November 7, 2024 - Johannesburg, South Africa focusing on men’s health awareness, Dr. Judey, expert and product specialist concern many men face daily: ingrown hairs and razor bumps. These skin issues, often overlooked, can become more than just a cosmetic problem. Left untreated, they may lead to serious skin conditions like keloid scarring, which can be difficult to reverse.
“Gentlemen, if you've ever experienced that painful, red, bumpy rash after shaving, you know exactly what I'm talking about,” says Dr. Judey. “This is often caused by razor bumps or ingrown hairs—a common issue many men face, especially if you have curly or coarse hair.”
Razor bumps and ingrown hairs occur when freshly cut facial hair grows back in a curled direction, re-entering the skin. This process can trigger irritation as the body identifies the hair as a foreign object, leading to inflammation, red bumps, and increased sebum production on the skin Men are particularly prone to this due to their thicker, denser facial hair and the frequency with which they shave.
Dr. Judey explains the science behind it: “When you shave, the razor cuts the hair just above the skin surface. For those with curly or coarse hair, after shaving, the hair can sometimes grow back in an abnormal direction. Instead of growing outward, it curls back into the hair follicle. When this happens, the body sees the hair as a foreign object, which causes inflammation and irritation and elevated levels of sebum production.”
The Risk of Keloid Scars
While razor bumps and ingrown hairs can be uncomfortable, they can also lead to keloid scarring if they become infected or are consistently irritated. "Keloids happen when the body overproduces collagen during the healing process, creating a raised, thickened scar that can be much more noticeable than the original bump," Dr. Judey warns. “They’re challenging to treat, so preventing them from forming in the first place is key.”
Tips for a Smoother Shave:
To help men maintain clear, healthy skin during Movember and beyond, Dr. Judey offers these practical tips for managing razor bumps and ingrown hairs:
Start with a Clean Slate – Use a good chemical exfoliating cleanser containing salicylic acid before shaving to remove dead skin cells, preventing hairs from becoming trapped under the surface.
● Use a Sharp, Clean Razor – Dull razors tend to pull at the hair rather than cutting it cleanly, increasing irritation and the likelihood of ingrown hairs.
● Soothe and Protect the Skin Post-Shave – Apply a soothing aftershave serum that contains salicylic acid and niacinamide or a moisturiser to calm the skin. This not only soothes irritation but also helps prevent hair from curling back into the skin.
For men facing these skin challenges, adopting this skincare regimen can be transformative, reducing discomfort and improving skin health. “By taking these simple steps, you can help prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps from turning into more serious problems like keloid scarring,” concludes Dr. Judey.
About Dr Judey Pretorius
Dr Judey is a highly accomplished Biomedical Scientist and product development specialist with substantial experience in the disciplines of acute, chronic and post-surgical wound healing, regenerative medicine and cell therapy. She holds a Master’s degree in Genetics and Molecular Biology followed by her PhD degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medicine Development and Design. She has also obtained an Advanced Diploma in Dermal Aesthetics.
Dr Judey gained extensive experience as a Research and Development Formulation Scientist. She was responsible for the Scientific and Biomedical formulation of therapeutic products of premium brands in respective disciplines. Her contributions included cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical and medical device developments.
She is the founder of Biomedical Emporium®, a biotechnology company specialising in the formulation of advanced biological products, cell culture processes and tissue engineering for advanced wound healing and an advisory on regenerative medicine. She has made unique formulation discoveries that have had a profound influence on the course of new developments in aesthetic and wound care treatment.
She has been able to formulate an innovative line of products that work symbiotically and synergistically, through extensive and continued research and development, to stimulate the skin’s own rejuvenation and repair mechanisms for a healthier, more ageless complexion.
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