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Should you shave before or after a shower?
Shaving might be one of those things in your routine that you do automatically without a second thought. Here, Dove Men + Care explains how just a few tweaks to your usual routine could possibly make big changes to how your skin feels afterward.
Who doesn’t want a shave that’s smoother, easier and less irritating?
Why the timing of your shave matters
The biggest change to a traditional shave will come with water.
Warm water helps to soften your facial hair and open up your pores. When the hair is softer, your razor glides over your skin and doesn’t drag as much.
Dry shaving, or rushing, can cause nicks, irritation and the tight skin feeling you might get after a shave.
Even the order of your routine can shift the result more than you’d expect.
Dove Men + Care
Shaving before your shower
When your morning routine is tight, and you need quick solutions, a shave before your shower works. The cleanup is easier, and you can rinse away the mess in the shower.
That said, a little prep will still help. Hold a warm, damp towel over your face for half a minute to help soften the hair, apply your shaving gel or cream and shave.
Once you’re done, your shower washes away leftover product.
Shaving after your shower
After a shower, your hair is already softer, and the prep work is already complete. Your shave may feel smoother, especially if you cleanse beforehand.
After your shave, a quick, cool-water rinse can also help calm your skin down. Pat your face dry and apply a light moisturizer to lock in hydration.
Go for a simple shaving routine that works
No matter when you shave, the basics still apply:
- Start by cleansing your skin with warm water and a mild wash to remove dirt and oil.
- Exfoliate your face gently, a couple of times a week to help prevent ingrown hairs.
- Use a shaving cream or gel that gives your razor some slip.
- Shave using short, gentle strokes without pressing too hard.
- Rinse with cooler water once you’re done.
- Finish with a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
If your skin is on the sensitive side
How do you know if your skin is sensitive? If your skin reacts to weather, products, or shaving by becoming red or discolored and irritated, you may have sensitive skin. If that describes your skin, try a few simple tricks to help keep it soothed:
- Keep your water lukewarm.
- Use a sharp razor to reduce friction.
- Pat your skin dry with a towel instead.
- Follow up with a soothing moisturizer or balm.
So, to shave before or after?
There’s no right answer to this, and it comes down to your preference. If you’re short on time, shaving before your shower works just fine. If you want a low-irritation shave, after your shower might feel better for you.
If you have dry or sensitive skin, the post-shower routine may be better, as the extra hydration helps your razor glide more easily.
If you shave in the evening, doing it after a shower also gives your skin time to recover overnight.
Of course, you can also shave without showering as long as you make sure to prep your skin with warm water and you’re using good products.
Once you’ve figured out what timing works best for you, your shaving routine will better suit your skin type and lifestyle.
This story was produced by Dove Men + Care and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
