The Biggest Shaving Mistakes Your Derm Wants You To Avoid

Although you’ve probably been shaving since middle school, trying a different method occasionally can make a big impact. You’ll want to learn the real scoop on the shaving errors to avoid if you’ve had your fair share of nicks, razor burn, and ingrown hairs so you can be left smoother than before. Shaving Mistakes Your Derm Wants You To Avoid.

The Biggest Shaving Mistakes Your Derm Wants You To Avoid

Your exfoliation is lacking.

You should think about cleaning up the day before shaving. Exfoliation can help you avoid razor bumps, especially if you have curly or thick, dry skin or hair, according to Dr. Rachel Day. Look for chemicals like glycolic or lactic acid, which, in addition to moisturizing the skin, help slough off dead skin cells. The Sunday Riley Charcoal Smoothie Jelly Body Scrub uses a blend of purifying salicylic and lactic acid, regenerating niacinamide, natural exfoliating powders, and activated charcoal to remove pollutants from your pores and offer you an exfoliating experience akin to that of a spa. Little is often enough: Focusing on the regions you intend to shave, massage a tiny quantity of the product in circular motions onto your skin. Allow the hydrating coconut water and jojoba seed oil to do its magic for up to two minutes, then rinse.

The skin isn’t being prepared by you.

You want to prepare your skin for success the day before you shave. Dr. Hysem Eldik claims that shaving results in thousands of microabrasions, or “small wounds,” on the skin. According to Eldik, “Bacteria that live on our skin take advantage of this and go in the cuts and create an infection, irritation, and inflammation.” He advises washing with body washes containing benzoyl peroxide or Hibiclens, which can lessen the number of bacteria before you shave, thereby reducing irritation.

You’re not frequently enough to replace your blades.

Razor cartridges can be expensive, but keeping a blade after it has served its purpose might be detrimental. Razor blades can last from 3 to 8 shaves, depending on the number of places and frequency of shaving. When a razor starts to leave uncut hair in its wake and especially if you feel any drag on the skin, it’s time to change it, advises Day. Additionally, she advises staying away from single-blade razors because they are insufficiently effective. According to Day, “the more blades, the more effective and the less drag (injury to the skin during shaving).”

You don’t apply shaving cream.

You’ve probably noticed a trail of tiny red pimples that follow when dry shaving (pain). According to Eldik, “the primary aim and function of shaving gel or cream is hydrating the skin to aid loosen and lubricate the hair before shaving.” It’s a gamble, even though there’s a chance you won’t become irritated. According to Day, “without a protective layer for an easy glide, the razor may grab on any dry or uneven skin textures and generate micro nicks that leave the skin susceptible to water loss through a damaged barrier, further aggravating irritation.” So let’s start by lathering up with some shaving cream.

You’re shaving cream isn’t the right one.

Even though it can be pleasant to smell like a “Tropical Paradise,” if you have sensitive skin, you might want to avoid the perfumed suds. “Shaving already causes damage to your skin’s protective layer. It is not necessary to smother potential allergens on top, asserts Day, who advises staying away from superfluous scents and colors. Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel with Oat and Vitamin E was her preferred brand. The moisturizing, creamy substance “wraps your skin in moisture and leaves it smooth and gentle to the touch,” she explains. Aloe and vitamin E are two elements that Eldik suggests looking for.

Your shaving technique is improper.

Yes, different body parts have varied hair growth patterns. Shave with the grain rather than against it. If you’re unsure which way your hair develops, Day advises lightly grazing the skin’s surface with your fingers. You’ll notice that it feels harsher against the grain and smoother with the grain. She notes that shaving against the grain results in a closer shave but also increases the risk of micro-nicks appearing on the skin’s surface, which can cause irritation and raise the chance of ingrown hairs.

You shave far too frequently.

If your skin is prone to irritation, try to give it a few days to heal. Give your skin extra time to recover completely before starting to shave if you are currently dealing with skin irritation or recent ingrown hairs, advises Day.

If you haven’t moisturized after your post-shave, don’t just leave the bathroom without doing so. “For supple, healthy, irritation-free skin, it is crucial to maintain the ecosystem of the skin barrier. Every time the skin suffers a barrier-disrupting shock, like shaving, moisturizing is the best method to achieve it, explains Day. Make sure to use a light lotion without any potentially irritating aroma to any regions that you’ve just shaved.

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