(Beauty)

Common Shaving Mistakes You’re Probably Making

@jacimariesmith

Shaving The Way

Now that winter is long gone, we're no longer hiding under layers of clothing. We also aren't hiding the fact that we likely haven't shaved in a few weeks because, c'mon, we're all guilty of a little hair hibernation. But now that it's time to show off your legs a little more, shaving is likely back on your list of priorities. You probably aren't aware of the few common mistakes that a lot of women make when they step into the shower and put razor to skin. As easy as they are to prevent, they continue to happen. Don't worry though, we've got you covered with how to stop these once and for all. Here, the most common shaving mistakes you're probably making.

Exfoliating before you begin shaving will make the process a lot smoother—no pun intended. Using a simple body scrub can remove any dead skin particles and will allow your razor to glide easier and grab hairs more efficiently. Exfoliation is also proven to help prevent ingrown hairs, which is obviously something none of us want.

This one is a big mistake to avoid, mainly because it's actually unsafe. Old razors are full of bacteria and product buildup and are contaminated with germs, especially if you're one to use disposable razors. Do yourself and your skin a favor, and toss them after a week.

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You can really hurt your skin if you don't use enough shaving cream. Not having a smooth surface for your razor to glide upon can lead to razor burn and cuts, and that totally defeats the purpose of shaving. Whether you prefer a cream or gel option, just make sure to lubricate your skin to keep the process as safe as possible.

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Apart from not using shaving cream, the last thing you want to too is glide a razor too aggressively against your skin. Applying too much pressure is an easy way to cause irritation. If you shave in the wrong direction, you're also at risk for razor cuts and scratches. You always want to shave downward and gently.

You should moisturize immediately after you're done shaving. It's the easiest way to prevent any inflammation that could arise from the process and helps lock in that moisture you just got from your shaving cream.