It is recommended to exfoliate before shaving to help remove dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hairs.
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When it comes to shaving, it is recommended to exfoliate before shaving to help remove dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hairs. Exfoliation helps to lift hairs off the skin, making it easier to shave and reducing the risk of nicks and cuts. But why is exfoliation so important? Let’s take a closer look at this topic.
According to skincare expert Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, exfoliation should be a part of everyone’s skincare routine, and it’s especially important for those who want a closer, smoother shave. In an interview with Men’s Health, he says, “Exfoliation removes the buildup of dead skin cells, which can trap in hairs and clog pores. By removing this buildup, you allow the razor to get closer to the hair follicle.”
In addition to preventing ingrown hairs, exfoliation also helps to:
- Soften the skin
- Improve razor glide
- Reduce razor burn
- Minimize the appearance of razor bumps
To exfoliate before shaving, you can use a gentle scrub or exfoliating tool. A basic scrub can be made with sugar and coconut oil, while a loofah or exfoliating glove can be used to physically lift away dead skin cells. It’s important to be gentle when exfoliating, as aggressive scrubbing can irritate the skin.
Here is a table summarizing the benefits of exfoliating before shaving:
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Prevents ingrown hairs | Removes dead skin cells that can trap hairs |
| Softens the skin | Makes it easier to shave |
| Improves razor glide | Reduces the risk of nicks and cuts |
| Reduces razor burn | Soothes the skin post-shave |
| Minimizes razor bumps | Helps to prevent irritation |
In conclusion, exfoliating before shaving is an important step in achieving a smooth, close shave. By removing dead skin cells and lifting hairs off the skin, you can reduce the risk of ingrown hairs and irritation. As Marilyn Monroe once said, “A woman’s best friend is a diamond, but a man’s best friend is a good shave.” And a good shave starts with exfoliation.
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Beauty entrepreneur Alia Bella Rose advises on the best way to use a body scrub when shaving, emphasizing that you should not exfoliate with a body scrub more than two to three times a week to avoid over-exfoliating. Rose suggests that if you shave regularly, you should only use a body scrub on the first shave day, while if you don’t shave often, you can use body scrubs two to three times a week but leave one to three days between shaving and exfoliating. Additionally, she recommends that it’s best to switch to basic skincare like a gentle body wash, body moisturizer, and sunscreen if using a physical exfoliator every day, as this could potentially damage your skin barrier.
Other viewpoints exist
According to Sarah Allen, MD, a board-certified Internal Medicine physician and co-founder of The SkinClique, it’s best to exfoliate before shaving. "It is great to remove dead skin and debris to leave your skin feeling silky smooth," she says.
Exfoliating before shaving is recommended by most sources. It helps to buff and prepare the skin, unclog the pores, and achieve a closer shave. Exfoliating after shaving may irritate the skin or cause redness and burning. Exfoliating a couple of days after shaving can help prevent ingrown hairs by removing dead skin. Exfoliating two to three times per week can promote healthy skin turnover.
Should you exfoliate before or after shaving? The answer is yes, to both. One of the most important parts of your pre-shave prep is exfoliation, which helps to buff and prepare your skin. Made with ¼ moisturizing cream, our Crushed Macadamia & Rice Milk Moderate Exfoliating Body Polish gently exfoliates your skin while
Best practice is to exfoliate before shaving, rather than after. That’s because, as Gallo explains, “Exfoliating removes dirt and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, which keeps your skin clean, unclogs your pores and helps you achieve a closer shave. Is it better to shave or exfoliate first? The Cleveland Clinic
Yes, you can exfoliate and shave on the same day. However, make sure you exfoliate before, not right after shaving. Exfoliating before shaving can help improve your skin, but exfoliating right after shaving may irritate the skin.
For the best shave anywhere on your body, only exfoliate immediately before shaving. If you want, you can exfoliate two or three days after shaving to reduce the appearance of ingrown hairs. Following these steps will help your skin stay smooth and unbothered by ingrown hairs or other irritations.
According to Sarah Allen, MD, a board-certified Internal Medicine physician and co-founder of The SkinClique, it’s best to exfoliate before shaving. "It is great to remove dead skin and debris to leave your skin feeling silky smooth," she says. "Additionally, many of the typical exfoliants could burn following shaving and