Do You Exfoliate Before Or After Shaving?

Exfoliate Before or After Shaving? is a key skincare step that benefits every body part—but there’s some confusion about whether it should be done before or after shaving. The answer is that it depends on your shaving method and skin type.

If you’re shaving with a traditional razor and blade, or even if you’re a shave enthusiast and use electric or straight razors, it’s best to exfoliate your skin prior to shaving to ensure the sharpest, smoothest shave possible. A good physical exfoliant—like a scrub or body polish—will slough away dead skin cells that have accumulated, leaving the skin’s surface clear to reduce razor burn and ingrown hairs.

Exfoliate Before or After Shaving? Here’s What You Need to Know

According to Bearded Colonel, a licensed aesthetician, shaving exfoliates the skin, but it often isn’t done properly, leading to issues like razor bumps and ingrown hairs. Exfoliating regularly will remove dead skin cells that build up over time, and it can also help prevent clogged pores, which are the main culprits of post-shave irritation.

Just make sure to choose an exfoliant that is gentle and appropriate for your skin type, as some can be too harsh and irritate the freshly-shaven area. For instance, a physical scrub made with salt or an exfoliant formulated with alpha hydroxy acids may sting and leave the skin red, especially if you shave your legs (or groin). Instead, try one of these fan-favorite formulas that blend exfoliation with moisturizing:

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