Also known as pseudofolliculitis, razor bumps and ingrown hairs is one of the most common skin issues for men. You may think it just comes with the territory of shaving, but it doesn’t have to.

Since men have more facial hair which is toughened by testosterone, one of the most common skin issues for men is pseudofolliculitis (a.k.a. PDF or “ingrown hairs”). Generally, this results from shaving and is easily controlled with proper skin care and proper shaving. 

What’s the cause?

Ingrown hairs occur when the end of the hair shaft is cut, resulting in a sharpened edge, that as it grows, curls back into the same hair follicle and results in an inflammatory response such as redness, itchiness, and/or a raised infected area. This particular problem also occurs more commonly in people who have curly hair.