(Razor Burn, Razor Bumps and Ingrown
Hair)
Razor burn is the general skin redness, abrasion and irritation that results
from shaving. The nicks and cuts that are caused by shaving are also often referred
to by this term. It tends to occur more frequently in people with thicker, curlier
hair and can affect the skin anywhere you shave. An excellent treatment for
this condition is Neova After Shave
Therapy which calms irritated skin after shaving. It contains Aloe Vera,
which sooths, while the GHK Copper Peptide Complex protects against skin-damaging
free radicals. After Shave Therapy makes the skin comfortable and restores moisture
balance.
Improper shaving may cause Folliculitis, where the hair grows slightly under
the skin and becomes trapped, causing a bacterial infection. Folliculitis is
often accompanied by inflammation and pus. The treatment for this condition
is to alleviate the irritation, dry up and disinfect the pustules and desensitize
the skin. A soothing gel mask, such as Neova
Therapy Copper Moisture Mask, is probably the most comfortable product to
hydrate and treat this area. Exfoliating with products such as PCA
Skin pHaze4 Gentle Exfoliant, Physician’s
Complex Microdermabrasion Cream or Nucelle
Mandelic Mint Scrub would also be helpful in keeping the follicles open
and clean
Pseudo-folliculitis Barbae, often referred to as razor bumps, resembles folliculitis
without the pus. This condition also results from improper shaving techniques.
It appears as irritated follicles, but the area is not usually infected. Ingrown
hairs are the main cause of pseudo-folliculitis, seen frequently in the beard
area, especially the neck. An ingrown hair is a hair that curls and penetrates
the skin with its tip, causing inflammation. Each ingrown hair results in a
tiny, mildly painful pimple with a barely visible hair curling into the center.
PCA Skin Men's Kits, which includes
an exfoliation scrub to exfoliate and deep pore cleanse, a cleanser to soothe
and cleanse and an antiinflammatory to heal, moisturize and protect the skin,
is an excellent product to treat razor bumps and ingrown hair.
Shave after the hair has been wet for at least 5 minutes. Hair that is wet and
full of moisture can be cut easily. Hair that is not well saturated can be strong
and tough. As the razor passes over, the hair is pulled up from the follicle.
After it is cut, it retracts below the skin surface with the resultant risk
of it growing into the surrounding tissue. PCA
Skin for Men's Total Wash Face and Body Cleanser or the PCA
Skin pHaze31 BPO Cleanser are anti-bacterial cleansers that kill infection
and prevent pustules from forming. Use twice per day.
Try using a product, such as Glytone
Serious Shave Cream, to provide protection and lubrication and to soften
and condition the skin.
To calm and sooth the face, men should shave and wash in a downward direction.
Shaving in the direction of the hair growth will prevent hair from being cut
too short. Neova Calming Green Tea
Serum is an excellent product to use after shaving. Two powerful forms of
green tea extract, rich in soothing antioxidants, are blended with calming licorice
root to visibly relieve signs of inflammation and sensitivity.
Prevent ingrown hairs by avoiding repeat strokes over the same area, which can
result in the hair being cut too short. Don't double up. You may not care for
electric razors, but double-track razors are double trouble. The first blade
cuts and sharpens the hair, while the second blade cuts below the skin level.
The result is that the sharpened hair curls around and grows back into the skin.
Instead, use a single-track razor and settle for a shave that is not as close.
Shave with the skin in a relaxed condition. Don’t stretch the skin too
tightly. A little pressure may be necessary, but excessive stretching can result
in the hair being cut too short.
Try using PCA Men Total Wash
Face & Body Cleanser twice a day in conjunction with a loofah
bath or shower. The cleanser works into a creamy lather and may also be used
for shaving.
It's a good idea to put a damp towel on your face for a few minutes after shaving.
It softens the whiskers so they're less able to re-penetrate the skin. Use a
creamy aftershave lotion, such as Neova
After Shave Therapy, which has soothing properties to keep the hair moisturized.
If, despite your best efforts, a whisker does manage to burrow inside, you can
cut down on the amount of bacteria it carries with it. A product with benzoyl
peroxide solution or mandelic acid, such as PCA
Skin pHaze33 Acne Cream or NuCelle
Mandelic Serum 10%, has an antibiotic effect and can also be used as an
aftershave.
For added protection and to keep ingrown hairs from coming back, use PCA
Men Total Defense Calming Hydrator SPF 25, which offers broad-spectrum UV
protection, hydration and antioxidant action.
An ingrown hair often heals on its own. However, in the case of chronic ingrown
hairs, treatment may include laser hair removal. Because laser hair removal
targets hair at the follicle, it's a remarkable ingrown hair treatment. After
several sessions, you'll notice your hair shedding and the dark spots and bumps
from folliculitis disappearing.
Visit Gateway Aesthetic Institute
for more information on laser hair removal.
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