Before my teenagers mentioned it, I had never considered exfoliating my legs as a necessary step for achieving smoother legs.
My daughters saw it on social media, tried it, and claim it is a crucial step for obtaining a flawless finish.
This sparked a debate on whether it is truly necessary to exfoliate before shaving and of course, what was the best method.
I’ll let you know what they decided but first, let’s look at the benefits of exfoliating before shaving.
10 Benefits Of Exfoliating Before Shaving
Let’s take a look at the benefits of exfoliating before shaving your legs.
1. Smoother and closer shave
Exfoliating before shaving can help to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and oil from the surface of the skin, making it easier to get a close, smooth shave.
2. Reduced risk of ingrown hairs
By removing the layer of dead skin cells and other debris, exfoliating can help to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs, which can occur when shaved hair becomes trapped under the surface of the skin.
3. Reduced irritation and razor burn
Exfoliating can help to remove excess oil and dirt from the skin, which can help to prevent irritation and razor burn after shaving.
4. Improved circulation
Exfoliating can help to improve circulation, which can leave your legs looking and feeling smoother, softer and healthier.
5. Brightened skin
Exfoliating can help to remove the buildup of dead skin cells, revealing brighter and healthier skin underneath.
6. Unclogged pores
Exfoliating can help to unclog pores, which can help to reduce the risk of acne and other skin problems.
7. Faster hair regrowth
Exfoliating can help to remove the buildup of dead skin cells and other debris, which can help to speed up hair regrowth.
This might be good for your face but not for your legs.
8. Better product absorption
Exfoliating can help to remove the buildup of dead skin cells, which can make it easier for skincare products to penetrate the skin and be more effective.
9. Reduced appearance of cellulite
Exfoliating can help to improve circulation, which can help to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
10. Increased collagen production
As we age our bodies produce less collagen so anything you can do such as taking a collagen supplement, exfoliating, or collagen facials will help your skin glow and look younger.
This is the reason I’ve started exfoliating!
Exfoliator Experiment
So my girls experimented with DIY exfoliators, exfoliator gloves, washcloths, and store-bought exfoliators.
In the end, one of them won’t part with her Tree Hut store-bought brand and the other one uses exfoliator gloves.
They’ve also found some great exfoliators for their face, lips, and hair, too.
- For body and legs: Tree Hut Scrubs or Exfoliator Gloves
- For face: Avon Collagen Booster Microneedling Polisher
- For lips: Vitamin C Lip Scrub
- For hair: Clarifying Scalp Scrub
What Parts Of Your Body Can You Exfoliate?
There are numerous areas on the body that can benefit from exfoliation; however, it’s important to keep in mind that certain regions, such as the face, are more delicate than others.
Therefore, it’s crucial to utilize gentle exfoliating products and techniques while avoiding over-exfoliation to prevent skin irritation. After exfoliation, it’s essential to moisturize the skin to maintain its health and hydration.
1. Face
Exfoliating the face can remove dead skin cells and other impurities, resulting in an overall improvement in skin appearance. Additionally, using a scrub can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and stimulate collagen production.
Recommended brand: Avon Collagen Boosters
2. Body
Exfoliating the body can eliminate dead skin cells and other debris, resulting in healthier-looking skin and reducing the risk of ingrown hairs.
Plus, if you use a self-tanner it will help it work better.
Recommended brands: Tree Hut Scrubs or Exfoliator Gloves
3. Lips
Exfoliating the lips can eliminate dead skin cells and other impurities, resulting in an overall improvement in lip appearance.
Recommended brand: Avon Vitamin C Lip Scrub
4. Feet
Exfoliating the feet can eliminate dead skin cells and other impurities, resulting in an overall improvement in foot appearance and reducing the risk of calluses and blisters.
Recommended brands: Tree Hut Scrubs or Exfoliator Gloves
5. Hands
Exfoliating the hands can eliminate dead skin cells and other impurities, resulting in an overall improvement in hand appearance.
6. Scalp
Exfoliating the scalp can eliminate dead skin cells and other impurities, resulting in an overall improvement in hair and scalp health.
Recommended brand: Clarifying Scalp Scrub
Top Exfoliating Methods
According to my daughters, exfoliating is a crucial step when you shave your legs and for me, it’s the most crucial for my face.
These are some top ways to exfoliate your skin.
1. Chemical Exfoliants
Chemical exfoliants use acids to dissolve dead skin cells and other debris, revealing smoother and brighter skin. Examples include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs).
2. Physical Exfoliants
Physical exfoliants use abrasives to physically remove dead skin cells and other debris.
This is the best and easiest method to use before shaving your legs.
Examples include scrubs, brushes, and loofahs.
3. Enzymatic Exfoliants
Enzymatic exfoliants use enzymes to break down and remove dead skin cells and other debris. Examples include papaya and pineapple enzymes.
4. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion uses a machine to physically exfoliate the skin with a fine stream of crystals. This method is typically done by a licensed professional.
5. Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning uses a scalpel to gently scrape off dead skin cells and fine facial hair. This method is also typically done by a licensed professional.
Homemade Body Exfoliator Recipe
This is our recipe when we run out of exfoliators. We’ve used it on our legs, body, hands, and lips.
The sugar granules help to remove dead skin cells and the oil moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
You can try different types of oils and essential oils to find a combination that works best for your skin type.
Also, adjust the quantity of sugar and oil depending on your preference.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil
- 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar and oil and mix well.
- Add in your preferred essential oil if desired, and mix again.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place.
- To use, take a small amount of the mixture and gently massage it onto your wet skin in circular motions.
- Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
- Use the exfoliator once or twice a week and follow up with a moisturizer.
Bottom Line
Exfoliating before shaving is an important step in achieving a smooth and irritation-free shave.
My daughters can attest to its importance and think exfoliating is the only way to go.
You can use a store-bought exfoliator like Tree Hut, an exfoliator glove, or make your own.
