The Science Behind Shaving Sensitive Skin
Think sensitive skin is only a woman’s problem? Not true.
About two-thirds of guys around the globe say their skin is sensitive. Which is creating Fear of Shaving, according to a Gillette study.
It’s cutting into how often men shave and getting in the way of them showing up looking great.
Scientists at the Gillette Innovation Centre in Reading, UK decided to peel back the exact reasons why shaving can hurt. The conclusion? An inferior razor doesn’t stand a chance.
Here are 4 reasons why:
- Beard hairs have a mind of their own – they grow wildly, in every direction, like that weed you just can’t kill.
- Skin only appears to be smooth. Under a strong microscope, it looks a bit like the dry, barren surface of Mars. Ugh.
- Skin and the beard hairs themselves have a lot of nerve endings. When aggravated, they can cause trigeminal neuralgia, a facial pain that’s just as sad as it sounds. Avoid at all cost.
- Beard hairs are about 1,000 times stiffer than skin, so the two act pretty differently when you press on them with a razor. Trust us. We know. We watch dozens of guys shave every day (not in a creepy way… with their permission, of course).
Scientists still aren’t sure what causes sensitive skin, but must the guys who have it be forever deprived of a daily shave? After a 28-day study, Innovation Centre experts say no. Whether manual or powered, the 5-blade razor technology used in the test was shown to be gentle and safe for skin seeking a gentler touch.
So good news, guys. Shave every day if you want. Flaunt that sensitive side. Just don’t ignore these tips for shaving sensitive skin.