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Believe it or not, we get asked this question a lot. "Do you exfoliate before or after shaving?" It's usually followed up with something in regards to sensitive skin and if using a body scrub for shaving is actually necessary. So we are answering all your questions when it comes to exfoliating and the do's and don't of using a body scrub for shaving.
Before we get started though, let's cover a few things about the benefits of exfoliation.
Why should you exfoliate for shaving?
The main purpose of an exfoliator like our body scrubs is to slough away dead skin and buildup that our skin naturally produces. This buildup can often clog your razor and result in a not-so-effective experience. When it comes to shaving, the benefits of using a body scrub are:
- preps the skin for smoother results
- lifts hairs for a closer shave
- helps prevent ingrown hairs
- gets rid of the buildup so it doesn't clog your razor
When to exfoliate for shaving?
So the big question is...do you exfoliate before or after shaving? And the real answer is, in order to get the best possible results from your shave, we recommend exfoliating before. This will prep the skin and get rid of a good amount of dead skin and buildup which will allow for your razor to do it's best work. Exfoliating beforehand will also lift the hairs which means you'll get an even closer shave. That means you're skin will be hair-free a bit longer than if you were to skip the exfoliation step.
What happens if you exfoliate after you shave? Well to be honest, the first time you try it you'll realize why it's not the best idea. Shaving is naturally exfoliating, and if you use our body scrub after you shave, it's going to feel irritating and may even hurt.
If you forget to exfoliate before you shave, we recommend not using a body scrub, waiting a few days, and doing the process all over again.
How to use a body scrub for shaving
We're going to keep this short and sweet so here are our tips and tricks for using our body scrub before you shave, so that you get the best possible results.
- Cleanse the skin in warm water. Use a gentle moisturizing body wash to cleanse and prep the skin.
- Exfoliate with a body scrub. If using our formula, you'll take about a tablespoon amount into your hands and begin to rub in circular motions over your legs. The body scrub will start to lather and the sugar will begin to dissolve as you continue to scrub.
- Rinse. Don't skip this step, the key to a good shave is to make sure the skin is as clean as possible, you don't want any sugar granules getting caught up in your razor.
- Shave. Using a shaving cream (hint: our moisturizing body wash doubles as an amazing shaving cream) and a good quality razor, you can shave away.
- Dry off and moisturize. Follow up your shaving session with our thick and hydrating shea body butter. Your skin may be a bit dry after shaving, so locking in moisture and adding in some extra hydration will keep your skin looking happy and healthy.
Exfoliating for sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin, you can still enjoy the benefits of exfoliating before shaving. Our body scrub is a unique formula this is designed specifically for sensitive skin. We use a smaller granule of sugar that does a wonderful job exfoliating, but doesn't tear or irritate the skin like some other physical exfoliants.
The good news is that if you're using our Solette body scrub, you can follow the exact same process as we mentioned above.
We hope this article answer your question on whether you should exfoliate before or after shaving. If you're not sure where to start on your body scrub journey with Solette, be sure to checkout our bestselling body scrub scent: Vanilla + Coconut Sandalwood below!
Vanilla + Coconut Sandalwood Body Scrub
$24.00
Body Scrub for Sensitive Skin Even the most sensitive skin needs exfoliation. That's why we've created a unique formula that gently exfoliates while leaving your skin feeling deeply hydrated. Formulated with natural sugar and creamy coconut oil to create a whipped… read more
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FAQs
Is Solette a vegan beauty brand?
Yes! Solette is proud to say we are 100% vegan and cruelty-free. Every formula we create does not contain any animal byproducts
Are all Solette products cruelty-free?
Absolutely! It is our passion to create beauty products that have not been tested on animals. We even ensure that our suppliers and raw materials have not been tested on animals and are also completely vegan.
Are Solette products considered eco-freindly?
We're so glad you asked, YES! Our products are considered eco-friendly due to our unique custom recycled packaging. We work with a company called Oceanworks who is able to collection massive amounts of plastic waste from our oceans and waterways to re-purpose those materials into our cosmetic jars. You can feel good knowing that we have not used any virgin plastic in any of our product packaging, and we will continue to make choices that protect our ocean and their inhabitants.
Do you offer travel mini body scrubs?
Although we don't offer free samples, we do have mini travel size body scrubs available. They are 2 ounces and are a great way to test our formulas and fragrances. If you're unsure of what scent to get, we have our discovery sets available at a discounted rate so you can try a bunch of products and scents before committing to a larger size.
