For a few of us, shaving our legs is a part of our common bodycare routine. It is the quickest and most reasonably priced solution to take away undesirable hair in comparison with alternate options like waxing or laser hair removing. However do you truly know how one can shave correctly? Spoiler: For those who’re continually coping with itchiness, razor burn, ingrown hairs, and nicks, the reply is probably going no. However fortunately, there are many expert-approved ideas and methods that may allow you to obtain a easy, irritation-free shave each time. Forward, board-certified dermatologists Brendan Camp and Marisa Garshick break down how one can shave your legs.

Meet the Skilled

• Brendan Camp, MD, is a double-board–licensed assistant medical professor of dermatology at Cornell New York Presbyterian Medical Heart. 
• Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Beauty Surgical procedure and a medical affiliate professor at Cornell New York Presbyterian Medical Heart.

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Dampen Your Pores and skin With Heat Water

Dampen your pores and skin with heat water earlier than shaving to assist soften the hair and open the pores. Dr. Camp recommends shaving towards the tip of your bathe as a result of the pores and skin might be extra hydrated, which suggests much less danger of pores and skin irritation. 

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Apply Shaving Cream or Gel

No matter you do, by no means dry shave. Lots of Dr. Camp’s sufferers are available in with razor burns ensuing from shaving with out cream or gel. “Shaving on dry pores and skin or with solely water could cause pores and skin irritation from the abrasive forces of the razor,” he says. A cream or gel helps the razor to glide extra simply over the pores and skin, decreasing the chance of nicks or an uneven shave. Dr. Garshick recommends Eos Shea Butter Shaving Cream ($6) or Aveeno’s Therapeutic Shave Gel with Oat for Dry Pores and skin ($4). 

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Shave within the Course of Hair Progress

Our consultants advocate shaving within the route of hair progress. Although many assume shaving in opposition to the grain might give a more in-depth, smoother shave, this will increase the chance of ingrown hairs.

By no means shave over a reduce or a wound. When you have a pores and skin an infection, shaving over the realm may gradual therapeutic or trigger the an infection to unfold and worsen, says Dr. Camp. He additionally suggests utilizing a razor with one or two blades, like Gillette SkinGuard ($20) or Hanni The Weighted Razor ($42).

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Moisturize After Shaving

When you’re achieved shaving, you’ll want to apply a moisturizer. This step is necessary as shaving can disrupt the pores and skin barrier, resulting in redness and itching if not repaired, says Dr. Camp. Dr. Garshick recommends utilizing a non-comedogenic moisturizer like Bliss Lemon and Sage Physique Butter ($24) and LANO 101 Dry Pores and skin Tremendous-Cream ($17).

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Keep away from Utilizing Harsh Merchandise Put up-Shave

In case your bodycare routine is often loaded with acidic or artificially fragranced merchandise, you may wish to chorus from utilizing them proper after shaving. These components might trigger momentary discomfort, stinging, or irritation after a recent shave.

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Rinse Your Razor

After shaving, at all times rinse your razor to take away hair and product buildup. Guaranteeing the blade is totally clear every time you shave minimizes the possibility of irritation and an infection. 

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Retailer Your Razor in a Dry Place

Dr. Garshick recommends storing your razor in a cool, dry place as this helps reduce the possibility of micro organism buildup. This additionally reduces the possibility of rust and extends the longevity of the blade. 

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Change Your Razor Blade Frequently

Dr. Garshick says not changing the razor blade continuously is the most typical shaving mistake she sees with shoppers. “When the blade turns into boring, it turns into much less efficient and in addition could also be extra more likely to contribute to ingrowns and irritation,” she says. It’s best to switch the blades after each 5 to seven shaves.