Follow up with a fragrance-free lotion. 1 decade ago. It usually develops the day you shave, or at most the day after. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated. Proraso Pre-Shave Cream Review: Ultimate Comfort? After rubbing your face for a couple of minutes, let the product set for a minute or two. Since the dry dead cells are removed, the mask provides maximum benefit to the newer younger cells beneath. Many body scrubs work to exfoliate your skin without stripping it of essential moisture, which is another reason why I like to use it after I cleanse. I exfoliate before. I'm the co-owner of B&B. NEW PRODUCT Original Bamboo Razor . Exfoliants moisturize and cleanse better than regular bar soap. After shaving, avoid putting anything on your face that could be irritating (such as toners, retinoids, or alpha or beta hydroxy acids), and instead soothe and hydrate the skin with a plain, unscented moisturizer or hyaluronic acid serum. When your hair follicles are exposed, your razor can get that much closer to your skin, giving you a ridiculously smooth shave. Shaving takes off layers of skin so I'd do it first then exfoliate. If you exfoliate afterward it can cause irritation to your legs which have become sensitive after shaving. Why Exfoliating Before Shaving Is Better Than Afterwards, Shave Brush Exfoliation Benefits Largely Disappear If You Exfoliate, You MUST Moisturize After You Exfoliate And Shave, One Last Reminder About Exfoliation Before Shaving, An In-Depth Look at the Oars + Alps Lineup. After you’ve wiped away your makeup, the next step is mechanical exfoliation. Have a light hand- Don’t press too hard on your skin when you shave. In other words, your skin may burn and likely become inflamed if you use a physical exfoliator after shaving. Dermatologists recommend that you start exfoliating at least 1 to 2 times weekly, but if you also shave daily, exfoliation is an important step for skin care that you don’t want to miss. What to Expect from Shaving Your Face . Hot water and steam is a great start to soften the hair, but a good pre-shave exfoliation will make sure that you’re getting the closest shave possible. If you are hesitant about shaving, just exfoliate. I used to do it after, too, but I got lazy and it doesn't seem to make a difference. Now that you know how to exfoliate (and whether to exfoliate before or after shaving), enjoy your painless shaves and your vibrant, unblemished skin. It'll give the product a chance to break down all that dead-skin and dirt. A gentle face exfoliant is the best way to start scrubbing away dead skin cells, but if you want brighter skin, there are exfoliator devices for soft, luminous skin. He is an expert in all things men's grooming related. Duisend-poot. Do not exfoliate immediately after shaving, as skin will be more sensitive than it typically is. Dr. Sal revealed, "Those tiny hairs aka peach fuzz should come off with regular exfoliation [anyway]. Tips for Better Skin. The most important question is, should I exfoliate before or after shaving? You've probably been shaving since before you had a reason to (what exactly was the rush again back in fifth grade?). Exfoliating before steaming helps get rid of all the dead skin cells that could already be removed. wear loose underwear after shaving, and loose pants. This will ensure that you get better results from your peel. Go with the grain and apply light pressure. When you apply a shave cream with your hands, you often find yourself patting down the hairs on your face. One approach to shed is to utilize a face clean to buff away oil, soil, and old cells that may be tangling down facial hair and hindering your razor's way. Typically a nickel-sized portion should do, and since your face is a sensitive area, it's best to rub it in, using your hands and fingertips. Exfoliating after you shave just simply won’t deliver as good as results should you exfoliate beforehand. They usually say. The answer is yes, to both. For many, gently exfoliating again on the next nonshave day is acceptable. So before your next scrub sesh, check out these dermatologist’s tips how exactly to exfoliate your face and body without harming your skin. This will allow you to skip prep in the morning. One way to exfoliate is to use a face scrub to buff away oil, dirt, and old cells that might be matting down facial hair and blocking your razor's path. When you exfoliate before shaving, you not only scrub away dead skin cells, you unclog your pores and expose your hair follicles. If a person exfoliates before shaving, there is no real need to seriously exfoliate directly after shaving, but the area should be thoroughly dried with a towel. exfoliate the skin before shaving. "It definitely exfoliates your face when you shave," says dermatologist Dr. Michael Swann. Not only will this likely give you poorer results, but they are also incredibly bad for the environment (source). Common AHAs include glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids. She claims that shaving the peach fuzz on your face is good for scars, helps exfoliate, and has anti-aging benefits. Benjamin assured me it … Lets not forget, when you shave, you are dragging a sharp metal blade across the surface of your skin. Before-steam opens up your pores and if you exfoliate