AVOID UNSIGHTLY AND PAINFUL INGROWN HAIRS

Ingrown hairs (also called razor bumps) are generally not a serious skin care problem, but it can be unsightly, painful and very bothersome for men. They result when the shaved hair gets trapped inside the follicle or grows back into the skin. It can cause scarring, redness and swelling (its medical term is Pseudofolliculitis Barbae or PFB).

Following all four of the steps in this regimen for several weeks will help combat and solve the most stubborn conditions or occasional ingrown hairs.

1. Treat with active ingredients

The first step is to use active ingredients. There are tons of men skin care products that claim to alleviate ingrown hairs and razor bumps, but don't rush to conclusions. The truth is that the active ingredient that eliminates razor bumps is Salicylic Acid. It is a dermatological-grade ingredient that exfoliates, moisturizes and clears your pores, thus avoiding any further infections. Use a post-shave product that contains salicylic acid and that way it will stay on your skin during the day. Also, do not use foam shaving creams because these can dry and irritate the skin. Instead use non-acnegenic shaving creams which are specially made for men with sensitive skin. You should NEVER use products that contain alcohol. Alcohol, will seriously worsen ingrown hairs by drying the skin and closing the pores.

2. Improve your skin's surface

The second step focuses on how to improve the surface of your skin. Exfoliating (removing the upper layers of dead skin) is indispensable to manage ingrown hairs. Daily use of a gentle face scrub with glycolic and salicylic acid is particularly effective.

TIP: Using a soft-bristle face brush and liquid cleanser in a circular motion on your beard will help further to dislodge the tips of ingrown hairs, eliminate dead skin cells and clear follicles to allow hairs to surface unimpeded.

3. Adjust your shaving technique

By now you should know that shaving too closely is one of the main triggers for razor bumps. If you didn't know, well you know now. Hair stubs cut too closely will get trapped inside the hair follicle, dig inward or sideways and…tada! An ingrown hair is born. Some helpful advice to avoid shaving too close is to not pull the skin when you shave; don't put too much pressure on the blades; shave with the grain using a single-blade razor and avoid repeated strokes in the same.

IMPORTANT: You will need to maintain this approach over time, because one shave too close, will be enough to cause a recurrence of ingrown hairs that will take weeks to heal.

4. Treat already ingrown hairs

So what do you do about the ingrown hairs you currently have? Well, to rid yourself of the little pesky suckers, simply but carefully lift the ingrown end out with tweezers. DO NOT PLUCK THEM OUT! Just lift them out of the skin otherwise the ingrown hair will only re-grow deeper. Using products that contain azulene, allantoin and witch hazel will help reduce the redness and swelling. These ingredients will keep you comfortable.

Visit the post-shave section of our website at www.adamgrooming.com to view products that combat ingrown hairs

SHAVING 101

Ok, well you’re probably thinking you’ve been shaving since that first sprout of peach fuzz, so who are we to tell you how to shave now, right? We might as well be telling you how to wipe your bottom! (Front to back seem to be the census.) But believe it or not, many men do not know how to shave properly and this can lead to a great deal of problems such as razor burns and ingrown hairs.

Wet shaving (shaving with a manual razor vs. an electric shaver) is the best way to achieve a close, effective shave and better looking skin. Shaving not only makes a man look well groomed, but younger too, as it exfoliates the skin getting rid of dead cells. So while you may know everything there is to shaving, we’re sure taking the time to read this can only correct and improve your shaving routine, thus making it more enjoyable or confirm you’re doing things right…..and of course, know it all!

Step 1 - Prep

Wash your face using a facial cleanser to clean and remove any excess oil from your skin. Shaving after a hot (not scolding!) shower is ideal because it allows time for the hairs to become softened and opens up your pores. Dampening the face has the effect of swelling the shafts of your facial hair, making it soft and easier to cut.

TIP: The wetter, the better!

Step 2 – Lather

Apply a thin layer of pre-shave oil to face and neck. This will act as a lubricated base and provide an extra barrier between the skin and razor, reducing friction. Now, that cheap shave-in-a-can foamy stuff available at your local drugstore or supermarket, get rid of it. They usually contain numbing agents that will close your pores and stiffen the hair. Instead, you want a glycerin-based shaving cream or gel that will give you a rich, creamy lather. In a circular motion, apply shaving cream or gel over the pre-shave oil. Although it’s fine to use your fingers when applying your shaving cream or gel, we strongly recommend using a badger hair shave brush that has been soaked in hot water. This combination delivers a thicker, richer, more emollient lather that’s impossible to get with your fingers alone. The shave brush also gently exfoliates and lifts the hairs preparing your skin for a close, comfortable and smooth shave.

