The article that follows was printed in the "Today's Therapist" magazine and was written by Dr Martin Schiele, a Biomedical Research Scientist by profession.
Dr Schiele recommends using products that have been developed using only natural ingredients of the highest quality. The natural products do not include any STEROIDS, HORMONES, CORTISONES, PEROXIDES, ALCOHOL, PARABENS and ANTIBIOTICS
What causes ingrowing hairs?
The Hair Follicle
A sheath of epidermal cells and connective tissue (cells) that surrounds the root of the hair. N.B: There is no scientific verification or clinical proof that increased supply of fluids into the skin will "squeeze" hair follicles to straighten hair, make hair stand up or lift hair out of the skin.
Hair
A threadlike keratinised outgrowth of the epidermis of the skin. It develops inside a tubular follicle. The route of the hair, beneath the surface of the skin, is expanded at its base to form the bulb. As new cells are formed the older ones are pushed upwards and become keratinised to form the root and shaft. A hair may be raised by a small erector muscle in the dermis, attached to the hair follicle. Hair is composed of proteins and minerals and requires a healthy balanced diet for proper nourishment. If adequate blood circulation in the skin and to the hair follicles is restricted, hair follicles become undernourished and the hair becomes weak. Furthermore, the hair may not be raised by the small erector muscle in the dermis, attached to the hair follicle. Increased activity of the sebaceous glands situated on the side of the hair follicle can result in excess sebum, which may block the hair follicles producing inflammation underneath the skin surface.
The Problem
Each time we remove hairs from our body by whatever method (waxing, electrolysis, shaving or using depilatory creams), it is likely that ingrown hairs will occur. This is because as the hair follicle is removed from below the surface of the skin, it can curl up inside the hair follicle as it regrows. Consequently, it cannot appear above the surface of the skin and as it grows it creates a reaction in the skin resulting in a red bump on the surface of the skin. Soothe'n'Smooth works by strengthening the hair erector muscles and nourishing the hair follicles so that hairs have the right conditions to grow normally. Up to 20% of men can suffer with the problem of razor rash and bumps and often the problem is made worse by the use of after shave which may contain alcohol and other chemicals. The problem can occur in up to 80% of men of African origin, as it occurs particularly on people with curly hair. In this case, as the hair is shaved the follicle becomes sharp at the end and can penetrate the skin as it curls back. This is not only very uncomfortable but can result in an infection.
For further free information on the prevention and treatment of ingrowing hairs, both before and after hair removal read more in the consultation room...