For a few of us, shaving our legs is a part of our common bodycare routine. It is the quickest and most reasonably priced option to take away undesirable hair in comparison with alternate options like waxing or laser hair elimination. However do you truly know methods to shave correctly? Spoiler: In the event you’re continuously coping with itchiness, razor burn, ingrown hairs, and nicks, the reply is probably going no. However fortunately, there are many expert-approved suggestions and methods that can allow you to obtain a easy, irritation-free shave each time. Forward, board-certified dermatologists Brendan Camp and Marisa Garshick break down methods to shave your legs.
Meet the Skilled
- Brendan Camp, MD, is a double-board–licensed assistant scientific professor of dermatology at Cornell New York Presbyterian Medical Heart.
- Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Beauty Surgical procedure and a scientific affiliate professor at Cornell New York Presbyterian Medical Heart.
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Dampen Your Pores and skin With Heat Water
Dampen your pores and skin with heat water earlier than shaving to assist soften the hair and open the pores. Dr. Camp recommends shaving towards the top of your bathe as a result of the pores and skin will likely be extra hydrated, which implies much less threat of pores and skin irritation.
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Apply Shaving Cream or Gel
No matter you do, by no means dry shave. A lot of Dr. Camp’s sufferers are available with razor burns ensuing from shaving with out cream or gel. “Shaving on dry pores and skin or with solely water may cause pores and skin irritation from the abrasive forces of the razor,” he says. A cream or gel helps the razor to glide extra simply over the pores and skin, lowering the chance of nicks or an uneven shave. Dr. Garshick recommends Eos Shea Butter Shaving Cream ($6) or Aveeno’s Therapeutic Shave Gel with Oat for Dry Pores and skin ($4).
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Shave within the Route of Hair Progress
Our specialists advocate shaving within the path of hair development. Although many suppose shaving towards the grain might give a better, smoother shave, this will increase the danger of ingrown hairs.
By no means shave over a reduce or a wound. When you’ve got a pores and skin an infection, shaving over the world may sluggish therapeutic or trigger the an infection to unfold and worsen, says Dr. Camp. He additionally suggests utilizing a razor with one or two blades, like Gillette SkinGuard ($20) or Hanni The Weighted Razor ($42).
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Moisturize After Shaving
When you’re carried out shaving, you’ll want to apply a moisturizer. This step is essential as shaving can disrupt the pores and skin barrier, resulting in redness and itching if not repaired, says Dr. Camp. Dr. Garshick recommends utilizing a non-comedogenic moisturizer like Bliss Lemon and Sage Physique Butter ($24) and LANO 101 Dry Pores and skin Tremendous-Cream ($17).
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Keep away from Utilizing Harsh Merchandise Put up-Shave
In case your bodycare routine is normally loaded with acidic or artificially fragranced merchandise, you may wish to chorus from utilizing them proper after shaving. These components might trigger momentary discomfort, stinging, or irritation after a recent shave.
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Rinse Your Razor
After shaving, all the time rinse your razor to take away hair and product buildup. Making certain the blade is totally clear every time you shave minimizes the possibility of irritation and an infection.
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Retailer Your Razor in a Dry Place
Dr. Garshick recommends storing your razor in a cool, dry place as this helps reduce the possibility of micro organism buildup. This additionally reduces the possibility of rust and extends the longevity of the blade.
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Change Your Razor Blade Commonly
Dr. Garshick says not changing the razor blade incessantly is the commonest shaving mistake she sees with shoppers. “When the blade turns into uninteresting, it turns into much less efficient and in addition could also be extra more likely to contribute to ingrowns and irritation,” she says. It’s best to interchange the blades after each 5 to seven shaves.
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