Q: Hello Doctor. I know your time is short, so I will try and make this as brief as possible. I am currently deployed to Iraq with the 101st ABN DIV. It has been extremely difficult for me to purchase proper skin care products. I have to shave against the grain, therefore I always have skin irritation; i.e. razor bumps. I would just like to ask, what would be the best product for my problem. I thank you again for your time.
Dr. Berger: Dear Sgt Blanchard,
Time is NEVER short when it comes to those in uniform. They are usually the most unlikely to ask for help and yet the most deserving.
First, wash or soak your beard in hot water for several minutes before shaving. This softens the hair for easier cutting. Second, don't shave against the grain, ever. This cuts the hairs too short and allows then to ingrow more easily. Third, no alcohol based after shaves. They dry and irritate the skin. Fourth, Retin-A type products are helpful.
Finally, if you're ever in the NY area we can laser off the hair where you usually get the bumps. That's a permanent solution and it would be a pleasure to help you out.
God bless and safe tour.
Q: I am a clean shaven male that suffers from ingrown hair and breakouts. Any recommended products would be highly appreciated. Thank you.
Dr. Berger: First of all, don’t shave too close. Hairs become ingrown when they’re cut below the skin line.
Consider deciding where you might someday want a beard or mustache, and have the rest of the hair removed.
Alternatively, any laser doc with a 1064 YAG Laser can zap individual ingrown hairs… it’s not too expensive and very effective.
Q: I have reddish pigmentation that does not go away with time above my upper lip that results in almost looking like I have a moustache, because I have shaved my upper lip for years.
I have used OTC hydroquinone and Renova, but do not see much improvement.
What do you recommend would be effective to have the normal color of skin once again?
I am tired of using cover-up to continually hide that pigment. What have you seen that works for that particular thing?
Dr. Berger: Do you still have upper lip hair?
That’s a good place to start… laser removal. Then, when you’re not irritating it over and over, try stronger hydroquinone from your dermatologist and, possibly a LimeLight#8482; photo facial (IPL) to remove the redness.
Q: My husband is African-American. He shaves his face and head with electric clippers. He still manages to get hair bumps a few days after he shaves. I use rubbing alcohol and tweezers to pull some of the hair out of the bumps. My question is there anything he may use before or after so he doesn’t have to see bumps and deal with me pulling the hair out. Please help.
Dr. Berger: I get asked this a lot. The “nubs,” as they’re called, are really bothersome.
First of all, he shouldn’t shave too close. Hairs become ingrown when they’re cut below the skin line.
Consider deciding where he might someday want a beard or mustache, and have the rest of the hair removed. 1064 YAG Lasers… especially the CoolGlide™… are excellent for African-Americans and other people of color.
Alternatively, any laser doc with a 1064 YAG Laser can zap individual ingrown hairs… it’s not too expensive and very effective.
Note: Advice and information presented on this website is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute or replace professional advice for individual or specific conditions.
