NEW YORK, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/
Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology's (Academy) skin
academy, dermatologist Bruce E. Katz, M.D., clinical professor of dermatology,
Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, debunked the common
misconceptions that abound about men’s skin care.
Myth: You can't do anything about razor bumps, ingrown hairs or shaving
irritation.
Fact: In a recent Academy poll, 97 percent of men reported that they
shave. Of those, 78 percent said that their skin gets irritated from shaving.
In men with a tendency toward razor bumps, ingrown hairs and similar
problems, the hairs are often cut too short during shaving and may curl back
into the skin rather than grow out. These ingrown hairs can cause pain,
unsightly red or darkened bumps and, in severe cases, scarring.
“In order minimize shaving-related problems, there are four key points to
shaving: get your beard thoroughly wet; shave in the direction that the hairs
lie; avoid repeating strokes; and keep the skin relaxed while shaving,” Dr.
Katz said. “For men who have severe shaving problems, laser hair removal may
be an option.”
Myth: Excess body hair is really hard to remove.
Fact: While many men find that they start to grow excess body hair as
they age, there are more ways to deal with it than ever before. Temporary
hair removal techniques include tweezing, shaving, depilatories and waxing.
For large areas, particularly the back and shoulders, these techniques may be
too laborious and laser hair removal may be the best option.
Laser hair removal is becoming more popular with men who want permanent
hair removal. Lasers work by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle and
injuring it so that the hair falls out and cannot grow back. Depending on the
size of the area treated, laser treatments may last anywhere from a few
minutes to a few hours.
“People with light skin and dark hair are the ideal candidates for laser
hair removal,” Dr. Katz said. “But the use of new, longer wavelength lasers
and skin cooling devices have increased the safety of lasers for people with
darker skin types.”
The consumer poll on skin-related health behaviors and attitudes was a
Web-based poll fielded in September 2005 by the Segmentation Company, a
Division of Yankelovich, Inc., in collaboration with the Academy. A total of
1,112 respondents age 18 and over responded to the poll.
Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology
(Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most
representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more
than 14,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the
diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and
nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research
in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of
healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at
1-888-462-DERM (3376) or http://www.aad.org .