Keeping the fluff present: what are the dangers of the women's shaving trend
A trendy procedure called dermaplaning has become popular with some girls. They shave their face to achieve a perfectly smooth skin. However, this technique plays a cruel joke on them: over time, some fashionistas acquire thick vegetation. Why you can not shave downy hair on the face, how testosterone affects the appearance of women and whether you can return beauty after the unwanted procedure - in the material "Izvestia".
Beauty in Japanese
Dermatologist, trichologist Natalia Zhovtan notes that the procedure popular among beauty bloggers is a process of removing a special razor fluffy hair and keratinized layer of skin on the face. Supporters of dermaplaning appreciate this radical method for the effective exfoliation of the skin. It is believed that the procedure helps to improve the complexion, reduce the brightness of pigment spots due to the removal of the surface layer of the skin.
- The technique of performing such a procedure is known for a long time and was used by specialists in the last century. It is carried out exclusively on dry skin. It is not recommended to use this method at home," Zhovtan warns.
The cult of smooth, porcelain skin came to Russia, in particular, from Japan. For many residents of these countries, dermaplaning is a mandatory procedure. Usually they perform it at least once every two weeks - at home or in a salon, thanks to which at first the skin seems perfectly smooth.
- Probably, this is done primarily because if you shave your face, the powder lays down very densely. And when there is hair on the face, the makeup does not "sit" very well," says Manami San from Tokyo, contacted by Izvestia.
Almost all Japanese women use foundation creams and powders, emphasizes Ekaterina Slavinskaya, a resident of Tokyo.
- In addition, Japanese women shave their faces, as they have downy hair of black color, and this is not very aesthetically pleasing," she explains.
At least women in Japan shave their eyebrows and remove the hair above the upper lip. Another reason why women in the Land of the Rising Sun take up the razor is to keep their skin as white as possible. The natural swarthy hue combined with dark downy hair prevents this from happening.
However, not all Japanese are fans of such beauty secrets. "I didn't even know it was popular," Naoko, who now lives in Moscow, told Izvestia.
Our experts are sure that the procedure has a downside: after it, the vegetation on the face becomes thicker. Russian women have already had time to appreciate the negative aspects of dermaplaning and realize that our grandmothers not in vain did not advise even plucking unwanted facial hair, warning that "one will lead six".
- Yes, there are advantages to applying makeup: it lays down easier and lasts longer. But that's where the positive effects of dermaplaning end. Not all dermatologists welcome this method as safe. Especially after shaving off downy hair, this procedure has to be performed constantly, because they grow back quickly," says Natalia Zhovtan.
A woman actually falls into the bondage of constant shaving. It obliges to constantly monitor the vegetation on the face. And not every man will take positively to a life partner who shares with him shaving cream and an anointing. According to some Internet users who leave comments under the video of shaving girls, it is unfeminine and unnatural.
What is the purpose of downy hair
Cosmetologist at the Scandinavian Health Center Svetlana Girina believes that downy hair is primarily important for the health of the skin. To understand this, the expert advises to study the peculiarities of human hair structure.
- Terminal hairs are dense, pigmented, long hairs that grow on certain areas, such as the head and armpits. They serve the functions of protection, thermoregulation and enhancing tactile sensation," explains Girina.
In contrast, downy hair, or vellus, has a fine and light-colored structure. According to the cosmetologist, with a diameter of less than 30 microns and the absence of a core, these hairs are practically invisible, but they are important for protecting the skin and maintaining its hydrobalance.
The protective functions of the vellus are undeniable. Down hair has several important tasks.
- First, thermal insulation. These hairs retain heat by creating an air layer on the surface of the skin. Second is sensory perception. Down hairs are connected to nerve endings, allowing the skin to respond to the smallest stimuli. Third is the protection of the skin barrier. Vellus prevents the penetration of impurities and allergens, as well as preserves moisture, - explains Svetlana Girina.
The cosmetologist emphasizes that the removal of downy hair, especially with the use of razor or wax, disrupts the natural processes in the skin.
- Micro-damage after such manipulations make the skin more susceptible to bacteria and allergens, which can lead to inflammation and irritation. Frequent shaving causes chronic sensitivity, and disruption of the hydrolipidic layer increases skin dryness, - continues Svetlana Girina.
Improper removal can provoke ingrowth of hair and inflammation of follicles. These changes create an imbalance in the skin's protective barrier and increase the risk of infections.
