Dry shave is gentler than wet shaving for the skin

Dry shaving, wet shaving or epilation - the gentlest procedures for the skin

06/21/2013

Many people believe that a wet shave is gentler on the skin than the dry variety. As Professor Gerhard Lutz from the professional association of German dermatologists in Berlin explains, wet shaving is by no means more skin-friendly, but more thorough. An epilator causes pain, especially at the first application, but is thorough and at the same time protects the skin.

Dry shaving protects the skin, but is less thorough
When the hairs sprout on the leg woman and some man likes to razor. As Professor Gerhard Lutz of the professional association of German dermatologists explains in Berlin, was the best time for a shave after showering. Then the hair is a bit softer and the skin is clean due to the warm water. It should be ensured that the shave is performed with a sharp blade and the least possible pressure in the direction of growth of the hair. Then it is recommended to cream the skin with a care lotion. Sometimes the hair follicles are injured during shaving, which can lead to hair root inflammation.

People who have very sensitive skin or who are prone to razor burn and ingrown hair are advised to dry shave. Although this was less thorough, but gentle on the skin. For dry shaving, there is a special electric shaver whose knives are additionally protected. As a result, the shaving head is not directly on the skin and thus removes the hair slightly above the skin. However, the high purchase price of the device and the less thorough hair removal are seen by many as a disadvantage of this Rasurmethode.

Alternatives to dry shaving
Another method of hair removal offer depilatory creams whose ingredients soften the horny substance of the hair. The hair falls off by itself or can be removed with a Spartel, which is usually included. Because they are chemical substances, compatibility should be tested on a small area of ​​skin before first use to avoid allergies. The manufacturers of depilatory creams promise that the skin should remain longer smooth and supple than after a shave.

Also an epilation of the hair comes into question for many people. The hair is torn out of the hair root either with wax or an electric epilator. This process is especially painful at first use and also more time consuming than a shave. After an epilation, it takes up to six weeks until the hair has regrown and need to be re-epilated.

Laser treatment and flashbulbs for hair removal should never be used by laymen. Thus, flash lamps can cause burns and irregular skin pigmentation. A laser epilation, in which the growth of the hair root is disturbed, may only be performed by doctors. The application takes place in several sessions. After the last laser treatment, the patient should be hairless for a long period of time - for months or even years. During the period of application, however, sun and solarium are taboo, explains Lutz. Otherwise, the skin cancer risk could increase. (Ag)

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