Shave The World
How to shave is one of my most requested Rejuvenation post suggestions! No judgment here, there absolutely is a wrong way to shave, and it can be pretty painful! Improperly shaving your bod can lead to a few health complications like ingrown hairs, bacteria build up underneath the skin, and infections. Shaving is not a chore, it is a skincare luxury, and you should treat it as such. Invest proper time and consideration; this means you cannot hack away on your skin and hope for the best. If you want excellent results, follow these steps to have clean, long-lasting smoothness.
Tools :
• Exfoliant
If you have not been using an exfoliant to shave with, you are not receiving the ultimate benefits. Exfoliating before you shave removes dirt or dead skin cells, so you are strictly shaving the unwanted hair. If you find the process of shaving tedious, I recommend Lush Ocean Salt body scrub. Read up on the ingredients/benefits and check out why it is number one in my Lush Must Haves: Bod Edition
https://www.justaneissa.com/rejuvenate/2019/1/29/lush-must-haves-bod-edition
• Shaving aid
Shaving gel vs. shaving cream
The most evident difference between shaving gel and shaving cream is lather. The gel will give you a thick foam, and the cream is an extra layer of lubricant. Shaving gel is foam, and it tends to get trapped within the blades. If you have sensitive skin, the gel is recommended to create more of a barrier + less irritation. If your skin is not delicate, the cream base will give you more precision. Cremo is the brand I am currently using. It comes in various scents, and a pea-sized amount is all you need. A little goes a long way.
• Razor
Purchase disposable razors in the middle ground. Not extremely expensive and not cheap somewhere between $8.00- $10.00 for a package of numerous blades. You only want to use the same razor about three times. After that, the blade begins to dull, and you become more susceptible to bacteria. If you shave multiple times a week, I suggest a mid-priced men’s razor brand. Men’s razors are sharper for more precision, and they are designed to slice coarse hair smoothly. Women’s razors come in gorgeous colors, but they have been scientifically proven to be less sharp and more expensive for mass production.
Pink Tax:
Personal products marketed for women cost 13% more compared to products targeted for men. A statement was released by Ted Portrikus CEO of the retail council of New York State declaring, “Companies are willing to spend more money advertising to women than they are toward men, contributing to the price discrepancies.“ Not only are men’s products more effective, but they also help save coin, which is all we want at the end of the day.
Directions:
- The hair on your body is coarse, and it needs time to soften and weaken for a closer shave. If you shave in the shower, prep your skin by applying warm water to the area for at least five minutes.
- Exfoliate:
As stated before, you get a cleaner shave when you exfoliate the area. This step saves time by allowing you to remove unwanted hair and only shaving once per setting.
- Apply a thin layer cream or gel to the desired area
- Pull the skin taut and shave in one direction. Dermatologists recommend shaving in the direction the hair grows to prevent ingrown hair and unnecessary cuts. Shaving upward will give you a closer shave, but you are more prone to creating micro nicks within the skin. It all comes down to preference.
- After you are entirely done shaving, allow your skin to thoroughly dry. Moisturize with your favorite oil or lotion to prevent irritation. Note: if you have shaved the armpit region, do not apply deodorant immediately. Deodorant can seep into small cuts and cause bacteria buildup.
- Store your razors in a cool, dry place preferably away from the shower somewhere it will not collect moisture in between uses.
This shaving process may seem tedious, but over time, you will see longer lasting results. You might even be able to shave less often if you take the necessary steps for cleaner, smoother skin!
New York City Department of Council Affairs USA Today, March 28, 2017
