Is shaving darkening your skin? Experts decode the growing concern
Those with darker skin tones—like most Indians—are particularly prone to a condition called Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH). Even tiny abrasions or micro-cuts from a dull razor can prompt the skin to overproduce melanin in its healing process.advertisement'People with higher melanin content are genetically predisposed to developing pigmentation after trauma,' says Dr Aarti Bhasin, renowned celebrity cosmetologist and founder of Skinford Cosmetics. 'Even shaving in a hurry or with a blunt blade, can trigger PIH. I often recommend alternatives like laser hair reduction for long-term safety, especially for clients with sensitive or pigmented skin.'IT'S NOT JUST THE FACEWhile beard areas in men are most commonly affected, the problem isn't gender-specific. In women, underarms, bikini lines, and even legs often show signs of razor-related darkening. These areas have thinner or more sensitive skin and are subjected to repeated friction from both razors and clothing.'Many women shave before a function or as a quick fix between laser sessions,' notes Dr Choudhury. But areas like the underarms or shins, where the bone is close to the skin, experience higher pressure during shaving. This makes them especially vulnerable to pigmentation.'TECHNIQUE OVER TOOLSThe blade is not the villain—it's the way it's used. Experts agree that the technique, pressure, and hygiene practices make all the difference.
'Pressing the razor too hard or shaving in the direction of hair growth is one of the worst things you can do,' warns Dr Amit Bhasin, leading dermatologist and co-founder of Prive Skin and Wellness Clinic.It causes trauma, ingrown hair, and micro-injuries. Over time, the skin starts to darken as it tries to heal from constant assault.To minimise these effects, Dr Bhasin emphasises using a clean, sharp razor—ideally just once or twice before discarding. 'Never store razors in bathrooms,' he adds. 'The humidity invites bacteria, which further increases the risk of folliculitis and infections.'POST-CARE IS NOT OPTIONALA good shave isn't complete without proper aftercare. Moisturisers, sunscreen, and even depigmenting creams are essential parts of a skin-safe routine.'After shaving, your skin is at its most vulnerable,' says Dr Bhasin. 'It's lost its protective top layer and needs to be shielded from UV exposure. "A good quality, fragrance-free moisturiser followed by sunscreen is non-negotiable—especially for facial shaving.'Dr Choudhury agrees and adds that people with sensitive skin should also avoid perfumed aftershaves and harsh cleansers. 'These can irritate freshly shaved skin and trigger pigmentation,' she explains. Instead, she recommends gentle, non-foaming cleansers and mild exfoliation once a week to prevent ingrown hairs and buildup of dead skin.advertisementWHAT CAN BE DONE IF PIGMENTATION HAS ALREADY SET IN?For those already experiencing pigmentation, hope isn't lost. 'Depigmenting creams, dermatologically prescribed exfoliants, and laser treatments can help even out the skin tone,' says Dr Bhasin. However, he stresses that prevention remains the best cure.'Skin is like a diary—it remembers everything,' said Dr Bhasin with a smile. 'Every bad shave, every ignored moisturiser, every time you step out without sunscreen—it shows.'Sanya Chawla, a college student, shares her experience: 'When I'm in a hurry and have to get ready for a party, I quickly use a razor without much care. I've noticed some dark patches, especially on my legs and underarms, after frequent shaving. I didn't realise it was connected to how I shave.'Her story is common amongst young people who prioritise speed over technique. Experts say that even occasional rushed shaving can lead to cumulative skin damage.
RETHINKING THE RAZORIn a world obsessed with instant results, razors offer speed and convenience. But as India's leading experts caution, they also demand respect. Poor shaving habits are silently reshaping the skin health of millions, especially in a country where melanin is both a natural asset and a sensitive subject.advertisementWhether you're shaving your beard, legs, or bikini line, one message rings clear: it's not just about removing hair—it's about preserving the skin beneath.So, the next time you reach for that razor, pause. Choose your tools wisely. Shave with care. Your skin will thank you.
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Even in the limited-time protocol, significant increases in microstate duration and stability were observed. The researchers say these results are consistent and can be replicated. 'We experimented on three separate occasions with different participant groups, and each time the results have consistently pointed to the same conclusions. This consistency reinforces the reliability and replicability of our findings regarding the positive impact of Indian Ragas on attention and emotional regulation', the researchers said. Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi, informed, 'EEG microstates offer a window into how the brain operates at the moment, attention, mind-wandering, or emotional engagement. What we found was that Ragas don't just evoke feelings, they actually reprogram the brain in real-time.' Dr. Ashish Gupta, Assistant Professor, IIT Mandi and first author of this study, emphasized that the shifts observed in neural activity were not random, stated, 'The data showed repeatable, consistent transitions after exposure to the Ragas, suggesting Indian Classical music can serve as a powerful tool for mental wellness. EEG data consistently showed how music exposure, compared to silence, shifted the brain into more stable and functional patterns'. Prof. Braj Bhushan of IIT Kanpur is also the co-author of the study. Health benefits? The researchers conducted a similar study in 2018. That early research primarily demonstrated that listening to Indian Ragas can significantly enhance cognitive performance. The researchers cite several independent studies that have reported the beneficial effects of Raga therapy in managing hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Rao and Nagendra (2014) demonstrated that both active and silent music interventions positively influenced energy fields in type 2 diabetes patients using electron photonic imaging. 'While these studies do not claim a definitive cure, they do demonstrate the therapeutic value of Raga listening as a secondary or supplementary intervention', the researchers said. The way forward The research team suggests that listening to Raga Darbari before exams or important meetings may improve focus, while Raga Jogiya could help manage emotional overwhelm or grief. The study doesn't just underscore how people feel in response to music; it demonstrates how the brain structurally responds, offering new potential for music-based interventions in cognitive and emotional health. The researchers say translating Raga Therapy into a clinical or commercial offering will require further systematic investigation. The next steps involve designing and validating structured, music-based therapeutic modules—tailored for diverse settings such as educational environments, workplace wellness programs, emotional support, and clinical treatment. Rigorous clinical trials will be essential to optimise dosage (duration, frequency), select the most effective Ragas for specific conditions, and establish standardized protocols before broad implementation for patient care. In comparison with Western classical music The researchers say several studies on Western classical music have reported similar outcomes. They conducted a follow-up investigation using Western classical music with international participants. The findings revealed comparable effects on EEG microstate modulation, reinforcing the idea that structured classical music—whether Indian or Western—has a cross-cultural capacity to positively influence brain dynamics. Researchers say, however, that Indian Ragas offer a uniquely emotionally structured and mood-specific experience. Rooted in the Nav Rasa framework, each Raga is crafted to evoke a particular emotional landscape. The therapeutic use of Raga, often termed 'Raga Chikitsa,' has existed in India for centuries. While these results are promising, more rigorous and systematic scientific studies are needed in this domain, researchers say. Both studies have been peer-reviewed and published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, a global journal.
