Summer is here, which means it’s time to break out the razors and get ready to bare those legs!
For men and women alike, shaving can be a necessary evil on a daily or every other day basis – especially during the summer months. Chances are that you may be sick of the razor bumps and burns and always missing certain spots!
Following are a few tips:
1) Use a gentle soap in the shower – One of my favorites is Cetaphil Restoraderm. This can be used as a body wash and used for shaving as well. Do not dry shave to save time – using your hair conditioner is better than nothing at all.
2) If you are using a specific shave gel I recommend staying away from anything with fragrance, while they may smell a little better, the risk of getting an irritating rash on your skin, or the chance of the hair follicles being irritated is greater. A few OTC products include: Neutrogena Razor Defense and Aveeno Positively Smooth.
3) Shaving should be done at the end of your shower, not the beginning. You want the hair to soften and the follicles to be open for a close shave. Don’t wait longer than 15 minutes – skin begins to prune and the desired effects will be lost.
4) Shaving at night is actually better than in the am.
5) Invest in a multi-(4-5) blade Razor, it provides the smoothest shave, less drag on the skin, and good over those tricky areas like the knees and ankles. No BICs ladies!
6) Replace your razor head every 5-7 shaves. The blades dull, bacteria accumulates, and doesn’t give you as close of a shave.
7) Do not shave on the same day as a pedicure or spray tan.
8) Shaving against the hair growth gives you the closest shave, but also the most irritation. Try shaving with the hair growth first (down the leg) and then against the hair (up the leg) as a second pass. If you have sensitive skin – shave staying with the hair shaft or use an electric razor which will help with irritation.
9) Exfoliate in the shower once a week to prevent dead skin cells from clogging the hair follicles.
10) After your shower/bath – apply a moisturizer to help repair the superficial layer of your skin – a good option is CeraVe Lotion or Cream.
11) If you are following all the ‘rules’ and still struggling, there are prescription products available to help! AND
12) If shaving is not your thing or you are sick of the above tedious routine – come see us for Laser Hair reduction!
Michelle Sitzman, PA-C