after, you risk pushing any bacteria or dirt further into your open pores. Sunbed for 24hours before or after your hair ... Shaving is a great way to exfoliate, especially on the face. Read more: Homemade Exfoliating Face Scrub However, dermatologists say that acne and razor bumps may come from not knowing when to time this part of your routine. If you don’t exfoliate enough, you won’t see results. So please, exfoliate and shave responsibly. Exfoliating pushes dirt and dead skin out of the way, which allows the razor to glide more smoothly over the skin.” Additionally, exfoliating … Rinse well before you start to shave. Be sure not to go around your eyes as this area of your skin is much more fragile compared to the rest of your face. It should only be a few centimeters long so you can exfoliate the skin underneath. If you are shaving for the purpose of exfoliation, Dr. Sal suggests limiting shaving your face to once a week, but less intense methods of exfoliation can be used more often. How To Exfoliate Your Face For The Best Shave EVER! By doing it first, the steam will open up your pores and any dirt that got pushed into your pores will be released. Combining dermaplaning with a chemical peel straight after will enable your skin to more deeply absorb the chemicals placed on it. While many may think that washing with ice cold water is necessary to finish off the exfoliation process, that’s just not true, especially if you plan on shaving afterwards. It can also work … But the act of shaving itself also exfoliates dead skin cells. Use an electric pre-shave lotion. Sources did agree that you should not exfoliate too soon after shaving. 2. You shouldn't exfoliate before or after shaving, as when you shave it removes the hair but it also removes some of your skins cells, which is what happens when you exfoliate so your skin will be sentive after shaving and if you exfoliate before shaving, your skin will be too sentive to shave. By doing it first, the steam will open up your pores and any dirt that got pushed into your pores will be released. A Detailed Overview, Apply about a dime sized amount and spread between both your index and middle finger and rub. His work has been mentioned on countless sites including The Wall Street Journal, NBC, AskMen, Vice, WikiHow, and the New York Times. That’s why we wanted to dedicate this short article letting you know just why it’s so important to follow a skin care and shaving regimen in the right order. You should follow our guide to exfoliating your beard for the best results. If You Thought This Was Good, Then Join Our Newsletter. Whether you go with a AHA or BHA, the steps are going to be identical, and they are as follows: While many may think that washing with ice cold water is necessary to finish off the exfoliation process, that’s just not true, especially if you plan on shaving afterwards. The best way to exfoliate is to use a bit of your scrub and some lukewarm water. Should You Exfoliate Before or After Shaving Your Beard? Plus if you nick yourself while shaving exfoliating afterward hurts like crazy. While the word chemical may sound scary, it’s actually considered be a much less abrasive than physical exfoliation (covered above). However, Dr. Nazarian believes in waiting a little bit longer, "The face can be shaved as often as every two weeks. Before. Here’s what the experts say you should do to avoid ingrown hairs and pimples after shaving. Even more so if your razor nicked your skin or produced an ultra-close shave. In this event, you can exfoliate before you shave for better results, but even in-between shaves you can exfoliate a couple of times. Most do it once a month." And finally, we show you the best way to exfoliate your face when you have a beard, and how to exfoliate if you want to encourage beard growth. Should I Exfoliate Before or After Shaving? In addition, those who deal with acne on a regular basis may discover an uptick in acne production as your skin is trying to overcompensate in oil production even though you are clearing out the oils. It really just comes down to discipline and regular application of a moisturizer. Cleansing directly afterwards would wash the exfoliant from your skin before it has a chance to work. Maybe it was from the days when we butchered meats in the caveman days, or perhaps when we used to shower with really crummy bars of soap, whatever the reason, the general rule remains for skin care products – don’t overdo it. Apply completely evenly through your face (many may be applied via wipes as opposed to a liquid solution). Enjoy the benefits of exfoliation without irritating your complexion. I'm passionate about people looking their best and love sharing everything I've learned. No matter what part of your body you're shaving – face, legs, bikini area – you run the risk of developing razor burn. Assuming you already have an exfoliator in hand (if not, check out our roundup of the best exfoliators for men), you will want to make sure that you cleanse your skin first. Before-steam opens up your pores and if you exfoliate after, you risk pushing any bacteria or dirt further into your open pores. Not only is it best to shave after taking a shower, it's also good to splash your face a few times with warm water before shaving. Just don’t overdo