Are you tired of shaving your legs? Do you suffer from ingrown hair, irritation, and/or razor burn? The following tips may help you in your journey to the perfect shave.
Exfoliate: Want a seriously close shave? Exfoliate first with a scrub. For your legs, choose a sugar scrub: it’s strong enough to get the job done, leaving skin and body hair ready for a smooth shave.
Soften your follicles: Resist the urge for a super steamy shower: keep water warm, not hot, which dries out skin. Instead of lathering up with hand soap, choose a body wash that will quench skin. Take your time—let your pores open up for a few minutes before breaking out the razor and shaving cream.
Getting a Smooth Shave: You can exfoliate, scrub, and moisturize but it will be of little consequence if you use a bad razor. Using the right razor will make all the difference. Skip the dollar store disposables and choose a razor with at least three blades… and throw it away after a few uses. How do you know it’s time for a new blade? A good razor should glide smoothly and effortlessly along your skin, especially after you’ve exfoliated and applied shaving gel. If you feel like you have to push down to get a smooth shave, it’s time for a new razor.
Prevent Ingrown hairs: Exfoliating before shaving is the first step to preventing ingrown hairs, but it might not get the job done if you’re prone to them. Cortisone cream will help treat irritation and ingrown hair that already exist. If you have sensitive skin, make it a habit to use a product specially formulated to prevent ingrown hairs right after shaving.
Moisturize: The best way to lock in moisture is to lotion up right after the shower while your skin is still damp—it’ll trap and seal in the moisture already on your skin. Next, air dry for a few minutes, letting the lotion sink in. It may feel a little slimy going on, but you’ll notice difference all day: your skin will look healthier and feel softer.