Ask anyone: Shaving is a haste. Men complain about having to shave their faces, and women complain about having to shave, well, almost everything. But, could letting those bothersome hairs grow be better for you?
Matthew Buxton, a dermatologist at Free State Dermatology, 3511 Clinton Pkwy., says women tend to experience more irritation after shaving than men, especially when they shave around the bikini line and under their arms. "The curlier and coarser the hair, the more ingrown hairs, bumps and itching." Buxton says.
Men with curly hair have more trouble shaving for the same reason, he says. If a woman shaves frequently—like during swimsuit season when it's vital to have smooth legs and a hairless bikini line—she will have increased irritation that can last a long time.
Because of the time it takes and the unsightly, unpleasant bumps that shaving produces, many women and a bold breed of men have turned to waxing. Buxton says that most people who try waxing prefer it to shaving. Their body parts stay smoother longer, he says, and they skip the unwanted side effects of the razor. But Buxton warns that you need to know if you're allergic to the wax before you go down that road.
To ensure the most presentable fuzz-free skin, Buxton stresses using mild cleansers and moisturizers before you shave. Both, he says, will contribute to a healthier relationship with your razors and wax.
VERDICT—BAD FOR YOU
- Kaitlyn Syring
contact the writer:
ksyring@kansan.com
interesting fact: A pig's orgasm lasts for 30 minutes. www.ioframe.com
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02.07.2008 VOL 5 ISS.19 15