Do You Exfoliate Before or After Shaving?
Do you exfoliate before or after shaving? Get ready to level up your shave!
Silky smooth, soft legs aren't achieved with a poor shaving technique. You need a good razor and shave cream to get a high level of smoothness. But you also need proper prep and after care too.
So where does exfoliation come in? And should you exfoliate before or after shaving? Here are our top tips on achieving your smoothest skin ever.
Do You Exfoliate Before or After Shaving?
You always want to exfoliate before shaving. Why? To remove the buildup of dead skin cells and impurities that sit on the skin's surface for a smoother razor glide.
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These sugary scrubs will leave you instantly softer, smoother, and brighter while prepping your skin for an effortless razor glide.
By exfoliating first, your razor won't get clogged with dead cells which can lead to a bumpier shave. Instead, you'll enjoy a smoother, more comfortable glide with less chance of razor bumps and burns.
Exfoliating a couple of days after you shave too will remove dead skin and promote healthier hair growth, meaning you’ll be less likely to end up with ingrown hairs.
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Why You Need to Exfoliate Before Shaving
Exfoliating the skin is a beneficial skincare practice that involves the removal of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Our skin naturally sheds dead cells, but sometimes this process may not be efficient, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface. Exfoliating helps to speed up the shedding process, promoting healthier, more radiant skin.
Before you find out do you exfoliate before or after shaving, here are some reasons why exfoliating is important in your skincare routine — and shaving routine.
Removes Dead Skin Cells: Over time, dead skin cells accumulate on the skin's surface, making it look dull and dry. Exfoliation helps to slough off these dead cells, revealing fresh, healthy skin underneath.
Unclogs Pores: Exfoliating can help unclog pores by removing dirt, oil, and other impurities that often get trapped in the skin. This can prevent the formation of blackheads and whiteheads, reducing the likelihood of acne breakouts.
Stimulates Cell Turnover: Regular exfoliation stimulates the production of new skin cells, which can help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Enhances Skincare Product Absorption: By removing the barrier of dead skin cells, exfoliation allows other skincare products, such as moisturizers and serums, to penetrate the skin more effectively and deliver their benefits.
Improves Skin Tone and Pigmentation: Exfoliation can help even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Prevents Ingrown Hairs: Exfoliating can also help prevent the occurrence of ingrown hairs, particularly in areas prone to shaving or waxing.
Best Exfoliators for Shaving in 2025
You and your skin are going to love these scrumptious scrubs that will leave you looking and smelling delicious.
Lather up with this lightweight, sugar-based scrub to buff away dead skin cells, loosen hair follicles and decongest clogged pores for your smoothest, brightest, softest skin. It’s also infused with hydrating coconut and healing lavender to treat existing bumps while preventing future ones from forming.
A cleansing, resurfacing, and retexturizing cleanser to keep your skin smooth and clear — long after your shave. It’s formulated with African Black Soap, charcoal, and salicylic acid to draw out impurities and lift dead skin, and 24k gold to firm and reduce signs of aging. It’s perfect for anyone dealing with acne or visible signs of aging.
FAQ: Should You Exfoliate Before or After Shaving?
Should You Exfoliate Before Shaving?
Yes, exfoliate before shaving to ensure a smooth, irritation-free shave. Start in the shower to let the warm water soften your skin and hair. Then use a chemical exfoliator or body scrub to gently remove the buildup of dead cells. After that you can follow up with all the normal steps in your routine to get a smooth, close shave — shaving cream, moisturizer etc.
Should You Exfoliate After Shaving?
Yes, exfoliate a couple of days after shaving to keep pores unclogged and prevent ingrown formation. Alongside this, it’ll maintain your silky smooth shave for days after the hair removal process. You don’t always have to exfoliate the day after. Just make sure you don’t leave it much longer than two days after your shave to keep the area fresh and smooth.
Do you exfoliate before or after shaving? It's a good idea to do both to maintain smooth, healthy skin. For a silkier shave, browse our bestselling shave products.
