Our advice would be to never shave before heading to the beach. You may be asking yourself why and in this article we are going to give you all the answers to ensure a perfect shave before going to the beach. Read more on why is shaving before going to the beach not a good idea?
Shaving before heading out into the sun to tan can leave your skin more prone to irritation, sensitivity and can even cause your skin to come out in a rash known as prickly heat. That’s not a good look! But don’t worry, is just a matter of shaving habits. Here are some to encourage and some to avoid.
Shaving BAD habits before going to the beach
Never ever dry shave!
Apart from the serious ouch factor associated with dry shaving, not using shaving cream when you groom your hair (whether it be chest, arms, face or legs) will pave the way for skin irritation and rashes, shaving bumps and even ingrown hairs.
When you are in a rush or you forget to shave, you may dismiss water and shaving foam altogether and think that dry shaving is a good idea, well it isn’t!
When your skin is wet, it is softer and less likely to flake. If you have been in the sun you are more likely to have dry skin, so dry shaving is a big no.
Since shaving is a natural exfoliant, dragging a razor over dry skin puts you at risk of cuts and nicks and also clogs up your razor.
Our tip: Steer clear of tender, painful skin and minimise your chances of inflammation and cuts. Spend a bit extra when you are picking up new razors and buy a shaving cream which will not only help you shave but also leave your skin soft and smooth, ready for the beach!
Avoid using soap as a shaving foam replacement
If you have ran out of shaving foam halfway through, you may think that turning to soap is your shave savior, it isn’t. Whilst it is great for cleaning the body, the big bubbles and slippery residue can prevent your razor from doing the work it is meant to do.
Using soap on your face can also dry out your skin, especially if you suffer with sensitive or reactive skin.
Our tip: If you want a shave that is smooth and spotless, stick to traditional shaving creams or gels. Always look for a product with sensitive skin in mind if your skin is prone to dryness or irritation.
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Shaving GOOD habits before going to the beach
Don’t rush shaving!
To avoid cutting and razor burns, make sure that you don’t rush and try to shave too quickly. While missed hairs are an annoyance, running your razor over the same area for too long leads to irritated skin. If you then go direct into the sun after this, it will cause major irritation and burning.
Our tip: Shave in a warm shower or bathtub. Water hydrates and softens the skin, making it easier to shave without getting cuts.
Splash warm water on your skin (or soak it) for a few minutes before shaving. Then apply a generous amount of lubricant like shaving cream or bar soap. Allow the cream or gel to soften your skin for 5 minutes before you start to shave. Preparation and making sure that you don’t rush are all important things to bear in mind when it comes to shaving your hair.
Move in the right direction
When it comes to shaving, direction matters and dragging your blade the wrong way is a serious no-no that leads to a rougher shave and seriously irritated skin.
Our tip: If your skin is extra-sensitive, consider shaving in the direction of hair growth instead of against it. While you may not get as close a shave, you will save your skin from unnecessary irritation.
Keep your razor dry
While storing your razor on the side of the sink is convenient, keeping it somewhere warm and wet can cause the blades to rust, which can leave you with a painful red rash.
Our tip: Extend the life of your razor, making sure that it is thoroughly dry once you are done using it. Give it a quick blast with a blow-drier to dry it off. This will help to avoid your skin becoming itchy and irritated. Not a good look when you are heading to the beach!
How can I avoid painful razor burns before I hit the beach?
Shaving cream is a must
While this is a crucial step while shaving (especially to avoid irritation and burning before heading to the beach), you shouldn’t have to break the bank to find a good one. Look for a cream that is for your skin type and bear in mind its ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Shop around for your favourite razor
Unlike the shaving cream, the razor needs to be almost perfect for your needs. Some key features to look for in razors are pivoting heads (to get to those tricky spots), lubricated moisture strips, and multiple blades to soften each stroke. This is really the key to getting the perfect shave.
Don’t forget moisturiser (and sun cream!)
Keeping moisture locked into your skin is very important as it will prevent irritated and will soothe the skin before it dries. Direct contact with the sun can dry out your skin so look for a sun cream that is designed for sun sensitive skin to avoid any irritation.
RECOMMENDED: Cool Down Moisturiser from Green People
