Shaving: The Good, the Bad, the Exfoliation

Guys, if you shave regularly, aside from being well-groomed, you’re getting a benefit you might not have been aware of. The scraping of the blade across your skin removes dead cells and debris from the surface of the skin. That’s what’s known as exfoliation.

In case you’re wondering why exfoliation is a benefit, let’s just run through the basics regarding this skin-health essential.

1. Exfoliation removes the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal smooth, renewed skin texture.
2. Exfoliation helps keep pores from getting clogged with cellular buildup that can lead to breakouts.
3. Exfoliation aids in product penetration, so things like corrective serums can get down into the lower levels of the skin to work their magic.
4. Exfoliation creates a smoother texture reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
5. Exfoliation helps reduce the appearance of dark spots as the layers of dead skin are removed.
6. Exfoliation reduces the chances of getting an ingrown hair.

While shaving offers the benefits of mild physical exfoliation, it can also create some problems. Razor bumps, razor burns, inflammation, and ingrown hairs. That’s right, in a paradoxical twist, exfoliation helps reduce the risk of ingrown hairs, but the act of shaving increases the risk. While the razor is scraping away cellular debris, it’s also stretching the hairs from the follicle before lopping them off. If the hair is cut very short, it can then retreat under the surface of the skin where it gets trapped and causes irritation.

How can you maximize the good and avoid the bad?

1. Exfoliate before you exfoliate. Before shaving, prep the skin with a mild cleanser scrub to remove oil, dirt, and dead cells that could be matting down hair and impeding the razor’s path. You’ll get a closer shave and healthier skin.

Recommended: Mandelic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser

A favorite among men. This fresh, hydrating scrub clears cellular debris, controls acne-causing bacteria, brightens and balances skin tone, and stimulates collagen production. Mandelic Acid is antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory, which makes it an excellent choice for calming and clearing razor bumps. And because it unclogs pores, it can help to free ingrown hairs while fighting infection.

2. Swap your aftershave for a toner. Many aftershaves are overly astringent and can be harsh and drying. A well-formulated toner should have both antiseptic and hydrating qualities.

Recommended: 3% Mandelic Acid 3-In-1 Toner

This gently refining toner combines our favorite acid with soothing witch hazel and humectants to draw moisture into the skin.

3. Prime factors. Take advantage of the fact that skin primed and prepped for better penetration of transformative ingredients by applying serums after shaving and toning.

Recommended: Spin Trap Antioxidant Serum

This potent antioxidant vitamin C and E therapy is a powerful guard against age-accelerating UV damage. It’s also a brightener and collagen booster.

4. Soothe and renew. Shaving is a unique type of exfoliation in that it involves scraping rather than scrubbing. That translates to increased friction rather than increased circulation. Avoid irritation by applying a lightweight moisturizer.

Recommended: Allantoin Sedating & Hydrating Lotion

Use this natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory moisturizer to restore and revive dry, irritated or overly exfoliated skin. Richly soothing, lightly firming, perfectly non-greasy.