Q.What can I do about my shaving irritation?
A.Shaving irritation is usually the result of a combination of things. We firstly need to look at the medium used for shaving. Most shaving gels and creams that one buys over the counter are alkaline balanced. Sure alkalinity softens stubborn hair and thus makes you shave more comfortably; however, the alkalinity strips the skin of its natural oils and natural moisturising factor, NMF, which is in control of what enters and exits the skin. More than often the good stuff gets out and the bad stuff gets in. This is why the skin becomes sensitive in that particular area. If that is not enough trauma for the skin, applying aftershave to the area (which is highly fragranced and alcohol based) further sensitises this vulnerable skin. So what is the moral of the story? Avoid foaming, fragranced shaving creams/gels. Try Dermalogica’s Close Shave Balm, Soothing Shave Cream, Invigorating Shave Gel, it’s the ideal alternative. Instead of putting the aftershave on the delicate shaven area., try The Post Shave Balm or rather use a water based moisturizer like Daily Defense block SPF15, this will soothe the area, top up the moisture levels and prevent that tight pulling sensation after shaving. Apply your aftershave to the chest area, which still allows for a great scent and prevents direct contact with UV light which could cause pigmentation (darker skin color ) to form on the beard area.
Q.What can I do about my ingrown hairs?
A. Ingrown hairs occur for the following 2 main reasons: you’re not applying a moisturiser to the area and thus the skin is less supple and the hairs cannot penetrate the surface. This results in the hairs growing back down into the skin. Often if not treated (and bacteria enter the area), it can result in beard bumps and “folliculitis”. You probably aren’t using a gentle scrub to remove all excess dead skin cells, allowing the hair to penetrate the surface. A scrub will lift ingrown hairs and assist in alleviating the problem.
Q.Why does my skin feel oily by midday?
A.As we mentioned before with shaving mediums that are alkaline balanced, soaps are generally just as alkaline. As a result your skin is faced with a dilemma. It needs to compensate for the loss of water moisture and thus overproduces oil to make up for the stripped NMF. Often we are tempted to use an alcohol based astringent toner which feels like it’s mopping up the oil , but in fact worsens the situation as alcohol too, will strip the natural moisture in the skin and thus the skin will produce more oil again. A typical domino effect! What’s the moral of the story? After you have thoroughly washed and cleaned your skin (with a soap free cleanser, of course) use an oil free, water donating moisturiser to balance your skin. You’ll find that oil production will greatly improve and that oily shine will lessen. Try Daily Defense Block from Dermalogica. Throw out the soap and toner! Invest in a great wash and alcohol free toner. Try Dermalogica’s Special Cleansing gel or Daily Clean Scrub and Multi- Active Toner or even the antiageing Antioxidant Hydramist. Active Moist is the perfect oil free moisturiser for an oily, dehydrated skin!
Q.How often should I have a Skin Treatment (facial)?
A.It is recommended that you invest in a skin treatment every 4-6 weeks. It’s vitally important that you allow your skin specialist to analyse your skin to assess the changes it may be undergoing due to your lifestyle. She may need to alter your home routine in order to meet your skin’s needs.
