It may seem as if the activity of shaving is almost effortless. However in truth, it may not quite be as cut and dry as you thought.
There are quite a few common mistakes you could likely be making. Any of these can lead to skin irritation.
Let’s look at each of them and what you can do instead.
Shaving At The Start Of Your Shower
If shaving is the first thing that you do when you step into your shower, or you do it while your skin is still dry, then it may be time to make a change.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the most important first step that you can do is wet the area you’ll be shaving really well.
Shaving dry skin can actually scratch your skin.
Do this instead: Don’t start shaving as you hop in the shower. What I do is go about my shower routine, including washing my hair. It is only when I have put conditioner in my hair that I think about picking up my razor.
Opting Out Of Using Shaving Gel Or Cream
I know we all have days when we’re in a rush. However, passing on the shaving cream or gel is not ideal.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, using cream or gel can help prevent you from cutting your skin.
Do this instead: Pick a hydrating shaving cream or gel that’s designed to help your blade glide across your skin without tugging and pulling.
Going Against The Grain
This is a debate that has been around forever. Should you shave in the direction that your hair grows or against it?
Ask different people and you will get different answers. However, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should shave in the direction that your hair grows.
Do this instead: This is easy to fix. The next time you lather up, shave in the direction that your hair grows and reduce your chances of getting ingrown hairs.
Keeping Your Razor Blades For Too Long
Razor blades don’t last forever. Using an old blade can give you skin irritation. What’s more, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is much easier to cut yourself when you use a dull blade.
Do this instead: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends changing your razor blade or throwing away a disposable razor after 5-7 shades to minimize the chances of irritation. I always keep a few spares stocked in my bathroom so that I’m always ready.
Shaving The Same Areas Repeatedly
If you keep going over the same small patch of skin over and over you can cause irritation as you wear that patch of skin thinner and thinner. This can easily happen when you dry shave as your shaving gel or foam will show you where you have shaved already.
Do this instead: Use your shaving foam or gel as a guide and try to glide your razor blade once over each spot, moving slowly and gently.
Being Too Rough With Your Razor
When we were kids we were all taught to be careful with sharp objects. The same basic rule applies when you use your razor.
If you use too much pressure, it can leave you with painful and unsightly cuts and nicks. So says the American Academy of Dermatology.
When you find yourself pressing hard with your razor to get a close shave it is usually a sign that your blades are too blunt.
Do this instead: Shaving only needs a light touch. Focus on moving your razor in careful, short, smooth, and even strokes. Don’t press too hard and let the blades do the work. Save your strength for doing booty building squats at the gym.
Turning Your Shaving Time Into A Race
I am so guilty of this one. I am always trying to get things done as quickly as possible and the same goes for when I am shaving.
Applying this attitude to shaving is never my best idea. I can tell you from experience that the faster you go, the more likely you are to nick yourself in the process.
Do this instead: Make shaving a special feminine time in your day. Going slow can help make shaving a much more pleasant experience. After each careful stroke, rinse off your blade to ensure it doesn’t become clogged or dull while you’re using it.
Skipping Moisturizer after Shaving
This one should be obvious, but I have a little hack for when I shave more sensitive areas. Passing on applying moisturizer after your shave is a shortcut to uncomfortable-feeling skin.
Do this instead: Post-shave, apply a good quality moisturizer as your skin is a little more vulnerable. I used to get razor burn in the sensitive areas of my under-arms and bikini line. A married girlfriend told me that she uses her husband’s aftershave balm with amazing results. I tried a men’s aftershave balm in those areas too and never had razor burn again.
Thank you so very much for your guidance.