Shaving hasn't changed much since women began the daily practice, and most of us haven't given much thought to our shaving technique since we were teenagers, so now is a perfect time to take a fresh look at your shaving routine.
The first step to a more evolved shave is to lose the soap. Soap dries your skin, can clog your razor, and it doesn't create a protective layer between you and the razor. Instead, lather up with a moisturizing shaving cream or gel that will lift the hairs and protect your skin. Here are a few more tips to help you achieve a cleaner, closer shave:
Prepare Your Skin
Allow the moisture and heat of the shower to soften your hair for a few minutes and then wash and exfoliate the areas you will be shaving. Exfoliating removes the layer of dead cells that can clog your razor and prevent a close shave. Apply shaving cream or gel in the opposite direction as the hair growth to lift the hair and expose more of it to the razor. If you have sensitive skin, try a shaving cream or gel with soothing vitamin E or aloe; for dry skin, choose one that contains glycerin and panthenol.
Shave with Care
Always use a razor with at least three blades, which will reduce the number of strokes necessary to remove all the hair, and be sure to change the cartridge every five shaves.
Baby Your Skin
Don't forget to apply a rich moisturizer after shaving, especially to your legs which don't have many oil glands and are prone to dryness. Don't apply deodorant or antiperspirant to your underarms for half an hour after shaving as the chemicals in both products can irritate and sting freshly-shaved skin.
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