Today, 80% of teenage boys are affected by acne.

Puberty is already a turbulent time, add acne to the mix and it can be miserable. For young men during this time androgens (male sex hormones) are running rampant around their systems, causing excess sebum (oil)  which more often than not, becomes thick and waxy, gets trapped in the pores and hair shafts and, adding to this, random sprouts of facial hair start to make an appearance, causing further skin irritation.  So, what we have here is an overproduction of sebum coupled with male hairiness -  a troublesome duo when it comes to acne. The hair shafts are much more likely to become blocked with dead cell material debris and ingrown hairs, trapping with it, the acne bacteria. Suddenly pimples, pustules,  blackheads and whiteheads are popping up all over the place. 
 
Acne is much more likely to last longer in men, following them well into their twenties, and sometimes beyond.  That’s because their levels of androgens and testosterone  are higher than in women.  As well as excessive sebum flow and hairiness contributing to male acne, men’s skin also has a slightly lower pH level, and this makes it  whole lot easier for acne bacteria to survive on and deeper in the skin.  It’s thought that the chemical makeup of male sweat, which has double the amount of lactic acid compared to a women’s, plays a large role in the more alkaline state of men’s skin. Their skin is slightly more alkaline by about 0.5 points. Though, if everything is in balance, stable sebum production and lactic acid can assist the skin’s hydration level and keep it looking plump and juicy, turning pimply princes into handsome Kings!

​Growing a bit more than peach fuzz………Teenage boy hairiness, and as young men begin shaving for the first time, can start a whole other skin irritation as well.  While women may experience the rough irritation of the razor on their legs and underarms, they often don’t have to drag a razor across their faces. Razor rash or burn, razor bumps, ingrown hairs, cuts and an impaired skin barrier are all conditions that teenage boys and men must deal with due to shaving.
 
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR A CLEAN IRRITATION FREE SHAVE:

1. The softer the hair the easier it is for the razor to cut through it and prevent irritation as the hair cuts flush with the skin, and not at an angle (which can increase the chances of ingrown hairs). Warm water and a good cleanser will swell and soften the hair. Shave either during or after a warm shower Using DMK Deep Pore cleanser first to wash the face and neck and then as a shaving foam. The deep pore cleanser ensures proper lubrication as it is formulated with  a  botanical foaming agent that makes it an ideal shaving foam. And, it’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory botanical properties help to prevent ingrown hairs or any infection and reduce any redness and irritation after shaving. Work it into the areas you shave and let it sink in for a few moments to further soften the hair before you start to shave.
2. Make sure your razor blades are sharp  as it makes for a smoother, closer shave that is less likely to irritate your skin. And, a razor with blades that sit closer together is  the best option making it less likely that your skin will get caught up, particularly if you suffer from acne or folliculitis.
3. Be gentle, but thorough when you shave and try not to go over the same area to many times without reapplying shaving foam.
4. If you have patches of dry, irritated, acne affected or reactive skin leaving them to last will allow the shaving foam to soften the hair even more to make the shave slightly easier, and not to further irritate the skin.
5. Always moisturise after shaving. Shaving can impair the skin’s natural protective barrier which can then lead to trans epidermal water loss, dehydrating the skin. DMK Betagel is a sensational product to use after shaving to assist in calming and strengthening the skin, preventing any of those red lumpy bumps.  Acu Crème or Crème Citrique are two great moisturisers for men to use as well particularly if there is on oilier side.

 
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