Shaving and hair removal are a common source of aggravation for both men and women. There are many different challenges that are posed when shaving. For many women, putting up with the pain of waxing and paying for costly waxing at a spa is not sustainable. There are also a lot of comfort issues when it comes to finding the proper hair removal method for your body, such as ingrown hairs chafing, and razor burn.

Luckily, we have some shaving tips for smooth skin that may help:

1. Time of day
The best time to shave is in the evening. Generally speaking it is better to shave your body hair before you go to sleep but if you’re short on time and getting ready in the morning you should shave after your shower just be sure to moisturize the area to prevent sweat and dirt from accumulating.

2. Shaving pressure
Apply gentle pressures to reduce irritation and skin reaction and avoid excessive force. It is preferable to shave with the grain but many shave their legs in the upward direction. However, you should never slide the razor across your skin. Many people sit down in the bathtub and bend their knees to stretch out your skin and get a smoother shave.

3. Shaving creams and oils
It is advisable to use warm water and a pre-shave oil, cream or shaving gel to prep the skin and hair for shaving. After applying a layer of shaving cream wait 5 minutes to let the shaving cream penetrate your skin for extra softening. It is important to be patient and take your time while shaving to prevent damage from swift movements. Afterwards, rinse newly shaved skin with warm water and then pat it dry with a clean, soft towel.

4. Type of razor
Make sure to use a high quality razor and pick one that has a moisture strip. A straight razor offers a good shave while a safety razor is cheaper over the long run because replacement blades have a high cost. You may also consider disposable razors but do not use them for more than 3 shaves. A single blade should work fine but some prefer a razor with 3 or 5 blades. Most importantly, make sure to take care of your razor over time. Blades will dull after a few uses. A dull razor is the most common cause of irritation so disposable razors may be your best option.

5. Exfoliation
Make sure to exfoliate before shaving to help get rid of dead skin cells. Only exfoliate once a week. Overdoing it can irritate sensitive skin especially in the winter months.You can use a face cleansing brush and you can use sugar to exfoliate your legs and body. A shaving brush acts as an exfoliator to help remove dead skin cells and distributes the cream into hair follicles for an easier shave. It helps raise the hair for the closest cut possible and helps create a rich creamy lather. Use a shaving gel or cream to make the skin’s surface as smooth as possible before the shave.

6. How to treat or prevent razor burn
Shaving can remove up to two fine layers of your skin. The best aftershave moisturiser replaces lost moisture and refreshes the skin by reducing the burning sensation. Use razors that are equipped with aloe strips for more protection from razor burn. After your finished shaving, you can treat the irritation with after-shave solutions like gel, honey, baby oil, or aloe vera. Shaving the same spot multiple times can result in cuts and razor burn.