I’m a dermatologist and you’re shaving down below all wrong – here’s what you should be doing
HAIR removal can be a pain - especially down there.
Given the tricky angles it's easy to miss a bit, and never quite achieve your desired results.
That's because hair removal around the bikini area really is harder than the rest of the body, Dr Jinah Yoo a leading Harley Street dermatologist said.
Speaking told The Sun it's is down to the fact that the skin is a little more sensitive in that area.
"The hairs tend to be a little curlier, and coarse in texture, this makes the area more prone to ingrown hairs and severe irritation," she said.
Dr Yoo, who is working with , said if you're choosing to shave down below rather than opting for hair removal cream or waxing then there are some specific things you should be doing.
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She told Sun Health: "The most popular method of hair removal is shaving, but this should be done with care.
"It is very important that you first trim the area of any excess hair.
"Then, I recommend you wet the hair with lukewarm water. If you are shaving in the shower, you can simply stand under the shower for a couple of minutes to let the steam soften the hair and skin before you shave.
"Doing this will also help to remove any bacteria, and allow for a closer more accurate shave, meaning less risk of razor bumps or burns.”
Dr Salome Sharamshi, dermatologist and founder of added that you need to be cautious when shaving your nether regions.
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It's key to invest in a tool especially for the bikini area to avoid ingrown hairs and skin irritation, she said.
She added that you should always exfoliate the skin before shaving - as this will help avoid ingrown hairs.
"Use a topical exfoliator or a loofah in circular motions to gently exfoliate the area," the Dr Sharamshi added.
What to avoid
When it comes to technique, Dr Yoo said this is key, but added there are some that you should stay away from.
She said you should avoid the temptation of pulling on your skin, as this could lead to nasty cuts.
"Some people like to lie down, but you should always try to stand where possible whilst you are shaving – not only is it easier to see what you are doing, it is a more natural position for the skin."
It's always good practise to use shaving creams in order to protect and hydrate the skin whilst avoiding irritation, Dr Yoo said.
"In terms of direction, it is very important that you ‘shave with the grain’ meaning shave in the direction your hair grows in. It’s a lot gentler, and again will save any irritation.
"Shaving in the opposite direction may be ok in less sensitive areas, such as the legs but for the bikini line, you should always shave in the direction your hair naturally grows," Dr Yoo added.
One thing people tend to forget, she added, is to change the blade of the razor on a regular basis.
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"It is recommended that you change your blade after around seven shaves.
"If your razor is old, the blade itself may be blunt, so you won’t be able to achieve a close shave, the blade also harbours bacteria, which may upset the delicate PH levels of your intimate areas," she recommeded.