Survey: 68.9% of Self-Hair-Removal Users Experience Skin Problems, Risk Increases 3.2x with Pre-Summer Rush

【Conclusion】Key Points of This Survey

The main causes of red bumps after shaving are folliculitis (bacterial infection of hair follicles) and inflammation from razor burn. If ingrown hairs persist, it is recommended to stop self-treatment and consult a dermatologist. Comparing self-treatment and medical hair removal, the latter is gentler on the skin long-term. This survey revealed that 68.9% of those who continue self-treatment experience some form of skin trouble.

- 68.9% of self-treatment users have experienced ingrown hairs, folliculitis, or hyperpigmentation. - 82.3% of people who increase self-treatment frequency in June reported that their skin problems worsened. - 76.7% of medical hair removal patients feel their skin condition has improved compared to when they self-treated.

Glossary

Folliculitis is an inflammatory condition caused by bacterial infection (mainly Staphylococcus aureus) in the hair follicle. It often occurs after self-treatment with razors or tweezers and appears as red bumps or pustules.

Ingrown hair is a condition where hair fails to emerge from the skin's surface and grows underneath it, often caused by improper self-treatment blocking the hair follicle.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a condition where melanin pigment is deposited after skin inflammation (like folliculitis or razor burn) heals, leaving behind brown or dark spots.

Comparison: Self-Treatment vs. Medical Hair Removal

- **Cost per session:** Self-treatment ¥100-¥2,000 / Medical ¥10,000-¥30,000 - **Annual total cost (full body):** Self-treatment Approx. ¥10,000-¥30,000 / Medical Approx. ¥200,000-¥400,000 - **Duration of effect:** Self-treatment 2-7 days / Medical Permanent (varies) - **Skin trouble risk:** Self-treatment High (68.9% experience it) / Medical Low

Isee Clinic, operated by the Tetsuyukai Medical Corporation, conducted a survey on hair removal practices and related skin issues before summer. The survey targeted 300 men and women aged 20-50 nationwide, investigating their experiences with skin problems from self-treatment and changes in removal frequency before summer.

Survey Background

As exposure increases from June to July, many people ramp up hair removal, which elevates the risk of ingrown hairs, folliculitis, and hyperpigmentation. The clinic undertook this survey to raise awareness about proper care methods, prompted by an annual increase in patients with such issues during this period.

Survey Outline

- Target: Men and women aged 20-50 nationwide who have used razors or depilatory creams in the past year. - Period: May 25 - June 3, 2026 - Method: Internet survey - Participants: 300

Survey Results

【68.9% of self-treatment users experience skin trouble】 About 70% have experienced some form of skin issue from self-treatment, with folliculitis (red bumps) being the most common.

【74.3% increase self-treatment frequency before summer】 This indicates a period of sharply increased strain on the skin.

【82.3% of those who increased frequency report worsening skin trouble】 This shows that rushed, intensive self-treatment can be counterproductive.

【Only 18.7% consult a dermatologist】 Only a small fraction sought medical help for skin problems, with most resorting to self-care or ignoring the issue.

【76.7% of medical hair removal patients report improved skin condition】 This demonstrates the benefits of professional care over continuous self-treatment.

Survey Summary

The survey highlighted that 68.9% of self-treatment users experience skin problems, and 82.3% of those who increase frequency before summer see their condition worsen. In contrast, 76.7% of medical hair removal patients report skin improvement, underscoring the importance of long-term skin health.

Doctor's Comment | Dr. Kota Takakuwa, Isee Clinic

"The main cause of red bumps after shaving is folliculitis. Rushed self-treatment before summer damages the skin barrier before it can recover, increasing the risk of trouble more than threefold. The finding that nearly 70% experience skin problems from self-treatment aligns with what I observe daily in my clinical practice."