Exfoliate before or after shaving? Your ultimate guide to silky smooth skin

Woman with smooth exfoliated hairless legs going for a bike ride

You’re on a mission for soft, glowing skin, and you’ve heard all about the benefits of exfoliation—but the question remains: do you exfoliate before or after shaving? And what about waxing—should exfoliation come before, after, or not at all? Don’t worry, we’re here to break down the timing, techniques, and top tips to help you get the silkiest, smoothest skin possible. Plus, we’ll share how to seamlessly fit body scrubs into your routine for that extra glow. Ready to take your skin game to the next level? Let’s jump in!

The great debate: Do you exfoliate before or after shaving?

The answer to the exfoliate before or after shaving question is quite simple—always exfoliate before shaving. Here’s why:

1. Exfoliation preps your skin for hair removal

Exfoliating before you shave removes dead skin cells, which helps to prevent razors from getting clogged and ensures a closer shave.

2. Exfoliations help prevent ingrown hairs

By exfoliating first, you lift the hairs away from the skin, which reduces the risk of ingrown hairs.

3. Exfoliation gives smoother shave results

Exfoliation helps to create a smooth surface. This allows your razor to glide effortlessly and leave your skin silky-soft.

Next time you reach for your razor, remember to grab your favorite BELOVED body scrub first. These vegan body scrubs are formulated without parabens and sulfates, making it the perfect prep step for your shaving routine.

coconut & warm vanilla body scrub

Body Scrub

The waxing conundrum: When should I exfoliate after waxing?

If you’re a waxer, you may be wondering where exfoliation fits into your routine. The key is all about timing. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Wait it out

After you wax, your skin is more sensitive and prone to irritation. It’s best to wait 24-48 hours before you exfoliate to allow your skin to calm.

2. Be gentle

When you do exfoliate, go for a gentle scrub to avoid aggravating the skin. BELOVED body scrubs are perfect for this, as they’re designed to be kind to your skin while effectively removing dead cells.

3. Exfoliate regularly

Incorporate exfoliation into your routine 2-3 times a week to keep your skin smooth and prevent ingrown hairs.

How to exfoliate sensitive areas: The bikini line

Exfoliating sensitive areas like the bikini line requires a delicate touch. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Choose the right product

Use a gentle, natural body exfoliating scrub like BELOVED, which is free from harsh chemicals and packed with ethically sourced oils and extracts.

2. Use a soft touch

Use light, circular motions to exfoliate the bikini line. Avoid applying too much pressure to prevent irritation.

3. Moisturize the area

After you exfoliate, apply a soothing body cream to keep the skin hydrated and replenished.

lavender & chamomile tea body cream

Body Cream

Prevent ingrown hairs: Tips and tricks

Ingrown hairs can be a pesky problem, but with the right routine, you can keep them at bay. Here’s how:

1. Buff your skin regularly

Consistent exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and keep hair follicles clear. To prevent ingrown hairs, exfoliating two to three times a week is generally recommended but adjust your routine based on your skin type: sensitive skin may benefit from a gentler, once-weekly exfoliation, while more resilient skin might handle up to three times weekly.

2. Hydrate to radiate

To prevent ingrown hairs, moisturizing daily is ideal. Keeping your skin hydrated helps maintain its softness, reducing the chances of dead skin trapping hair follicles and causing ingrowns. Focus on moisturizing immediately after exfoliating and post-shave to lock in hydration and keep the skin barrier healthy.

3. Shave like a pro

Use a sharp razor and shave in the direction of hair growth to minimize irritation.

FAQs

Now that you’ve got the essentials down, let’s recap the must-know tips for coupling exfoliation with hair removal.

1. Should I shave first or exfoliate first?

Exfoliate first! This preps your skin for a closer shave and helps prevent ingrown hairs.

2. How long should I wait to exfoliate after waxing?

Wait 24-48 hours before exfoliating to allow your skin to calm down.

3. How do I exfoliate sensitive areas like the bikini line?

Use a gentle scrub and light, circular motions. Follow up with a soothing body cream.

4. What’s the best way to prevent ingrown hairs?

Regular exfoliation, proper shaving, and keeping your skin hydrated are key to preventing ingrown hairs.

cherry blossom & tea rose shower & bath gel

Shower & Bath Gel

Use BELOVED products

Ready to elevate your self-care game? Here’s how to seamlessly fit BELOVED products into your routine:

1. Exfoliate with BELOVED body scrub

BELOVED vegan body scrub is perfect to prep your skin before shaving. It’s sulfate and paraben-free, which guarantees a gentle yet effective exfoliation.

2. Cleanse with BELOVED shower and bath gel

Follow up with our shower and bath gel to cleanse and refresh your skin. It’s made with natural ingredients and comes in 100% recycled plastic bottles.

3. Hydrate with BELOVED body cream

Finish off with BELOVED nourishing body cream to keep your skin soft, smooth, and hydrated.

Achieving silky-smooth skin doesn’t have to be a mystery. Know when to exfoliate and choose the right products for your routine to enjoy smoother, healthier skin. Exfoliation is your secret weapon against ingrown hairs and irritation. Grab your BELOVED body scrub, shower and bath gel, and body cream, and get ready to glow!

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