How to shave your legs
SHAVING can be time-consuming, but it's worth taking a few extra steps to avoid razor burns, red bumps, and ingrown hairs.
Here, we explain exactly how you should be shaving your legs to ensure smooth, bump-free skin every time.
How to shave your legs
The most crucial step is to use a clean razor when you shave.
While the obvious thought is to purchase disposable razors in bulk, experts don't recommend them for everyday shaving.
This is because they typically have fewer blades than your regular razor, which can cause a backup in the blade as your hair fills it, causing you to rinse it with every stroke.
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Once you have your clean, multi-blade razor ready, it's time to hop in the shower.
The most common mistake many people make is jumping right to shaving.
Instead, it is best to allow your hair follicles to soften by doing everything else (shampooing, conditioning, ) first.
Finally, before you shave, you should exfoliate your legs using some scrub or exfoliating body wash.
This will ensure that you've sloughed off any dead skin that could lead to a buildup in your pores.
Now, it's time to shave.
Apply shaving cream to the lower part of your leg, and begin at your ankle.
Hair conditioner is okay if you're in a pinch and out of shaving cream, but it's not recommended for daily use.
Take your time, and don't press too firmly, shaving against the grain of your hair growth for ultimate smoothness.
Make sure you're rinsing your razor every few strokes, and keep your strokes short.
Work your way up your leg, paying particular attention to your knees.
Reapply shaving cream as needed.
When you're done with your legs, rinse them off and feel for any spots you may have missed.
If you missed any, go back and apply shaving cream to the areas and finish up.
How can you prevent red dots and bumps?
After you've finished and your legs feel silky smooth, pat dry your legs with a warm towel.
The warmth will keep you from getting goosebumps.
Next, apply hydrating body oil or lotion.
Finally, slip into some baggy sweatpants or (even better) satin pajamas while you allow the lotion or oil to absorb.
Also, it's important to take your razor from the shower and clean and dry it thoroughly until your next shave.
It may be easier to leave it on the side of the tub, but it's bound to end up clogged with bacteria that way.
How do you treat red dots and bumps?
If. you find yourself with smooth skin the day you. shave, but you get bumps when the hair starts to grow in; it's best to prevent the issue by exfoliating your legs in between shaves.
If you end up with bumps regardless, you could also consider shaving cream for sensitive skin.
But if you have bumps already, the best thing you can do is a hot compress on them, followed by applying some acne wash or cream that has the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide in it.
Benzoyl peroxide should help lessen the redness, remove any bacteria that could be causing the bumps, and should help dry them out quickly.