Shaving and exfoliation go together. We shave to get rid of the extra hairs on our skin. While we exfoliate to get rid of the dead skin cells and to get a smooth and soft skin texture.
However, should you exfoliate before or after shaving? This is the question that several people are finding the answer to. Consequently, I’ll tell you whether or not you should exfoliate before or after shaving and why.
Stay around!
Should I Exfoliate Before Or After Shaving?
Are u supposed to exfoliate before or after shaving? Exfoliating before shaving makes your shave a lot easier and smoother. Because exfoliation removes all of the dead cells from your skin, which are usually stuck in the blade of the razor. On exfoliated skin, the razor works smoothly, and the chances of having any cuts are reduced.
When you shave on rough skin with dead skin cells on, they get stuck in the blade and can make the blade dull, making it difficult to shave. The other benefit of exfoliating the skin is that your razor will last longer as it won’t have to work on rough skin.
What About Exfoliating After Shaving? Is It Good?
Exfoliation is beneficial after shaving if it is done a few days after shaving. Right after shaving, it can irritate the skin and cause redness.
Doing it again, especially if you’ve already exfoliated the skin before shaving, may be harmful to your skin. However, when you exfoliate after some days of shaving, it helps your hair grow cleanly.
Do You Exfoliate Before Or After Shaving Pubic Area?
As mentioned above as well, exfoliating before shaving is great for the skin. So, the same goes for the pubic area as well.
Exfoliating after the shave will make it easier for your blade to cut your hair smoothly without damaging or harshing the surface of your skin. If you do it after shaving, the dead cells will block the blade of the razor, and you may end up with ingrown skin or burns.
Should You Exfoliate Before or After Waxing?
Exfoliating just after waxing or just before waxing isn’t a good idea. However, you can exfoliate before some days of waxing. A healthy skin barrier is essential before waxing. Burning or discomfort will be lessened by exfoliating before waxing.
Additionally, you shouldn’t exfoliate straight away after waxing because your skin has just gone through a moderate type of trauma, and doing so will irritate it.
When Should You Exfoliate?
The best time for exfoliating is in the morning when your skin is fresh and repairing itself. So, when you exfoliate it in that condition, the results will be quite good. However, if you’re a woman who wears makeup throughout the day, then it’s good for you to exfoliate at night.
Why? Because the night is the time when your skin heals itself. So, if you exfoliate at night, then it’ll help you clear out the makeup and dirt from your face. That’s the ideal time, though.
If you can’t do it in the morning or at night, then you can do it whenever you want. That’s perfectly fine!
Should You Exfoliate and Shave On The Same Day?
Yes, why not but make sure you’re doing it before the shaving so that it can get your skin ready for getting shaved without the blade burning your skin.
How To Exfoliate Before Shaving?
Now, many of you must be wondering how to exfoliate before shaving in a good way. So, now I’m going to tell you how you’ll do that, step by step. Read each step carefully.
1. Clean Your Face With Warm Water
Start by cleaning your face with warm water, as it opens your face’s pores, which makes it easier for the exfoliation to go deeper inside your skin.
2. Put Any Exfoliant
To exfoliate your skin, apply a small amount of the exfoliant and massage it in. The common face scrubs are an example of exfoliants. When using a scrubber, use it sparingly and scrub in a circular motion. Exfoliate your face and your skin. If you’re using a peeling exfoliant, leave it on for the specified amount of time.
3. Prepare For Shaving By Rinsing
Now, it’s time to get rustled up for shaving. So, again, rinse your face with warm water. And then, put any shaving cream on your face.
4. Wash Your Face With Cold Water
Do your shaving. After that, you should wash your face with cold water. Shaving causes pores to open, and cold water shuts them. Additionally, it soothes and refreshes your face.
5. Use Any Aftershave Product
Now, after exfoliation and shaving, you need to rehydrate your skin. To rehydrate, apply a good aftershave balm or any other aftershave product that works well for your skin.
What Type Of Exfoliation Is Best For Shaving?
Even though there are three types of exfoliation, the ones that are recommended by dermatologists are light scrubs or creams. The second type of exfoliant is a chemical exfoliant.
They’re not recommended as they contain chemicals like citric acid, lactic acid, and hydroxy acid, which can irritate your skin. What about the third type of exfoliation?
The third type of exfoliant is a mechanical exfoliant. Physical and mechanical exfoliants are similar; however, mechanical exfoliants include larger grains. An example of a mechanical exfoliator is a sugar or salt scrub.
These shouldn’t be used before shaving because they include larger granules that can irritate the skin. Alright, so now you know what types of exfoliants there are. It’s time to see how to take care of your skin after you shave.
How To Care For Skin After Shaving?
After shaving, taking care of your skin is one of the most neglected things, despite the fact that it should be a priority. When we don’t do anything after shaving, then our skin may have razor bumps or other issues as well, which will then have a bad impact on our personality.
So, if you want your skin to be healthy so that you can look more attractive, then let’s learn how to take care of your skin after shaving.
1. Use An Aftershave Product
Aftershave products are designed to clear out all of the razor bumps, bacteria, and pores of the skin after shaving. Usually, there are three types of aftershave products, which include;
- Lotion
- Splash
However, since balms are alcohol-free, I recommend you use them after shaving your skin. Because alcoholic products might cause irritation on some types of skin. If you’ve already been using an aftershave that’s working well for your skin, stick with it.
2. Moisturizing Cream
Moisturizing cream is an alternative to aftershave products. They keep your skin safe from bacteria, razor bumps, and irritants as well. Usually, most shaving creams take away the moisturizer from your skin, which you can get back by using a moisturizing cream after shaving.
The Best Shaving Alternative
If, after shaving, your skin gets too much irritation or has razor bumps and pores, then shaving isn’t suiting your skin. So, the best thing that you can try is an electric razor, which is the best alternative to shaving.
Electric razors are great for removing your hair without a razor bump or a blade burn. They trim in such a way that it looks like your face looks exactly the same as it did before it was shaved.
Moreover, because it lasts longer than other trimmers and has fine-tipped blades that won’t pull hairs, the Brio beardscape is a terrific choice.
It can be used in conjunction with the Zero-Blade, a ceramic blade that helps achieve a skin-close trim similar to shaving but without all the drawbacks. Now, let me answer some of your frequently asked questions.
FAQ
Should you exfoliate before or after shaving your face?
It’s always a good idea to exfoliate your face before shaving your face as it makes the shaving procedure easier by removing dead skin cells.
Should you exfoliate before or after shaving your legs?
Exfoliating before shaving your legs is a good idea. It is possible for legs to become extremely delicate and sensitive after shaving. Exfoliating after shaving defeats the purpose of exfoliating by leaving dull cells and buildup behind.
Conclusion
Is it better to exfoliate before or after you shave? Exfoliating is great for your face. However, doing this after shaving may cause irritation and other skin issues.
So make sure you do it before shaving your skin. I’ve taught you how to do that above. If you have any questions related to the topic, please let me know in the comment section below. I’d love to help you out.