Here's what a derm says. She currently lives in New York City. Other ingredients, such as tea tree oil and witch hazel, also have antiseptic properties that can help reduce severe acne and clear out pores filled with infected fluids that result in new pimples. Shutterstock Even if your hands don't look or feel dirty, it's always best to wash them before touching your face, according to Hu. Can A Shaving Cream Or Hair Removal Cream Make You Infertile? Welcome to WBOC News at 10. (2011). It will not only be prone to infections and acne, but will also become extremely flaky and dry. A trickier answer: "Exfoliate regularly and before waxing, but not immediately before waxing," says King. -Dont use a dull razor.A dull razor can cause razor burn, ingrown hairs, and skin irritation. "If you have oily skin and are acne-prone, then yes, you may get more clogged pores and acne breakouts if you are not washing your face regularly," she said. So there you have it! If youre more worried about avoiding razor burn, go with the grain. Shaving is an essential part of ones grooming routine. Those with dry skin, on the other hand, really need to keep an eye out on the temperature of the water and need to be extremely gentle when erasing residue from the skin before shaving. Just think about applying hot wax on raw, freshly exfoliated skin: Um, ouch. Answer: The main incentive of washing the face before shaving is to unlock its pores. Skin Cycling: Does the TikTok Trend Offer Complexion Benefits? After you shave, Dr. Bullock recommends rinsing thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of your shaving cream. But when its time to shave, youll want to cool things down a bit. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), before picking up a razor, you should wet your skin and hair to help soften it. "Body exfoliators shouldn't be used on the face. This can also lead to razor burn, ingrown hairs, and skin irritation. For your underarms, you want to go both up and down. Avoid shaving over a wart. These picks are great for dry, oily, sensitive, and mature skin. With this method you will be washing away any dirt, grime and sweat off the surface of your skin before deeply exfoliating away dead skin cells and impurities, says Holmes. If you have acne on your back, shoulders, chest, or buttocks, it's the same story. That will help prevent flakiness and dry skin. Thats even true if youre just driving in your car or going for a quick walk on an overcast day. Sign up and be the first to know about exciting offers, product updates and more from Dove and other Unilever brandsOpens in new window. Another option is to use a beard trimmer to keep the hair short and under control. Dr. Bullock says exfoliation is one of the top benefits of shaving. Don't forget to wash behind your ears either. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. ), as it helps minimize ingrowns and encourages the hairs out of the follicles as they growwhen they're trapped underneath the skin, the wax won't adhere to those hairs. She prefers exfoliators that incorporate ingredients like glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acid (which gently dissolve away dead skin cells) as they're as less aggressive than physical scrubs that rely on abrasion alone. Hair growth rate and volume is controlled from inside your body and have nothing to do with the external act of shaving. All rights reserved. Although many people think its a good idea to give the face a thorough clean up after shaving, it brings to the table a scenario that is rather unfortunate. Aftershave is best used at a certain point in your shaving routine. The germs spread throughout the face, which in turn leads to irritation. Freedom Grooming Vs Skull Shaver: Helping You Pick Between Diverse Shavers. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. After shaving, your skin becomes more sensitive, so the suns damaging rays can cause more damage than ever. Then in the morning, Noxema face wash, and a light bit of after shave. Assuming you are talking about a mans face: There is no right answer when it comes to whether you should wash your face before or after shaving. ), Ultra-hydrating formula that nourishes your skin barrier, available in unscented and neroli. But of all the ways to remove unwanted hair, the old standby remains some peoples preferred method, says dermatology resident Taylor Bullock, MD. The best face moisturizer is one that fits with your skin type. Im someone who prefers to cleanse my body of impurities before I go in with a body scrubto exfoliate, but Ive learned that not everyone agrees with my method. If you need help purchasing a product directly from Allure, go to our FAQ. This website is not directed to consumers outside of the U.S. Even if it still cuts well, a razor with impacted waste can introduce bacteria into open pores or cuts and cause an infection. "When skin is burned or irritated by skin-care ingredients, it upsets the protective acid mantle of the skin, which can lead to further skin sensitivities and even skin infection," she explained. "It's important that you don't wash your face or the skin on your body before completing your hair-wash routine," says Dr. Zubritsky. Washing your face with a gentle cleanser after shaving will help to soothe your skin and remove any irritants that may be causing razor burn or redness.3. A splash of cold water should lessen the initial redness and prevent irritation later in the day. Instead, wash your skin with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser that offers a deep clean and caters to your unique complexion. For the most part, theres no harm in putting aftershave on to disinfect or soothe your skin. Not only is the special routine time-consuming, but it also involves treatments like hair masks and exfoliators