Shaving
anatomy of an ingrown hair
Ingrown hairs, also known as Pseudofolliculitis barbae, manifest on skin when hair is cut, and the hair grows back in at an improper angle. The process of cutting the end of the hair shaft through shaving can force hair back into its follicle, or even cause hair to double over on itself, re-entering the same follicle and growing inward instead of exiting the surface. The hair shaft can also grow and enter another follicle.
The body recognises this ingrown hair as a foreign body (similar to a splinter), and triggers an inflammatory response that includes redness, itchiness and a raised area that resembles a pimple that can fill with pus.
To help prevent ingrown hairs, start by exfoliating with physical and chemical exfoliants prior to shaving. Physical exfoliants including micro-fine Silica beads will help remove dulling skin cells, prep the skin’s surface, and lift hairs. Chemical exfoliants including Lactic Acid and Salicylic Acid will help remove dead skin cells, lift ingrown hairs above the skin line, and soften and smooth skin.
Learn more about Dermalogica's Shave System for men.
shaving dos and dont's
For a great shave and healthier skin, you have to go beyond gliding a razor over skin. Combine these tips with the right pre-shave, shave and post-shave regimen for the ultimate shave.• Shave after showering to pre-soften the skin.
• Pay attention to hair growth direction: The best time to determine the pattern of your beard is to run your hand along beard growth approximately one to three days after shaving.
• Avoid alkaline-based products and soap, which can dry skin.
• Avoid after-shave lotions containing alcohol – they not only cause pain, but contribute to irritation and fail to replace the skin’s natural protective barrier.
• Shave with the right pressure: pressing hard won’t deliver a closer shave, just more irritation.
• Use a steady, constant motion when shaving, making each stroke around 1 to 2 inches long.
• Rinse the blade clean before each stroke.
• Use a sharp, clean razor and shave with the grain.*
*If you have a heavy, coarse beard, shave against the grain only after first shaving with the grain (when the hair is shorter and less likely to curl back in on itself). Re-apply all necessary shaving mediums before shaving against the grain.
is a man's skin really different to a woman's?
Besides having facial hair, there are structural differences between a man’s skin and a woman’s. Androgen (testosterone) stimulation causes an increase in skin thickness, which accounts for why a man’s skin is about 25% thicker than a woman’s. In addition to being thicker, a man’s skin texture is tougher.Sebum (oil) and its production also differ. After puberty, sebum production is greater in males than females, which is attributed to androgen secretions and accounts for why men have longer lasting acne.
Regardless of age, men also have a higher collagen density than women. Because collagen content is directly related to the signs of skin aging, it has been said a woman’s skin is about 15 years older than a man’s of the same age. However, men are less sun savvy than women, meaning they don’t use sunscreens, and could contribute to why the “15 year” skin age difference is not readily noticed. UV damage from the sun can add years to a man’s skin and negate the benefit of slowed intrinsic ageing.
