KAMI SKINCARE BLOG
What men's skin really needs for shaving, sports, dryness, and neurodermatitis
Men care for their skin – but often with products not designed for them. Because men's skin is different from women's: it's thicker, produces more sebum, is regularly exposed to razors, and reacts to exercise, cold, and stress with irritations that many simply put up with. Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck, general practitioner, skin expert, and founder of KAMI skincare, explains in our interview what men's skin truly needs, why dry skin is more than a minor issue, and the role of conditions like neurodermatitis in men. Why men's skin needs its own care and what distinguishes it from women's skin Kerstin, many men think: skin is skin. So why a separate skincare routine for men's skin? Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck: Skin is definitely not just skin. Men's skin is, on average, about 25% thicker than women's skin, produces significantly more sebum, and has a higher collagen density. This initially sounds like an advantage – but the flip side is: men's skin is exposed to greater stress daily. Shaving is the most obvious example: every shave is a kind of mini-trauma for the skin barrier. Even with a good razor, microscopic injuries occur, through which irritants can more easily penetrate. In addition: men sweat more during physical exertion, are often outdoors longer – sun, cold, wind – and frequently use products for care that cleanse too aggressively or do not replenish enough lipids. The result: irritated, dry skin, feelings of tightness, redness. This is often ignored or dismissed as normal. Yet, it's a clear signal that the skin needs support. Shaving, Redness, Problem Skin: When the Skin Screams After Shaving What exactly happens to the skin during shaving and how can problem skin be soothed after shaving? Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck: The blade not only removes hair, it also scrapes off the uppermost protective layer of the skin. This temporarily weakens the skin barrier and makes it susceptible to redness, burning, and ingrown hairs. For men with already sensitive skin or problem skin prone to irritation, this can quickly become a vicious cycle. The KAMI SOS Skincare Oil is my clear favorite here as an after-shave care: It absorbs quickly, leaves no greasy feeling, immediately soothes redness, and sustainably strengthens the skin barrier. The plant oils contained, such as grapeseed oil or plum kernel oil, have anti-inflammatory and regenerating effects without clogging pores. For particularly dry or rough skin areas, I also recommend the KAMI SOS Balm. Dry Skin After Exercise or Showering – and What Conventional Shower Gels Have to Do With It Many men shower multiple times daily due to sports. What does this do to the skin? Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck: Frequent showering in itself is not a problem – if done correctly. The main issue is aggressive surfactants in conventional shower gels and soaps that imbalance the skin's pH. The skin's natural pH is around 5.5, meaning it's slightly acidic. Many cleansing products are significantly more alkaline and thus destroy the so-called acid mantle, which protects the skin from external irritants. Many know the result: skin that feels tight, itchy, or dry and rough after showering. Especially for men who exercise daily and shower multiple times, this effect accumulates. That's why we developed the KAMI Cleansing Fluid: an oil-shower that is pH-skin-neutral and simultaneously replenishes lipids during washing. It forms a gentle cleansing emulsion with water – the skin is cleansed but not dried out. For those who don't have time to apply elaborate creams after showering, the care happens almost incidentally here. The cleansing fluid is also suitable as an alternative to hand soap. It cares for dry, reddened hands with calluses or inflammation. Itchy Scalp: The Men's Problem Hardly Anyone Talks About Itchy or flaky scalp – one of the KAMI products is also very well suited for this. How common is this problem among men? Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck: Very common and very underestimated. Men often wear hats or helmets, sweat under head coverings, and frequently use shampoos that cleanse too strongly. Dry, itchy, or flaky scalp is the logical consequence, because the scalp is no different from the rest of the body – it needs moisture and care just as much. The KAMI 2-Phase Care Spray has proven particularly effective here: It combines a moisturizing organic aloe vera phase with a nourishing oil phase – without emulsifiers, but with the genuine power of both phases. Application is incredibly simple: shake, apply directly to the scalp, leave on for at least 10–15 minutes, then wash as usual. Many men report significant improvement after just a few applications – even those who had tried all medical shampoos before. Neurodermatitis in Men: When Dry Skin Is More Than a Comfort Problem KAMI skincare was originally developed for your son with neurodermatitis. How relevant is the condition in men? Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck: Neurodermatitis, medically atopic dermatitis, affects one in eight children and one in twenty adults. In men, the typical daily routine such as shaving, sports, and fluctuating temperatures further burdens them, regularly triggering existing neurodermatitis symptoms. Many sufferers don't even realize that their chronically dry, itchy, or reddened skin is neurodermatitis, because they dismiss the symptoms as a normal "men's skin problem." What happens in the skin with neurodermatitis – and why isn't cortisone alone enough? What is behind the disease and why is conventional therapy often not sufficient? Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck: The core problem with neurodermatitis is a disturbed skin barrier. The skin cannot properly retain moisture and is simultaneously much more permeable to irritants, allergens, and bacteria. This triggers inflammatory reactions – and the typical cycle of itching, scratching, soreness, and renewed inflammation begins. Cortisone fights inflammation – that is important and right in acute phases. But it does not repair the skin barrier itself. That is precisely my approach with KAMI: products that strengthen the skin barrier from the ground up, supply the skin with the right fatty acids and active ingredients, and thus reduce the frequency of flare-ups in the long term. As a supplement to medical therapy. An important factor often overlooked in men: stress is one of the strongest triggers for neurodermatitis flare-ups. The stress hormone cortisol exacerbates inflammatory processes and, on top of that, weakens the skin barrier. Therefore, the essential oils in our products – lavender oil and blue tansy – are no coincidence: they act on the nervous system through the sense of smell, calm it, and thus also interrupt this stress cycle. When should men with suspected neurodermatitis see a doctor? When is dry, itchy skin more than just everyday discomfort – and when does it require medical clarification? Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck: If the skin is chronically dry and itchy, symptoms accumulate in specific body regions such as elbows, backs of knees, neck, or face, and do not respond to conventional care products – then it should be investigated. And if signs of infection appear: yellowish crusts, severe redness with warmth, or even fever, then please see a doctor immediately. These are signs of a bacterial superinfection that requires medical treatment. KAMI skincare for men: Which product helps with which skin problem? Please give us a brief overview: What do you recommend for men with which skin problem? Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck: Gladly: • After shaving, for redness and irritation: KAMI SOS Skincare Oil. Absorbs quickly, soothes immediately, no greasy feeling. • For very dry skin, chapped hands or problem areas such as elbows and knees: KAMI SOS Balm. Rich, nourishing, with shea butter. • For itchy, flaky, or irritated scalp: KAMI 2-Phase Care Spray. Shake, spray, let sit, wash. • As daily cleansing for dry or sensitive skin, also with neurodermatitis: KAMI Cleansing Fluid. pH-neutral, lipid-replenishing, no aggressive surfactants. • For neurodermatitis flare-ups: Combination of SOS Oil (immediately after showering on still damp skin or in bathwater) and SOS Balm for particularly dry areas. As a supplement to medical therapy. Kerstin, thank you for the interview! Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck: You're welcome! I believe many men suffer more silently than necessary – be it with dry skin after exercise, irritations after shaving, or chronic skin problems like neurodermatitis. Yet, there are natural, effective solutions that are chemical-free. Feel good in your skin!
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My son Liam has had eczema since birth: This finally helped him
A personal experience report from Mom Vivienne Our journey with neurodermatitis began very early – Liam was just four months old. His entire body, including his face, was covered in itchy and painful eczema. From that moment on, our family's daily life was marked by the search for help and relief. The years-long struggle: When neurodermatitis dictates family life For years, we fought daily, tried countless things, and visited the doctor regularly. Sometimes even weekly. We also had to go to the hospital multiple times. As a mother, it's the worst thing imaginable to see your own child suffer and not be able to help. This helplessness is a constant companion. It was especially hard for us not to lose hope. Again and again, we encountered new dead ends. At the same time, I had to learn to care for the open, painful wounds of my crying baby – a situation that deeply affects every mom. Antibody therapy and injections: The search for a gentler solution At the hospital, we started antibody therapy with Dupilumab, the "neurodermatitis injections." However, this came with side effects. I also didn't want to accept the idea of having to give my little baby regular injections. The breakthrough: Our experience with KAMI skincare without cortisone For a long time, our search for a gentle, effective, and above all cortisone-free care was unsuccessful. Until we finally discovered KAMI skincare. After just a few days, we noticed a significant improvement in his skin. And after three weeks, our pediatrician, during our regular visit, surprisingly asked us what had happened to Liam's skin: The eczema had disappeared! Today, our "magical trio" consisting of KAMI SOS Skin Care Balm, SOS Skin Care Oil, and the Washing Fluid has become an integral part of our daily routine – and indispensable in our everyday life. We use it regularly together with a moisturizing basic care product. For us, there isn't one favorite product, but this combination. Together, they achieve an effect that I could hardly have imagined before. Our daily routine: How we keep Liam's skin healthy Our daily routine with KAMI looks like this: · The SOS Skin Care Oil accompanies us throughout the day. I use it several times a day – and always have it ready on the go for small "emergencies." · Mornings and evenings, we use the KAMI Balm for intensive care. · When bathing, the Washing Fluid is used either as a bath additive or as a gentle washing lotion. A secret tip for moms: Care for the C-section scar What I find particularly wonderful: The products don't just help Liam. I also use them daily for my C-section scar, which I care for with the balm and the nourishing oil. Conclusion: A new, more carefree life without neurodermatitis eczema When I look back on our journey today, I can say: KAMI was a real game-changer for us. After all the years of worry and countless attempts, I never thought we would make such progress without cortisone and without scars. KAMI is an absolute must-have for me for anyone struggling with skin problems or scars. I am incredibly grateful that we found these products. You have given my darling a new, cortisone-free life – a life that is much more carefree. Thank you, KAMI! Of course, every skin is different. For us, KAMI skincare has worked almost miracles. I can hardly believe it. Maybe this experience report will help other families too! Vivienne, mom of Liam (now 3 years old)
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