Skin characteristics of Chinese men and their beard removal habits.

BACKGROUND

Grooming habits of men in China have some marked differences from those in other areas in the world, with a high percentage of men resorting to shaving with an electric razor. This is influenced by multiple factors, such as a lower facial hair growth density concentrated in a small area around the mouth. Further, there is limited knowledge and misconceptions around the alleged negative skin effects of blade shaving.

OBJECTIVES

To compare skin in the shaved area with that of the rest of the face, and to compare the impact of shaving with a modern three-blade razor vs. electric shaving.

METHODS

Pilot clinical studies including 50 and 40 healthy Chinese men, respectively.

RESULTS

Skin in the shaved area is different from the rest of the face, with a higher temperature, lower hydration and diminished skin barrier function. Regular shaving with a modern multiblade razor was not statistically different from dry shaving in terms of impact on barrier function.

CONCLUSIONS

Shaving with a modern multiblade razor could even deliver certain skin benefits in the area of facial oil control and reducing skin flakes.

© 2012 The Authors. BJD © 2012 British Association of Dermatologists.