it. Sure, washing your face in the shower saves time but it can also do more harm than good – like, clogging pores with other products (gross) or drying out skin with hot water (ouch). But before we go too far into the weeds regarding exfoliation, we want to make sure that we cover the bases on exfoliating process…. I always exfoliate before shaving legs. In a nutshell, scrubs are highly effective, deep cleansing washes that exfoliate to remove dead skin and excess oils. Exfoliation and your beard Slough away the surface layer of the skin with your exfoliant tool of choice. Shaving Can Exfoliate the Skin…. This mild form of exfoliation may be just the cure if you have severely sensitive skin. While you should always exfoliate before shaving your face, there is a lot more going on than just this simple answer. This stimulates your skin, opens up your pores, softens the hairs and makes it easier for the razor to make contact [source: WebMD]. Use a small amount once or twice per week after you wash your face and before shaving for best results. 1. He started this site with the goal of teaching men proper grooming habits and sensible style. Home » Grooming » Exfoliate Before or After Shaving? Birchbox Review: A Subscription Box Worth Renewing? The best thing to use on your skin after shaving is an after shave lotion that will protect your face against razor bumps and irritation. Should I use an exfoliator before or after cleansing? “If you start with a body wash and follow with the scrub, the advantage is that you will leave behind the moisturizing base of the scrub on your skin by not washing it off,” says Dr. King. Rinse well before you start to shave. The entire process shouldn’t take longer than a couple of minutes. Made with ¼ … Whereas when you use a shave brush, it will help your hairs and make them stand upright – allowing for a much cleaner cut. 0 0. You should absolutely use an exfoliator after cleansing and never before. I don’t know what it is about us guys, but for some reason its ingrained into our DNA that to get THE BEST results we need to scrub as hard as possible and generate as much bubbles as possible. Using the best face soap for men is a great way to remove much of the grime and yesterdays pollutants from the surface of your skin…. Plus, the best time to exfoliate your face is at night before bed. Exfoliation at this time may consist of merely drying the area with a dry towel, rubbing and patting the newly-shaved area gently. Before! Now, here’s where things get more interesting: When you shave, be it with a cartridge or safety razor, you are essentially doing another exfoliation on your skin. By shaving before you exfoliate, you actually prepare your hair by lifting it up slightly to be removed by your razor, making it easier to capture the hair for a closer shave. I like to do it before so that I can remove extra dead skin and dirt before taking a razor to my skin, plus it rubs all the hairs up so they're easier to remove--you know how … While many DIYers suggest using razors at home, it would appear that the safest and most efficacious route is to undergo dermaplaning at your local physician’s office. Although you should be using these daily even if you weren’t exfoliating, we cannot stress enough the importance of these products into your regimen. If you have a thick, full beard, you still want to exfoliate your skin before shaving. If you exfoliate and shave, you will need to make sure that moisture gets to your skin one way or another. Just don’t overdo it. Please check your email for further instructions. "Every few weeks, she grabs an eyebrow shaver and glides it down her entire face. The catch is that learning how to do something properly is only the first part of exfoliate well. The best thing to do after shaving is to pat your smooth face dry and remove any stray hairs carefully, then apply a top after shave cream to moisturize and protect your face. If you don’t wash your face … So exfoliate first, then mask. I live in Guilford, Connecticut and I've been obsessed with bald & beard styles & trends for over 20 years.. Exfoliate Before or After Shaving? After exfoliating with a face wash, shave your face and rinse with cool water to close pores and soothe the skin. When it comes to shaving your face, removing hair is not the only thing you have to worry about. This little tool, when used regularly will help to increase the comfort of any shave. Now plenty of men like to keep with a medium to thick stubble look and may only find themselves shaving once or twice a week. How Often Should I Exfoliate? But the act of shaving itself also exfoliates dead skin cells. There are facials that shave or scrape the face with a thing like a straight razor. Should I exfoliate and use a face mask together? The area is naturally sensitive, so make sure to not over-exfoliate by scrubbing the mixture too hard on your skin. That’s because, as Gallo explains, “Exfoliating removes dirt and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, which keeps your skin clean, unclogs your pores and helps you achieve a closer shave. …after all, technique and product selection are EVERYTHING when it comes to exfoliating. Therefore, you will want to use an exfoliator that relies on salicylic acid as it will dissolve the oil and go straight