- It is believed that removing downy hair improves skin texture and prevents acne, but this is a temporary effect. The smoothness of the skin after such procedures is due to the removal of dead skin cells, but this can also be achieved with gentler methods such as exfoliation. Hair removal can, on the contrary, aggravate acne due to irritation and impaired barrier function," says Svetlana Girina.
Defenders of the beauty procedure believe that the hair will not become thicker after removal. However, even if the hair structure remains unchanged, regrowing hair may appear coarser because of the cut edge.
- Pubic hair provides protection, retains heat and maintains the skin's hydrobalance. Cosmetologists recommend avoiding their removal in favor of delicate skin care procedures that preserve the natural functions and health of the epidermis, - summarizes Svetlana Girina.
Testosterone and women
From the point of view of gynecologist, senior lecturer at the Medical Faculty of Synergy University Lyubov Erofeeva, it is categorically impossible to shave downy hair on the face of women, because after such procedures they become coarse, darker and begin to grow actively, contrary to the natural feature. Usually, excessive hair is found in girls who suffer from excess male sex hormones - as a result of hormonal malfunctions and due to certain diseases.
Testosterone in small quantities is produced in the female body. In normal, it is needed, in particular, to maintain sexual desire, which has a positive effect on the reproductive system. According to Lyubov Erofeeva, testosterone in the body is in two forms. One, inactive, associated with proteins blocking its action. And the other is active, free: it is attracted by receptors, "sits" on them and begins to interact with the body. That's when unfortunate hormonal failures occur, depriving femininity.
- And with hormonal failures, when there is too much testosterone, women's voice becomes coarse, acne appears and hair begins to grow where it is characteristic of men. And not only mustaches and beards appear, but also a characteristic "path" leading from the pubic area to the navel," says the gynecologist.
But even in this case, you should not take up a razor, because the problem will only worsen. A gynecologist, endocrinologist and dermatologist should be consulted for help. Doctors will prescribe hormonal drugs that reduce the synthesis of testosterone in the ovaries.
- Such drugs stimulate the production of a protein that blocks testosterone. Due to this, the amount of active hormone is reduced. In its bound form, it does not stimulate the vocal cords, does not affect the hair follicles and sebaceous glands, - says Lyubov Erofeeva.
The main secret of beauty
If a woman does not have annoying problems with appearance, it makes no sense to conduct various experiments over themselves. Gynecologist the main secret of beauty calls good health.
- With a normal menstrual cycle and the production of hormones occurs as it is necessary, - explains Erofeeva.
From the gynecologist's point of view, the process of exfoliation is important, but it must be very gentle and careful. Use a razor to clean the keratinized top layer of the epidermis, very reckless - excessive traumatization is sure to make itself felt. But the concern that has been swirusivsya in the web about the fact that after shaving testosterone begins to be produced in girls in greater quantities than before, has no scientific basis.
- This is fantasy: no additional production of testosterone after shaving is not and can not be. Well, as much as the body produces this hormone, so much of it will be- reassures Lyubov Erofeeva. - But from thick and dark hairs will have to get rid of a long time with the help of laser hair removal or electroepilation. In this case, it is necessary to kill each hair follicle.
According to dermatologist Zhovtan, whether downy hair will remain as it was or become thicker depends on genetics, hormonal background, as well as racial features of hair structure. Asians have darker and stiffer facial hair than Europeans.
Specialists are unanimous in their opinion: it does not make sense for our ladies to blindly copy other people's traditions.
- Regular traumatization leads to irritation and inflammation, especially on problem skin prone to acne, and in some cases can lead to the formation of scars, because the work is carried out very sharp blade. This is especially unacceptable in the presence of neoplasms on the skin in the form of moles," warns Natalia Zhovtan.
An important point: smooth and shiny after shaving skin is vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation. The upper protective layer of skin in this case literally cut off, and the unprotected layer is exposed. In this case, the dermatologist recommends fashionistas constant care with a sun protection factor of at least 50, even in winter. But the problems do not end there.
- As a result of constant traumatization, the skin can compensatory thicken - this phenomenon is called hyperkeratosis, - says Natalia Zhovtan. - The skin becomes drier and more sensitive. After one procedure it will not be noticeable, but with frequent prolonged use of the procedure will cease to please.
Lyubov Erofeeva advises to touch the face with hands as little as possible, and in general - to treat it delicately, because the skin does not like any harsh procedures and unreasonable movements.
