There’s a reason why body scrubs and razors have become widely popular globally. Exfoliation is a great way to achieve a smooth shaving experience. Shaving IS A manual exfoliation where a blade is used to scrape off the unwanted hair from the skin. It also helps to slough off the excess dead skin on the top surface layer of your skin.
Exfoliate also allows you to prevent the extra buffing and enhances the shaving process. If you want to make the shaving area smooth and silky, then exfoliation may be helpful. Most people wonder can I exfoliate after shaving or before shaving. This guide will help you to provide the answer to your concerns. Find everything you need to know for an easy and smooth shaving experience.
What Does it Mean to Exfoliate Your Skin?
Exfoliating is the process that involves removing the dead skin cells from the deep surface of your skin. It uses a chemical and a granular substance that allows you to pull your hair out of the surface of your skin without damaging it. Using the best quality exfoliation tool to keep your skin smooth and silky is important.
The skin sheds off dead skin cells to promote the growth of new cells every 30 days. The dead cells don’t shed completely, which can lead to dry and damaged skin. The flaky patches and the clogged pores can make your skin look unattractive.
Benefits of Exfoliating Your Skin
Here are several benefits of exfoliating your skin:
- Exfoliating allows you to prevent all these issues with your skin and helps you to keep your skin healthy. Exfoliation helps to keep your skin looking brighter. It also improves the effectiveness of the skincare products and enhances the absorption of the products in your skin
- If you are tanned and want to get rid of your tan skin, exfoliating your skin may be the best choice. If you are wondering, Exfoliate or shave first before the tan, then we suggest you avoid shaving before exfoliating your skin
- Regular exfoliation will allow you to prevent the clogging of the pores. It will also result in fewer breakouts and will make your skin healthier
- Long-term exfoliating will help you improve collagen production in your skin. Collagen helps to make your skin vibrant and glowing
- Exfoliating provides protein to your skin which makes your skin elastic and smooth.
- You can also minimize the appearance of rashes and fine lines on your skin. It will also prevent sagging and aging of your skin
When to Exfoliate?
It is a great idea to use an acid exfoliator to achieve flawless and magical skin. It is a great idea to fit exfoliating into your skincare routine. If you are wondering when to exfoliate your skin, we have got an answer to your question. It is best to exfoliate your skin two to three times a week. Use anacid serum two to three nights a week and use a mask or peel to make your skin healthier.
Many people feel that exfoliating once a week is enough, but dermatologists say that it might not be enough for most skin types. It is important to encourage the extra and dull layer of skin cells, and this can be done effectively two to three times a week. This may be the secret to smooth and glowing skin. You can include the exfoliating routine in the morning or evening.
Should You Exfoliate Before Or After Shaving?
The dermatologists agree then exfoliating before shaving is the best choice. Gentle exfoliation can help you loosen the free edge of hair trapped under your skin. This will help you get a smoother shave and lower the likelihood of razor bumps and any kind of irritation. Razor bumps happen when the free edge of hair gets trapped inside the skin.
Before shaving, Exfoliation helps remove that top layer of excessive dead skin cells. Your razor will also make it easier to remove the hair without any trouble. Exfoliating before a shave will also reduce the time of removing your hair without the layer of any dead skin cells.
It will also prevent any blockage in your shaving. Pre-shave exfoliation is always the best option and a good idea for all parts of your body. However, use gentler exfoliation methods to remove hair from sensitive areas, like the armpits, bikini line, or face.
How To Exfoliate Properly?
If you are using a scrub or a chemical exfoliator, try to apply it gently. The best thing is to use small and circular motions for it. You can do this for about 30 seconds and rinse it with lukewarm water. When you use a brush or sponge, try and use short and light strokes. You must not exfoliate if you have a bruise, cut, or wound on your skin.
1. Exfoliate Face Before Or After Shaving
The best practice is to exfoliate before shaving instead of doing it after. You must understand that exfoliating will remove the dirt and dead skin cells beneath the skin. It helps keep your skin clean and will clear the pores as well. No doubt, it will help you achieve a cleaner shave.
2. Exfoliate Before or After Shaving Pubic Area
It will be best to use a loofah, washcloth, or an exfoliating sponge to exfoliate your skin before shaving the pubic area. As exfoliating will remove the dead skin cells, it will help you remove the hair smoothly right from the root. The pubic area is delicate, and you must know the right ways to exfoliate before and after the cleanser. If the exfoliates are harsh, they will bring a lot of harm to your pubic area.
3. Exfoliate Legs Before Or After Shave
Nowadays, people like to have their legs in perfect condition. They want to keep up with the beauty trends and practice old-age exfoliation. You will be delighted to know that exfoliating your legs is the best practice. Our legs are delicate and can get skin irritation quite easily. When you exfoliate your legs, it will keep the dead skin cells away.
It will lift the hair from hair follicles or anything blocking your way to have a smooth skin surface for shaving. There is no doubt that exfoliating your legs before a shave will be a better option. The best part is that it will prepare your skin for a finer shave.
4. Exfoliate Before or After Waxing
We have the answer if you are not sure whether you exfoliate before or after waxing. You can do both but ideally, exfoliating after the wax is a must. It will be more than enough to keep your skin at ease when you do it three times a week. It will prevent the ingrown hair and bumps that may occur if you don’t pay attention.
The best idea is to start exfoliating your skin a day or two before waxing. You need to skip the harsh scrub before your wax appointment day. With exfoliation, the wax will be able to grab hair quickly.
5. Sugar Scrub Before Or After Shaving
The answer is very simple here as you can do both. Exfoliating your skin before and after a shave will help you achieve soft and smooth skin. You will give yourself a big favour when using a sugar scrub instead of harsh shaving cream. However, if you want to go the traditional way, you can use natural shaving cream. It shouldn’t contain any toxic chemicals that can harm your skin.
The best idea is to exfoliate your skin about three to four times in one week. Your skin cells need some time to regenerate. When you use a sugar scrub, you don’t necessarily have to rinse it off, as it will remove the essential oils too. You can use the sugar scrub right after the shave, but it won’t help you get rid of dead skin cells.
6. Exfoliate or Shave First Before Tan
When it comes to shaving before tanning, make sure you shave at least 24 hours before that. You must not do it before the tan is four hours old. Make sure you shower with cold water as it will close your pores as you try a perfect exfoliate shave.
If you try to shave a little before your tanning appointment, it can be streaky. Razors can be harsh on your skin, making it hard for the tan to settle on your skin. Similarly, you can shave after the spray tan but need to keep some important factors in mind. When you apply a self-tanner, you should try to exfoliate your skin beforehand.
Conclusion
We have given a comprehensive guide on what and when to exfoliate. If you have oily skin, you can exfoliate as many times as you want. You must keep a certain routine for exfoliating for the other skin types. You can stick to a perfect skincare regime to get the best results.