Study Debunks Common Myth
Multi-blade razor does not hurt, and may even
help men with Psueudofolliculitis barbae
Skin health is important, especially for men who want a well-groomed, clean cut look. For men who struggle with Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), a common skin condition characterized by skin lesions, shaving can greatly irritate the skin.
PFB is one of the most common irritations associated with shaving. It occurs when ingrown facial hair triggers an inflammatory response resulting in hypopigmented or flesh-colored raised bumps on the skin.
To this point, dermatologists and others theorized that daily use of a multi-blade razor would exacerbate ingrown facial hair, ultimately leading to PFB. But new clinical data debunks this assumption. In fact, study results indicate daily shaving with a five-blade razor not only fails to increase the number of lesions or exacerbate PFB (even among test groups that self-assessed with "sensitive" skin), it also appears to improve the condition.
The eight-week study conducted by P&G Beauty & Grooming involved 52 men with dermatologist-confirmed PFB lesions. Those in the control group (n=25) continued with their existing razor and shaving habit of two to three times per week; those in the treatment group (n=27) used a five-blade razor daily. Men in both groups applied the same shave gel. A dermatologist assessed each subject at four and eight weeks to look at changes in the number of PFB lesions, global severity and response to treatment (using comparison photographs).
Data revealed that a small, but statistically significant, reduction in PFB lesions (10 percent) is possible after daily use of the five-blade razor for eight weeks when compared to men using their usual razors at their normal frequency for eight weeks. Some scientists hypothesize that the decrease in skin bulge height combined with the other blade technology enhancements contribute to this benefit. The closer blade positioning and spring-loaded blades of the five-blade razor allow the hair to be properly engaged and positioned for it to be cut before retreating under the skin, thus resulting in a closer shave. Keeping whiskers short through daily shaving is likely to discourage extrafollicular PFB.
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In addition to shaving daily with a premium razor like the five-blade, researchers suggest men who suffer with PFB also moisturize the skin regularly and use proper shaving techniques.
Who's at risk for PFB?
African-American men are especially prone to PFB because they tend to have curved hair follicles with hair growing at a slant. The facial hair emerges briefly on the skin surface and then retreats beneath the skin. However, because men's facial hairs grow in a variety of widths, shapes and angles, all men are at risk for PFB. Poor shaving habits - infrequent shaving, not prepping the skin before shaving and dryness - are also thought to make PFB more severe.