Dr Judey Pretorius – a leading biomedical expert whose innovative contributions in aesthetic and wound care have revolutionised skin rejuvenation and repair – is highlighting a frequently overlooked grooming concern: ingrown hairs and razor bumps. These issues, while often dismissed as minor, can escalate into severe skin conditions including keloid scarring, which is challenging to reverse.
“Gentlemen, if you’ve ever experienced that painful, red, bumpy rash after shaving, you know what I’m talking about,” says Dr Judey. “These are razor bumps or ingrown hairs, which particularly affect men with curly or coarse hair.”
The science behind razor bumps
Razor bumps and ingrown hairs occur when cut facial hair grows back inward instead of outward. The body identifies this curled back hair as a foreign object, triggering inflammation, irritation and increased sebum production.
“When you shave, the razor cuts the hair just above the skin’s surface. For men with curly or coarse hair, this can cause the hair to curl back into the follicle, leading to irritation,” Dr Judey explains.
Risk of keloid scarring
Left untreated, razor bumps and ingrown hairs can develop into keloid scars. These occur when the body overproduces collagen during healing – forming raised, thickened scars. “Preventing keloids is critical,” says Dr Judey. “Once they form, they’re much harder to treat.”
Tips for a smoother shave
To combat razor bumps and ingrown hairs, Dr Judey recommends the following:
- Start with a clean slate: Use a chemical exfoliating cleanser with salicylic acid before shaving to remove dead skin cells, preventing hairs from becoming trapped.
- Use a sharp, clean razor: Dull razors pull at the hair instead of cutting cleanly, increasing the risk of ingrown hairs.
- Soothe and protect post-shave: Apply an aftershave serum containing salicylic acid, niacinamide or a moisturiser to reduce irritation and prevent hair from curling back into the skin.
Adopting this regimen can reduce discomfort and improve skin health. “By taking these steps, you can prevent minor grooming issues from escalating into serious concerns like keloid scarring,” concludes Dr Judey.
Dr Judey Pretorius
Founder: Biomedical Emporium
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