Should You Exfoliate Before or After Shaving?

Have you ever found yourself in the shower, scrub in one hand and an electric razor in the other, wondering which comes first: exfoliating or shaving? This is one of those grooming debates that pop up everywhere, from barbershops to Reddit threads.

Let's settle this grooming debate with expert advice so you can get your closest and smoothest shave yet.

Exfoliation 101: Why Bother?

Exfoliation might sound like something only skincare fanatics care about, but it's a game-changer for anyone who shaves. At its core, exfoliation is just the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Why does that matter? Because those dead cells can clog your pores, dull your natural glow, and make shaving a recipe for annoying razor bumps and irritation.

Proper exfoliation can help minimize ingrown hairs, keeps your skin fresh, helps prevent breakouts, and sets you up for a closer, smoother shave. It also increases blood circulation, making your skin look and feel healthier.

Should You Exfoliate Before or After Shaving? Here's the Real Scoop

Most experts agree: exfoliate before you shave. Doing so clears away dead skin and any gunk hanging out on the surface, which means your razor can get right up close to the hair. This helps prevent ingrown hairs (causes annoying razor bumps) and painful razor burns. Exfoliating before shaving helps lift the hairs away from your skin so your razor can cut them cleanly and comfortably, resulting in a closer shave. It also helps boost product absorption, and you'll notice that your moisturizers and serums work better after exfoliation.

On the flip side, exfoliating freshly shaved skin isn't the best idea. Shaving already acts as a mild exfoliant (removing dead skin cells), so doubling up can leave your skin feeling raw and irritated. Some users find shaving alone as enough exfoliation.

Physical vs. Chemical Exfoliation: What's the Difference?

Now that we know when you should exfoliate, let's dive deeper into the nitty gritty.

Not all exfoliation is created equal. Here's the breakdown:

• Physical exfoliants. Think classic sugar scrubs, coffee grounds, brushes, or exfoliating gloves that physically buff away dead skin. They're satisfying and give instant results, but you'll want to go easy (use a gentle exfoliant) if your skin is sensitive. Too much scrubbing can leave your red and irritated so using scrubs with fine grains and avoiding anything that feels like sandpaper is ideal when exfoliating.

• Chemical Exfoliants. These sound intense but they're super gentle when used correctly. Chemical exfoliants use ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid to dissolve dead skin cells without any scrubbing. These are fantastic if you're prone to breakouts or have sensitive skin; follow the instructions and don't overdo it.

• Enzyme Exfoliants. If you have ultra-sensitive skin, enzyme exfoliants made from fruit enzymes (papaya or pineapple) are the mildest option. They gently nibble away at dead skin without causing irritation.

For baldies, you can pick a good exfoliator here.

How to Exfoliate for a Next-Level Shave

Getting ready for a smooth shave isn't rocket science, but a little prep goes a long way. To start exfoliating before shaving, hop into a warm shower or splash the shaving area with warm water. This softens your hair and opens up your pores. When it comes to exfoliating, you've got options: you love a gentle scrub, a chemical exfoliant, or even a soft washcloth.

Whatever you choose, gently massage it onto damp skin using small, circular motions. There's no need to go wild; a light touch is all you need to buff away dead skin. Once you're done, rinse thoroughly to ensure no leftover grit. Now you're ready to shave.

Apply shaving cream or gel and use a sharp razor. You'll notice your razor glides more easily, giving you a closer, more comfortable result.

How Often Should You Exfoliate? (Less is More)

For most people, two to three times a week is plenty. You don't need to exfoliate every day to see results.

After exfoliating (and shaving), always follow up with a good, fragrance-free moisturizer. Exfoliation can leave your skin a little thirsty, so moisturizing helps lock in hydration and keeps everything feeling soft and comfortable.

The most important thing is to listen to your skin. If you notice any redness or irritation, it's okay to scale back and give your skin a break. Remember, less is more when it comes to exfoliation.

Common Exfoliation Mistakes (And How to Dodge Them)

It's easy to get carried away with exfoliation, but going too hard can backfire. Dead skin cells can be a hassle, but too much exfoliating won't give you smoother skin either.

Always use gentle, circular motions when exfoliating. Your skin should never feel raw or sore afterward. Over-exfoliating is a common mistake and can leave your skin red and irritated. This happens when you exfoliate too frequently or use a product that's too harsh for your skin. Over-exfoliating can strip away your skin's protective layer, leading to redness, irritation, and even breakouts.

Lastly, don't forget to moisturize after exfoliating, and make sure your tools are clean to avoid breakouts. Most importantly, listen to your skin. Taking a break and letting your skin recover is the best option if something feels wrong.

Aftercare: What Your Skin Needs Post-Shave

Once you've finished shaving, your skin needs a little TLC. Remember to pat (don't rub) your skin dry. Next, moisturize immediately to lock in hydration and calm any redness. This is now part of your skincare routine. Skip the harsh, alcohol-based aftershaves because they sting and dry out your skin.

The best alternative? Use a soothing gel or a calming serum with ingredients like aloe, witch hazel, or niacinamide. And remember, don't rush back to exfoliating right after you shave. Give your skin a day or two to recover before your next exfoliation session.

The Bottom Line

If you want healthier, smoother skin and a closer shave, exfoliating before shaving is the way to go. Exfoliating regularly helps prevent bumps, razor burns, irritation, and ingrown hairs, and your shave will last longer. Just be gentle, moisturize after, and stick to a routine that works for you.

Remember, the benefits of exfoliation are not just for skincare fanatics, but for anyone who shaves.

FAQs

What Happens if You Exfoliate Both Before and After Shaving?

If you're tempted to exfoliate both before and after shaving, don't do it. Exfoliating before shaving is great because it clears away dead skin cells, helps prevent ingrown hairs, and sets you up for a smoother, closer shave. But shaving itself already acts as a mild exfoliant, removing the top layer of dead skin. If you go back in and exfoliate again right after, you're double-dipping, and your skin won't thank you for it. The result? Redness, irritation, and that uncomfortable "my skin is on fire aka razor burn feeling."

The best move is to remove dead skin before you shave, then give your skin a day or two to recover before your next exfoliation session. Your skin needs time to chill out and heal, so stick to one good exfoliation before you shave for the best results.

How to Exfoliate the Pubic Area?

Exfoliating the pubic area (bikini line) is about being gentle and smart. Start by hopping in a warm shower (this softens the skin and hair), making everything easier. Choose a gentle exfoliant, like a scrub with fine grains, a soft washcloth, or even a mild chemical exfoliant like lactic or glycolic acid. Apply a small amount to the area and use light, circular motions for about 30 to 60 seconds, no heavy scrubbing! Rinse thoroughly with warm water, pat dry and always follow up with a soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep things calm and hydrated. Remember, don't exfoliate dead skin cells if you have cuts, irritation, or sunburn in the area, and avoid any harsh products that could mess with your skin's pH.

Do you Exfoliate Dry or Wet?

Whether you exfoliate on dry or wet skin depends on your product. Most physical exfoliants (like scrubs) work best on damp skin. This helps the product glide and reduces the risk of irritation. For chemical exfoliants (like peels or serums), it's usually best to apply them to dry skin, but always check the instructions on your product for the best results. The bottom line is to follow what your exfoliant says, but when in doubt, most scrubs and mechanical exfoliants are safest and most effective on damp skin.