oils in LALICIOUS can leave skin feeling soft, but the scrub should not replace shaving cream or gel. Shaving products are made to cushion the blade and reduce friction during the shave itself. Mayo Clinic recommends applying lubricating shaving cream or gel a few minutes before shaving to soften hair.

A practical sequence for Lucas might look like this: warm shower, gentle LALICIOUS exfoliation on areas that need smoothing, rinse well, then apply shaving cream or gel before using the razor. That keeps the exfoliation step separate from the blade-cushioning step.

Choose the right razor habits.
Ingrown-hair prevention depends heavily on technique. Lucas should use a sharp razor and avoid dragging a dull blade over large areas. Mayo Clinic recommends a sharp single-blade razor, shaving in the direction of hair growth, avoiding skin stretching, and rinsing the blade after each stroke. The AAD also recommends short strokes, avoiding excessive pressure, and not going over the same area more than twice.

This may feel counterintuitive for swimmers who want the closest possible shave before a meet. But the closest shave is not always the kindest shave. Pressing hard or shaving against the grain can cut the hair too close and increase the chance that the sharp edge grows back into the skin.

A useful rule for Lucas: if the razor is scraping, skipping, or requiring pressure, stop and reset. Add more shaving cream, rinse the blade, or change the razor.

After shaving, calm the skin.
Once Lucas finishes shaving, he should rinse thoroughly. If the skin feels hot, tight, or irritated, Mayo Clinic recommends applying a cool wet cloth for about five minutes. After that, a soothing moisturizer can help support the skin barrier.

If he has just used LALICIOUS and his skin already feels moisturized, he may not need a heavy oil-based product right away. But because swimmers deal with chlorine and repeated rinsing, a fragrance-free moisturizer can still help, especially after pool sessions.

Be strategic on swim days.
If Lucas shaves before swimming, he should remember that freshly shaved skin can be more prone to dryness and stinging. The AAD recommends rinsing immediately after swimming and applying moisturizer within three minutes while the skin is still damp. That “three-minute window” is a simple but effective habit: skin is damp, the barrier is ready, and moisturizer can help reduce water loss.

A practical swim-day approach could be:

Use LALICIOUS on non-irritated skin before shave days or on recovery days.
Avoid scrubbing immediately before a hard pool session if the skin feels sensitive.
Rinse right after swimming.
Apply a gentle moisturizer while skin is still damp.
Save fragranced or oil-rich body care for times when the skin is calm and intact.

Start with conservative frequency.
Even if a scrub feels gentle, more is not always better. The AAD explains that exfoliation frequency depends on skin type and method, and that more aggressive exfoliation should be done less often. For many swimmers, one to three times per week is a safer starting range than daily use, especially during heavy chlorine exposure or meet-week shaving.

Lucas can adjust based on feedback from his skin. Smooth and comfortable is a green light. Redness, burning, tightness, itching, or increased bumps are signs to cut back or pause.

Know when not to use it.
LALICIOUS Sugar Kiss Sugar Scrub is best for body skin that is intact and not actively inflamed. Lucas should skip it if he has:

Open cuts or abrasions
Active razor burn
Sunburn
Infected-looking bumps
Eczema flare-ups
Strong fragrance sensitivity
Skin that stings when products are applied
Areas that feel raw from chlorine, towels, or shaving

In those cases, a gentle cleanser and fragrance-free moisturizer are the safer defaults. If bumps are painful, spreading, infected, or persistent, Lucas should consider getting medical advice rather than trying to scrub them away.

Treat the scrub as one part of a larger system.
The best way to think about LALICIOUS is as a supporting player in a skin-care routine for swimmers. Its sugar helps loosen surface buildup. Its oils help leave body skin feeling softer. Its scent and whipped texture make the routine feel more pleasant. But the whole system matters.

If Lucas wants fewer ingrowns after shaving, his routine should include:

Warm water before shaving
Gentle exfoliation on calm skin
Proper shaving cream or gel
Sharp razor
Shaving with the grain
Light pressure
Fewer repeat passes
Cool compress if irritated
Moisturizer after shaving and swimming
Rest days from exfoliation when skin is dry or reactive

That is how the product becomes useful: not as a shortcut, but as a well-placed step.

Conclusion

LALICIOUS helps swimmers like Lucas most by improving the skin environment around shaving. The sugar exfoliant helps remove dead surface cells that can add to roughness and trapped hairs, while coconut oil and sweet almond oil leave the skin feeling softer and more moisturized. For swimmers who shave large areas of the body, that combination can be especially appealing.

But the most balanced answer is also the most useful one: LALICIOUS is not a cure for ingrown hairs, and it is not a substitute for good shaving technique. Dermatology guidance still points to the fundamentals—warm water, shaving cream, sharp razor, gentle pressure, shaving in the direction of growth, and moisturizing afterward—as the foundation of ingrown-hair prevention.

For Lucas, the ideal use case is thoughtful and moderate. Use the scrub on damp, non-irritated body skin before shaving or between shave days. Keep the pressure light. Do not scrub raw or inflamed areas. Follow with smart shaving habits and steady post-swim moisturization. Reduce frequency if the skin gets red, tight, itchy, or sensitive.

Used that way, LALICIOUS Sugar Kiss Sugar Scrub can make a swimmer’s shaving routine feel less like damage control and more like preparation: smoother skin, a softer feel, and a better chance of avoiding the bumps that often show up after the race is over.