The chilly winter weather calls for a change in skincare routines. And for most of us, this means moisturizing more often and washing our faces a little less to ensure our skin doesn’t crack.
Hence, it should come as no surprise that your shaving routine shouldn’t be the same as it was during the sweltering heat. In order to ensure the smoothest shave without harming your skin, here are a few tips that you should keep in mind.
1. Massage Shaving Gel Onto Skin
Most of us apply shaving gel to our skin and then immediately follow it up with the razor. Instead, massage your shaving gel into your skin for several minutes.
This technique will help moisturize your skin and prepare it for shaving. If you have dry skin, leave the gel on for longer.1
2. Exfoliate Twice A Week
It might seem like scrubbing your skin during the winters will only lead to dry skin. However, experts recommend that you exfoliate twice a week even when it’s chilly outside.
This is because exfoliating gets rid of dead skin cells, keeping your skin fresh and smooth. It also reduces the chances of ingrown hair.
Besides this, exfoliation helps the skin absorb extra moisture which is vital during the winter. It might also give you a smoother shave. However, ensure that you’re not too harsh on your skin as that might cause skin irritation.2
3. Use Warm (Not Hot) Water
It might be tempting to use hot water to wash your skin during winter, but doing so might damage your skin. Experts believe that hot water might strip a lot of the natural oils from your skin, hence causing it to dry out.
This leaves you more prone to nicks and cuts when you’re shaving. Additionally, if your skin cracks and bleeds, you might not be able to get the best shave. So, be sure to avoid hot water.3 4
4. Use A Non-Soap Cleanser
Harsh cleansers can further contribute to dry skin woes in the winter. Hence, experts recommend selecting a cleanser that is labeled as non-soap.
These cleansers have milder ingredients and have the least amount of additives. Hence, they are less likely to irritate the skin.
Additionally, avoid organic products. Although they seem healthy for the skin, they might have allergens and aren’t always pure.5
5. Avoid Moisturizers With Fragrances
Sweet-swelling moisturizers often have chemicals that can irritate the skin. Additionally, they might endorse certain ingredients like “lavender” and “rose” but these are often not pure.
Instead, look for mineral oil, glycerin, lactic acid, and lanolin which moisturize the skin. Ensure that none of the ingredients are comedogenic to avoid any flare-ups that might get aggravated after shaving.6
6. Add Oils To The Routine
During summers, the idea of using oils on your skin might make you apprehensive of breakouts and greasiness. However, during winters they can really add to your routine.
For instance, adding a few drops of jojoba oil or almond oil to a mug of water and using that to wash your face can effectively nourish your skin. These oils are also believed to enhance the absorption of anything that you apply to your skin.7 8
Alternatively, you could add a few drops of these oils to your moisturizer for added benefits. However, you might want to avoid this if you have oily skin.9
7. Moisturize When Skin Is Damp
This tip is especially helpful if your skin cracks during the winter. Experts believe that you can easily lock-in moisture if you pat your skin dry and then apply your moisturizer.
Repeat this step several times during the day, and not just after you shave. This will ensure that you don’t just get a smooth shave, but also have soft skin in general.10
In addition to this, ensure that you change your blade or switch to a new razor about once a week to avoid using a dull razor.11 This will help you get a better shave and avoid getting rashes and cuts.12 Refrain from shaving if your skin is burned, irritated, or wounded as this could lead to skin irritation or infections.
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