Should I Exfoliate Before or After Shaving - 5 Steps For The Best Option

Shaving hair in unwanted areas might come easy for you. Likewise, exfoliating your skin might be a regular routine. What might not be clear is whether you can combine these grooming must-haves. Well, the short answer to “should I exfoliate before or after shaving” is YES, exfoliate before!

According to many skin care experts, it is better for the skin if you exfoliate before shaving. This allows you to remove debris and dead skin cells. The result is silky smooth skin versus red and angry-looking skin.

The Importance of Exfoliating Before Shaving

Most people define shaving as removing hair from different areas of the body. However, many are unaware that shaving is also a form of exfoliation. Nevertheless, removing dead skin cells from the outer layer can improve the appearance of your skin.

Additionally, continuously exfoliating at least two or three times each week helps to promote healthy skin turnover. Treat your skin to a clean feeling and brighter appearance.

Choosing the Best Exfoliation Method for Shaving

There are two options for using an exfoliant on your skin: physical and chemical. With physical exfoliants, you use a product that contains crystals to help you shed dead skin cells. With chemical exfoliants, you can loosen the cells and brush them away.

An example of physical exfoliation is using a dry brush to buff your skin. A warm, wet washcloth also works to physically exfoliate your skin.

The least preferred method is a chemical exfoliant, which contains alpha-hydroxy acids. This method may slightly irritate your skin before shaving.

Make Exfoliating Before Shaving a Regular Routine

Now that you know the answer to “should I exfoliate before or after shaving,” you will want to do what’s best for your skin. The following steps can help you create a regular routine for optimal results.

Step 1: Soften Skin

Soak in the tub or wait until the end of your shower to wet your skin. The warm water softens the outer layer. This makes removing hair easier while decreasing the chance of getting razor burns.

Step 2: Exfoliate

Use either the physical or the chemical method to exfoliate your skin.

Step 3: Apply Preferred Shaving Product to Skin

Whether you prefer a cream, gel or mousse, it is important to apply a good product to your skin before shaving. This is an important step to protect and moisturize your skin while shaving. Abrasions and irritations are not only unattractive but are also uncomfortable.

Step 4: Shave Areas of Unwanted Hair

Using single strokes, follow the growth direction to remove unwanted hair. Keep the razor clean between strokes. Also, use a sharp razor. Tugging on the skin indicates it is time to switch out the blade.

Step 5: Moisturize Dry Skin

Finish your exfoliating and shaving process by applying moisturizer to clean, dry skin. Doing so helps to keep your skin hydrated and repair the barrier that was disrupted. You will want skin that is soothed and nourished after grooming.

Do What’s Best for Your Skin

Your skin can improve greatly from exfoliation. Maximizing results and minimizing irritation, clogged pores and other negative results comes with practicing the correct techniques. Do this by following the advice of skin experts to exfoliate before shaving and incorporating good skin aftercare.