into the pores and remove the dead skin cells. A great face scrub can bring out your inner radiance and even your skin tone. Post-shave, you’ll want to apply a hydrating, soothing moisturizer to keep dry skin at bay. It is a process where one of the biggest benefits for the bristly among us is that exfoliating makes shaving a breeze. Bald & Beards is a site for those who want to learn all about beards, hair loss, grooming, style, trends and complimentary products. The answer to that is exfoliation helps when attempted before shaving. If questioning whether you can shave and exfoliate the same day, you absolutely can. That’s because, as Gallo explains, “Exfoliating removes dirt and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, which keeps your skin clean, unclogs your pores and helps you achieve a closer shave. The best time for a dry shave would be in the morning, right before taking a shower. Exfoliation is an integral part of a proper skincare routine, but if you are afraid to shave your face, don't worry because shaving is certainly not the only way to do it. Shaving Products for Men. Exfoliation is one of those steps. Washing and prepping your face with warm water before shaving can also help prevent acne breakouts and razor burn. Learning how to exfoliate properly is a process of learning the steps. Exfoliation should be a part of any man’s comprehensive skin care routine. It can cause an itchy, tender rash that can be accompanied by small red bumps, a burning sensation, and irritation. Well our skin is much more rugged and thicker than that of a woman’s. trust me its happened to me. In fact, you should only exfoliate a few times a week at most. One of my favorite body scrubs is the If you’ve wondered whether it’s better to apply a face mask before or after your shower, you’ve likely seen conflicting information online. To repair your skin after a shave, you must try Natural Aloe Vera Leaf Gel, made with 100% Pure Manuka Honey. Royal shave explains how. But like any induction of a new skin care product, it’s important that you follow some of the loosely defined rules that skin care experts recommend for best results. When you sign up for our email list, you will receive actionable advice on how make your grooming and style regimen even better. Not only can exfoliating prior to shaving help you get a closer shave and, in turn, smoother skin, it can also help prevent ingrown hairs. This could leave the skin red and painful, as well as vulnerable to sun damage if you're shaving your bikini line for a day at the beach or pool. “If you start with a body wash and follow with the scrub, the advantage is that you will leave behind the moisturizing base of the scrub on your skin by not washing it off,” says Dr. King. Remember, we were just saying that you should only exfoliate a few times per week. If you already exfoliated after shaving and you experience burning, we recommend using an after shave lotion with aloe vera. So, what does it mean to exfoliate? You don’t need to do a super scrub exfoliant or charcoal mask after freshly shaving. So when do you exfoliate before or after shaving? Exfoliating too often leads to redness, Now one of the things we often preach here on Tools of Men are the benefits of using a shave brush. When your hairs lie flat, it makes it MUCH harder for the razor blade to get a clean cut on the whisker, ultimately requiring many more passes of the blade. A final option for those determining whether to exfoliate before or after cleansing is to use both mechanical and chemical exfoliation. Buy More & Save Original Shave Gel . This prevents further clogging of the pores as the pores could dilate with heat. The badger brush bristles, especially those found on the silvertip badger hair brush, are key at knocking dirt free that is stuck at the base of your whiskers. In short AHA (alpha-hydroxyacids) should be used for men with normal, dry, sensitive, and sun damaged skin types. Exfoliating pushes dirt and dead skin out of the way, which allows the razor to glide more smoothly over the skin.” Additionally, exfoliating before … In reality, your first concern should be removing oil, dirt and debris underneath your skin. You will want to make sure you get your T-zone (forehead and nose), cheeks, and chin area. 0 0. itgirl23. Why Exfoliating Before Shaving Is Better Than Afterwards Lather up using shaving gel and brush. Alright, before we wrap things up when talking about the exfoliating and shave process, I just want to leave you with this last tidbit…. The biggest risk would be to your wallet, as you'd be wasting money by adopting this skincare strategy. Lv 7. You should follow our guide to exfoliating your beard for the … If you shave your legs, bikini line, armpits (or anywhere else), read on for things you should never ever do before or after shaving. £12.00. Exfoliation after Shaving. Additionally, when you exfoliate pre-shave, your shaving cream or shave butter can absorb into your skin and provide smooth protection against razor burn and bumps. To being with the exfoliating process, you are going to want to get an exfoliator that was designed for a man’s skin. The best way to exfoliate the public region is to first trim down your pubic hair if necessary. Absolutely. Furthermore, when you exfoliate regularly, it will help you appear a bit more younger and help to diminish any fine lines and wrinkles (especially for those fine ones that might be appearing around your mouth). Find out whether it's best to exfoliate before, during, or after cleansing your face. Finally, exfoliate with a scrub the night before you shave. In fact, there is a proper order for exfoliation and hair removal, and we’re sharing it with you. So, if you find yourself searching ‘do you exfoliate before or after shaving?’, ‘should I prep my skin before I shave?’ or ‘how can I care for my skin afterwards?’ – here are our best tips for softer, smoother skin. Style, Fashion, Grooming Advice and Reviews for Men, Last Updated on December 26, 2020 by Shawn Burns. Shaving to exfoliate the skin is clinically known as dermaplaning, and involves using a straight-edged scalpel blade to remove excess dead skin cells. I would exfoliate the day after you have shaven. One of the most important parts of your pre-shave prep is exfoliation, which helps to buff and prepare your skin. Buy More & Save Original Aftershave Balm . Used to generate a thick and rich lather from some of the best shaving creams on the market, shave brushes are extremely underrated. Therefore, what you may not have cleaned out through a mild exfoliation has likely been removed with your razor. Opposite of AHA is BHAs (or beta-hydroxyacids). This could leave the skin red and painful, as well as vulnerable to sun damage if you're shaving your bikini line for a day at the beach or pool. Applying lotion, while not part of the exfoliation process, soothes the skin and prevent razor burn. Plus, the best time to exfoliate your face is at night before bed. After rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water, apply a hydrating serum or your regular moisturizer. Tools of Men is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Being that exfoliating will get deep within your pores to clear out all the gunk, it only seems logical that you should be doing this after you are finished shaving…right? The best thing to do after shaving is to pat your smooth face dry and remove any stray hairs carefully, then apply a top after shave cream to moisturize and protect your face. I exfoliate before. Shawn is the founder and senior editor at Tools of Men, the leading style and grooming source trusted by men in 187 countries. Spoiler: It starts with a good exfoliating product. A representative for Walker & Company Brands, makers of the Bevel line of shaving products, notes that immediately after shaving, the skin is more sensitive so another form of physical or chemical exfoliation isn’t needed. You can do this by splashing your face with cold water to shock them into closing, before applying moisturiser, which is the final step to achieving a smooth shave. Shaving is just another way to exfoliate. Best practice is to exfoliate before shaving, rather than after. Thanks for subscribing! I used to do it after, too, but I got lazy and it doesn't seem to make a difference. If you’re doing everything right with your shaving routine, then you won’t have any difficulties getting a smooth result. Questions like, “Should I exfoliate before or after I shave?” and “Do I exfoliate before or after waxing?” may be popping into your head—and it’s a totally valid thing to ask. If you’re using a physical exfoliant, start by washing your face with your regular cleanser (make sure it is mild) before applying the scrub. The best practice, therefore, is that you should learn to exfoliate your skin before shaving it so that you will not experience irritation. If you want healthier skin when shaving, checkout the Best Exfoliants now. July 14, 2015 . This way, you can follow-up with a hydrating night cream and let all that delish moisture soak on in. Splash your face with warm water before you exfoliate to open up your pores, then use cold water post shave to close your pores or pick a top after shave for more moisture and protection. Should You Exfoliate Before Or After Shaving? Yet, the demonstration of shaving itself additionally peels dead skin cells. After exfoliating, make sure you apply a high-quality shaving cream to prep your skin and hair before shaving. Make sure you thoroughly cleanse your skin first because steaming and exfoliating can be fatal for your skin if there's any dirt left over! Exfoliate the skin (need help with how to do) Apply coconut oil as pre shave oil. Also, if you have cleaned your razor with water make sure it is completely dry before using it. You also need to figure out when the best time is to actually exfoliate. Therefore, we should be using products that are geared for us. You need to close your pores after shaving, not open them. There are steps we can take to help our clay masks reach their maximum potential. You’ll use a loofah, washcloth, or exfoliating sponge to gently scrub. Lastly, you shouldn’t exfoliate before every shave. On the other hand, exfoliating after shaving is not the best answer given that your skin will be sensitive when it is freshly shaved. When you exfoliate prior to shaving, you are effectively clearing out all the bacteria and germs that would likely lead to irritation post-shave. Then we answer questions about shaving - whether it’s better to exfoliate before or after you shave.