that aren't meant to be done daily. As long as you use the correct techniques and remember your aftercare, buffing that excess dead skin will lead to your silkiest shave yet. Should you shave before or after you wash your face?It turns out that the answer may depend on your skin type. -Dont shave against the grain. For a smoother shave and more effective hair removal, you typically want to shave against the grain. Taking a warm, steamy shower feels nice, but it also does wonders for softening your body hair and skin, which is necessary for a pain-free shave. Dr. Steven Daveluy, M.D., FAAD and associate professor and program director at Wayne State University dermatology, says washing before shaving helps hair absorb the water, making them easier to cut.Oil and skin cells can accumulate and washing them . These are the other body parts you don't wash enough. Now, shaving is a form of manual exfoliation in and of itself, as you're using the blade to scrape off unwanted hair from the surface of the skin, which sloughs off excess dead skin sitting on that top layer. In this article, we will be explaining the importance of washing ones face before shaving and the desirable process of washing ones face after the activity. Shower before shaving Shaving dry skin increases the risk of cuts and irritation. Of course, that doesnt mean you should skip washing your face altogether before getting into the shower. With your pores opened and cleaned, wet shaving can now get in and cut the hairs at a low spot for that smooth shave you're looking for. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our The answer to this question, however, is rather obvious. in Organizational Studies and English from the University of Michigan, and her work has appeared in Coveteur, The Chill Times, and Wyld Skincare. In short, while it isnt the worst idea to wash your face after shaving, washing the face before shaving generates a more favorable scenario for the person. However, there are a few things to, Read More Can A Shaving Cream Or Hair Removal Cream Make You Infertile?Continue, A lot of people often wonder if hotels have razors and shaving cream available for their guests. The Right Way to Use a Lip Scrub, According to a Dermatologist, What Causes Shoulder Acne? Many fragrances are made of unreported ingredients that you may be allergic to or that may cause irritation. Right after toweling off, apply a hydrating moisturizer. You should always wash your hands before washing your face. Rub the aftershave evenly onto the entire surface that youve shaved. Aftershave is any kind of liquid, oil, gel, or other substance meant to be put on your body after you shave. This will shorten the hair, and then you can do the reverse its your best solution for softer, smoother skin. Get Rid Of The Mess, Once And For All! Best practice is to exfoliate before shaving, rather than after. (Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! We avoid using tertiary references. If you notice an accumulation of gunk or waste in your razor, dont try to clean it out with a brush or other tool. The act of self-care starts before you even step into the shower, so it's important to focus on the pre-shower activities, too. Safely heal cystic acne, blackheads, pimples on the lips, and more. Vote for your favorite beauty products now! MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images / Contributor, washing your face shouldn't be part of your shower routine, risk of an allergic reaction or skin irritation, 7 things you think are good for your skin but actually aren't, Stop putting apple cider vinegar on your face, and 8 other skin care habits dermatologists wish you'd quit, 10 myths about pores you need to stop believing, 11 surprising things you didn't realize are damaging your skin. Then lather up your legs using a shaving gel or cream. Others believe that razor is only haram if it, Read More Is Razor Haram In Islam For Females?Continue, If youre like most people, you probably dont clean your electric shaver as often as you should. Try different post-shave skin care products and routines until you find something that works for your individual skin type. (Find our step-by-step guide to dry brushing here. But when it comes to shaving your pubic hair, if thats your thing, you have a decision to make. Its also a good option if you have sensitive skin.On the other hand, dry shaving can be quicker and easier, and some say it gives a closer shave. If you have sensitive skin, you should definitely wash your face before shaving to avoid irritation. Lauren Kunijo, hairstylist and co-owner of Kenna Kunijo salon in Charlotte, North Carolina, recommends brushing your hair while it's dry pre-shower to help loosen product buildup and debris before you shampoo. There is no evidence to suggest that these products have any impact on fertility. But that's not the only benefit. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may. Im someone who prefers to cleanse my body of impurities before I go in with a, to exfoliate, but Ive learned that not everyone agrees with my method. If you have normal skin, you can choose to wash your face before or after shaving, but its generally recommended that you wash your face after shaving so that you can remove any leftover shaving cream or gel. Step 3: Apply Shaving Cream. If you absolutely must choose a dry shave before you shower, follow up your routine with an epic-smelling and hydrating body wash, like AXE Black. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory pH-responsive tannic acid-carboxylated agarose composite hydrogels for wound healing. Razor can cause razor burn, ingrown hairs, and mature skin or.!: Um, ouch gel or Cream practice is to Exfoliate before shaving is to use a trimmer! 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