Expert Tips for Shaving Your Legs, Armpits, and Body Parts
We’re heading into summer and our hem lengths are slowly starting to taper off. If you’re like me and haven’t been paying close attention to your legs over the past few months, I’m starting to think about all the touch-ups and corrections needed (and for me personally, feeling comfortable) the first day of wearing a mini skirt.
When it comes to personal care (including embracing natural!), there’s no right or wrong way to do things. But we spoke to our best friends at LUI – grooming and shaving experts – about the dos and don’ts when it comes to buying a razor.
LUI founder Rebecca Harding shares her 10 best tips for a perfect shave:
Invest in a quality razor you’ll love using.
“A great shave starts with a great tool. We spent three and a half years developing the LUI razor to improve your shave. The ergonomic design fits comfortably in your hand, and the soft-touch handle and perfectly weighted grip ensure control and precision. Five diamond-sharp blades, encapsulated in a moisturizing Vitamin E pad, ensure an extremely close shave and moisturize the skin. Inspired by the fluidity of our bodies, the razor is inspired by how women shave.”
Shave with the direction of hair growth, then shave against the direction of hair growth.
“Many of us think that shaving against the grain gives a closer shave, but this can cause regrowing hairs to curl back into the follicle, leading to ingrown hairs and inflammation. Instead, shave in the direction of hair growth first, “trimming” the hair as close to the skin as possible. This also gives the skin ample time to moisturize and soften. Once this is done, shave against the grain last.”
Perfect your technique.
“The key is to take your time. Shave with long, gentle strokes, applying only a little pressure. If you find yourself needing to apply pressure, it might be time to replace your razor heads. This conveniently leads us to the next point…”
Replace your razor heads frequently.
“A dull blade is a recipe for disaster. If your blade isn’t sharp enough, it will drag across the skin and you’ll have to go over the same spot over and over again. This can lead to irritation, razor burn, cuts and ingrown hairs. Even worse, overused razor blades can become contaminated with dead skin cells and bacteria, which can cause infection or breakouts. We recommend replacing your replacement blades after 6-8 shaves.”
Exfoliate regularly.
“Ingrown hairs occur when a hair becomes trapped beneath the surface of the skin. There is no follicle for the hair to grow from, so it curls back into the skin. Exfoliating regularly (1-3 times a week) pushes ingrown hairs out of the follicles and gently removes dead skin cells, excess sebum, dirt and grime that may be clogging the hair. Just make sure to moisturize your skin regularly; a really nourishing body cream or oil that keeps the skin barrier renewed, soothing without stripping.”
Use a nourishing shaving cream.
“Dry shaving is micro-traumatic to the skin, compromising the skin barrier and can lead to the fungal condition folliculitis, ingrown hairs, rashes, irritation and dryness. It’s important to use a formula designed for shaving (never use body wash or conditioner!). We developed our shaving cream not only to protect the skin while shaving, but also to give something back to the skin. Luxurious, pH-balanced, antioxidant formula. It contains Shea Butter to soften the follicles and skin, while Aloe Vera and Avocado Oil soothe and relax.”
Shave with warm water.
“Hot water can be extremely drying to the skin and strip it of its natural oils and moisture. So turn off the tap—just a little. Good news for showering: Warm water softens your hair, making shaving easier. And while you’re in the shower? The steam gently opens your pores.”
Clean your razor blades.
“Razor blades can become clogged with hair, shaving cream, and dead skin cells. Rinse your razor blades frequently every few times you shave for a smooth, easy shave.”
Let your razor air dry.
“Leaving your razor in the sink of a wet shower or tub is just as unappealing as it sounds. It can cause blade rust and bacterial growth. To ensure your razor lasts a long time, rinse your blades thoroughly after shaving and store them out of the shower. And don’t try to dry your razor with a towel or paper towel (which can damage the blade).”
Make shaving a ritual.
“At LUI, we believe shaving should be a more pleasant experience. Previously, hair removal was considered a chore, but we want to change that: we believe shaving should have a place in your self-care routine. That’s why we develop conscious products that improve your daily/weekly/monthly grooming routine, taking your body and the environment into consideration. (And they look great, too.)”
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
