Letter to Kat - Column

Better Nutrition, Oct, 2003

Dear Kat James,

What a treat to find your column in Better Nutrition! I am about to graduate from a 600-hour skin care program at a California community college. The curriculum is pretty conventional, but I did manage to bring in a Dr. Hauschka rep to talk to the students, which certainly gave then a different perspective.

I have a question for you that pertains to a particular skin care condition affecting men. Your column seems to be mostly aimed at women, but I hope you might have some ideas or referrals for me. A few nights ago, I was at a natural foods market buying some raspberries to try a natural skin care recipe, and I got into a conversation with a young man who works in the produce department. Because I commented to him that I planned to use the raspberries to make a skin cleanser, he began talking to me about his own skin care troubles.

This man is dark-skinned, and he and all of his male relatives suffer with folliculitis, which, as I understand, is an inflammation of the hair follicle. This is especially prevalent in men who have wiry hair, which--instead of pointing straight up and out to reach the skin's surface--ends up curling around under the skin surface, thereby creating pimples and inflammation.

This man has been using a somewhat conventional skin care regimen--expensive products from big department store cosmetic counter--but he would like to find some other way to keep the folliculitis under control. I was at a loss for what to recommend, but I would really like to see him use something more natural, especially since he works at a natural products store.

It seems like salicylic acid might be a good thing for him to try or maybe a gentle dilution of tea tree oil. I came across some material about Kiss My Face's line of products, some of which might be good for him. Do you have any ideas? If you can give me some hints to pass on to this man, we would both be a very grateful. Thank you so much for your time.

Rebecca Valentine Via email

Dear Rebecca,

Ingrown hairs and razor bumps happen when hair is cut beneath surface level or is wiry or curly. It can actually puncture the skin, causing bumps and irritation as it grows out.

Dermatologists sometimes prescribe topical antibiotics, but my work with many male models over the years has revealed that the absolute quickest way to stop the problem is to switch to an electric razor, particularly one of the newer wet-dry models, which can shave surprisingly close.

One favorite product for this, though not entirely natural, is a lotion called Tend Skin. It relieves bumps and redness--due mostly to its salicylic acid content--and it exfoliates the skin, liberating trapped hairs while also having anti-inflammatory effects.

I've never found a completely natural substitute for this product--please let me know if you come across one--but you could experiment with any number of natural skin lotions that contain salicylic acid.

Above all, remind your friend not to add insult to irritation by splashing on synthetically perfumed after-shave products. I am sure he can find something less irritating at the natural products store where he works. Thanks for your question.

-- Kat James