Do You Exfoliate Before or After Shaving? A Perfect Shaving Guide (2024)

Have you ever wondered, “Do you exfoliate before or after shaving?” I have and in my experience, this simple step can make all the difference between smooth skin and irritation like razor burn or ingrown hairs. Exfoliation before shaving ensures that dead skin cells are lifted away from their overlying skin surface so you can have a closer shave and a smoother and gentler experience.

This blog will discuss why exfoliating beforehand can yield the smoothest shave and why it matters in a skincare routine. Whether you're dealing with dry or sensitive skin, or just want that touchable skin, we will cover all that you should look out for.

What Exactly Is Exfoliation and Its Importance?

Exfoliation is a process of removing dead skin cells from the outermost layer of the skin, called the stratum corneum. The skin naturally sheds the skin cells, but at times they may build up and lead to a dull skin surface, blockage of pores, and an irregular skin texture.

All this can clog your razor because of shaving and make the shave less smooth, which could lead to razor burn or ingrown hairs. Exfoliating before shaving effectively sweeps away the skin's dead surface layer of skin and allows for the blade to get in much more closely to the hair without irritation. This not only enhances the shaving process but also leads to healthier, more radiant, and smoother skin.

When Do You Exfoliate: Before or After Shaving?

The short answer is that you should exfoliate before shaving. Here’s why:

• Removal of Dead Skin Cells: Exfoliation removes the dead top layer of cells clogging up your razor, which can hinder contact with the close-growing hairs. It allows for a smoother glide on the skin.
• Prevents Ingrown Hairs: Ingrown hairs are caused primarily by dead skin trapping the hair beneath the surface of the skin. The hair finds a way to grow outwards because exfoliation clears the path in which it can do so.
• Prepares the skin for shaving: Exfoliating before shaving elevates the hair and cleans the skin of detritus so that the shaving cream is more effective in putting up a barrier between your skin and the razor.
• Smoother Shave: By removing buildup on the skin surface, you allow your razor to get as close as possible to the hair, resulting in a smoother shave and soft skin. This helps to avoid the razor bumps that are associated with using a lot of pressure or with a blunt razor blade.

How to Exfoliate Properly Before Shaving

To get the best results from exfoliation, it’s essential to follow the right steps. Here’s a quick guide to incorporating exfoliation into your pre-shave routine:

Use the right type of exfoliator

Exfoliants are primarily divided into two types: physical exfoliators and chemical exfoliants.

• Physical exfoliants are used as scrubs or tools, such as a body scrub exfoliating washcloth or glove, and work by literally removing the dead skin cells from the face. This is great for areas like your legs and arms where skin can handle a little more abrasion
• Chemical exfoliants use active ingredients, generally including glycolic or salicylic acid, which work by dissolving dead skin without actually scrubbing. These prove very effective for sensitive regions, such as the face or bikini line, where gentle exfoliation must be employed to avoid irritation.

During full-body routines, you might use body scrub for your legs and arms, while saving a chemical exfoliant for more sensitive skin types. Always make sure to choose an exfoliator that works well with your skin type and won't irritate it.

Exfoliate in the Shower

The best time for exfoliating is in the shower. The warm water opens your pores, softens your hair, and gets your skin ready for both exfoliation and shaving. Use lukewarm rather than hot water to avoid drying your skin out. Rub your exfoliator onto your skin in circular motions to correctly remove the layer of dead skin. Try not to press too hard, since that may be an irritant to the skin, most of all with the process of shaving afterwards.

Focus on Problem Areas

This is highly effective for areas that are prone, such as the bikini line or underarms. Because of this, gently exfoliate them to avoid trapped hair and razor bumps.

Rinse Thoroughly

Finally, after scrubbing or exfoliating, wash off your skin with lukewarm water to remove the scrubbing particles or exfoliating product remaining on the skin. This clears the skin of any residues that might interfere with the shaving cream and makes shaving much easier.

Shaving Tips for the Smoothest Skin

After exfoliating your skin, you’re ready to shave. To get the smoothest, irritation-free results, follow these steps:

1. Use a High-Quality Razor
   A good clean shave can never be effectively done without a good quality razor. The razor should be sharp and clean. Dull blades can eventually lead to irritation, cuts, and even pulling on the hair to cause discomfort.
2. Use Shaving Gel or Cream
   Always shave with a gel, cream, or oil to provide a barrier between the skin and the razor. This will prevent razor burn and allow the razor to glide over the skin without tug or pull. Look for products that contain soothing agents such as aloe vera and chamomile, some of the most well-known anti-irritant agents.
3. Shave in the Direction of Hair Growth
   While it’s tempting to shave against the grain for a closer shave, this can increase the risk of ingrown hairs and irritation. Always shave in the direction of hair growth for the least irritation, especially in sensitive areas.
4. Rinse the Razor Often
   While shaving, rinse the razor often to avoid it getting clogged with hair and dead skin cells. This keeps the blade sharp and reduces the chance of nicks and cuts.
5. Moisturize After Shaving

Post-shave care is as important as exfoliation. Shaving opens up your skin, so moisturizing right away helps lock in hydration and will keep your skin from drying out. Go for a fragrance-free moisturizer that is light and only hydrates, without irritating freshly shaved skin.

Importance of a Skin Exfoliation Routine

Exfoliating regularly is important, not only to get an even shave but also to make sure the skin is healthy. Exfoliating 2-3 times a week will help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, and with cell turnover, this shows up as a brighter complexion. However, it’s important to tailor your routine to your specific skin type.

• Sensitive skin: Stick to chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid or glycolic acid, and avoid harsh scrubs that could irritate your skin.
• Dry skin: Exfoliation is still important, but be sure to follow it up with a rich moisturizer to restore lost hydration.
• Oily or combination skin: You can usually handle more frequent exfoliation, but avoid over-exfoliating, which can lead to irritation and cause the skin to produce more oil.

Special Considerations from Dermatologists

According to board-certified dermatologist, Dr melissa Piliang at the Cleveland Clinic emphasizes the importance of a gentle exfoliation routine tailored to your skin type. Exfoliation before shaving is ideal because it ensures you’re working on a clean slate, free from dead skin buildup.

As Dr. Piliang says, regular exfoliation can also make body hair less prominent. It keeps the hair growing out and never buried under the skin's surface. Plus, if you have razor bumps or ingrown hairs, it cuts down the incidence of these significantly with a good, regular exfoliation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Exfoliating Too Often: Exfoliating too much just strips the skin of its natural oils. Doing it more than necessary may lead to irritated skin, dryness, and even breakouts. Don't exfoliate more than 2 to 3 times per week, based on skin type.
2. Dry Shaving: Never skip out on the shaving cream or gel. Dry shaving causes friction and results in nicks, cuts, and razor burns.
3. Applying Too Much Pressure: Try not to bear down too hard while exfoliating or shaving, as that can lead to irritation and inflammation. Allow the exfoliator and razor to do their work, while you are soft and delicate, especially on sensitive areas of the skin.

Conclusion:

The secret to soft, smooth skin starts with the skincare routine, in which exfoliation is one of the main contributors. This means exfoliating before shaving makes your skin ready for a smooth, irritation-free shave that results in the smoothest possible skin. Exfoliation prevents ingrown hairs and allows the razor to slide with ease across the surface of the skin for an ultimately smooth shave.

So, next time you get ready for shaving, remember to exfoliate your skin before and moisturize it afterward to enjoy smooth and silky skin for a longer time.