Shaving irritations are a common concern, including ingrown hairs, razor burn and redness. These can be both unattractive and uncomfortable. If you have sensitive skin, shaving may be especially problematic. A smart shaving strategy can reduce irritation and eliminate some of these skin problems, whether you are shaving your legs, underarms or bikini line.
Step 1
Spend a few minutes in the shower or bathtub before shaving. Allow the hot water to soften the hair by shaving near the end of your shower or bath.
Step 2
Exfoliate the skin lightly with a loofah or a gentle exfoliating scrub. Avoid harsh products. Choose a scrub or loofah appropriate for your skin type and where you are shaving.
Step 3
Apply a moisturizing shaving cream or gel to the skin and hair. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be rather generous with your shaving product for a smooth shave that will not cause ingrown hairs.
Step 4
Shave in the direction of hair growth to avoid razor burn. Apply even pressure to the razor, but not excessive. Try not to shave the same area more than once.
Step 5
Apply an alcohol-free aloe vera gel to the skin after shaving to soothe irritated skin without clogging pores or contributing to irritation and razor burn.
Warnings
- Shaving against the grain produces a much smoother and closer shave; however, it is also significantly more likely to cause razor burn and irritation.
Photo Credit
- razor image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