TIP: It’s a good idea to let the shaving cream or gel sit on your face for 1-2 minutes before beginning to shave to further soften the hair.

Step 3 – Shave

Get yourself a high-quality, non-disposable razor that you feel most comfortable with. We’re not trying to break your pockets, but your skin is well worth the investment. Always use a clean and sharp blade, as this will require less pressure and less pressure means less nicks and cuts. When you shave you’re not only removing hair, but also removing about two layers of skin. Shaving with a dull blade is more likely to make your skin feel scratched and look blotchy, so change your blade after every 3 or 4 shaves. Begin by shaving in the same direction as your hair growth, first. This is known as going with the grain. Shaving against the grain can certainly run the risk of causing an ingrown hair, which is what causes those unsightly razor bumps. Using short, light strokes, shave the easy areas around the cheeks first. This will leave more time for the tougher hairs to absorb the moisture and soften up. Take your time and rinse your razor in hot water between strokes to remove clogged hair and cream. Once you’re done shaving, rinse your face thoroughly with cold water to remove any leftover traces of shaving cream and close your pores. Pat, do not rub your face dry.

TIP: It’s important to note that you should shave only as much as your razor will allow. Over shaving can cause ingrown hairs.

Step 4 - Soothe

Your skin is very sensitive at this point, so you definitely want to avoid using alcohol-based aftershaves. These will irritate and dry the skin out. You just shaved off two layers of skin, remember? So you want to soothe and moisturize that skin. Apply a post-shave moisturizer that is for men. Women’s products tend to be too greasy and they also aren’t as quickly absorbed.

If you can follow these simple tips, you'll be on your way to the best shave of your life.

BASIC SKIN CARE FOR MEN

Most men just aren’t uncomfortable talking about skincare. Really, think about it. When was the last time you were at a bar or business meeting and the man next to you wanted to debate the merits of one skincare product over another instead of comparing the Steelers and Eagles or Kobe (youse dirty rat) and Shaq? It just isn’t done. But while it may not be a talked about subject, more and more men are actively taking care of their skin and using a lot of skincare products.

Menscience has put together a simple and no-nonsense regime that is certain to provide visible results.

Cleanse

• Cleanse once a day to remove impurities, sweat and oily deposits. Repeat at night for oily or acne-prone skin.
• Avoid soaps and harsh cleansers with added fragrance or color.
• Choose a cleanser with glycolic and salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells and organic debris that cannot be removed by regular cleansers.

Exfoliate

• This step should become part of your basic routine. It is the fastest way to revitalize your appearance and deep-cleanse your skin.
• It is an excellent way to prepare for shaving, as it raises stubs and opens pores for a closer shave. It can help treat and prevent ingrown hairs and other problems.
• Don't overdo the intensity of the scrubbing. Avoid exfoliating after exposure to the sun.
• Exfoliating your entire body will give your skin and muscles a healthy, buffed appearance.

Shave

• Be very picky about your shaving products-most products are just foam and don't provide sufficient lubrication.
• For best results, shave while in the shower or immediately thereafter.
• Don't skip using a serious post-shave treatment with anti-inflammatory ingredients. It accelerates healing, softens, and prevents infection, ingrown hairs and acne.

Moisturize

• An oil-free or light moisturizer is best. Apply after showering to lock in moisture.
• It is a good idea to reapply moisturizer at bedtime, especially in winter ordrier climates.
• Look for "true" moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These substances absorb water from the atmosphere and transfer it to the skin.
• The skin around your eyes is the thinnest and most delicate and requires special attention. Use a product specially designed for this area.

Repair

• Be realistic. Resolving skin problems requires patience and discipline.
• Make sure you use products with proven efficacy.
• It is easier to prevent than to repair. Avoid irritating ingredients, as these will debilitate your skin and its ability to renew itself.

Visit www.adamgrooming.com and pick up your grooming arsenal today.

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