Shaving 101: How To Get Smooth, Healthy Skin

By Samantha H.

Remove body hair safely as we reveal the best tips and techniques to give your legs and underarms a perfectly soft finish 

Wearing short shorts and sleeveless tops are an integral part of summer so if your limbs are on display more than usual (especially as we spend more time outdoors), ensure you’re shaving them correctly – and safely. If not, you could cause ingrown hairs, razor burn or an irritated rash. To ensure your skin is smooth to the touch, follow our straightforward guide to pre and post-shaving success… 

Pre-Shave Prep: 

Moisturised skin is happy skin so before you start shaving, ensure your body is well hydrated. 

Start by exfoliating the area you are about to shave. This will remove any dead skin cells and prep the surface so your razor can glide easily over top – preventing ingrown hairs from forming. A brightening body wash with buffing beads such as the Alba Botanica Espresso & Coffee Bean Body Scrub will ensure your skin feels polished while the rich lather gently nourishes for a smooth finish. 

Shaving in the shower or bath helps to open pores and softens the root of the hair follicle, giving you a closer shave. Soak your limbs for at least two minutes ahead of shaving and ensure the water is not too hot as this can inflame the skin. Even though you may already be in the tub, don’t shave in bath water that has Epsom salts or bath oils already added – fresh water will reduce the likelihood of any irritation. 

When shaving, use a for-purpose product like the Balade En Provence Extra Kind Shave Bar, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional shaving gels and creams. Made from 100% natural ingredients, it softens the skin and hair shaft, eliminating any roughness for a smoother glide. Infused with Coconut Oil and Shea Butter, this orange-scented bar reduces the risk of nicks and calms the surrounding area. 

Post-Shave Care: 

Now your skin is silky smooth – let’s keep it that way! Newly-shaved skin may feel soft and smooth but over time it can appear dry and cracked – especially if you’re outside in the sun. 

If you have delicate or sensitive skin, first use an Aloe Vera based moisturiser to help cool and soothe. The JASON Aloe Vera 84% Creme is highly concentrated to offer instant relief and is infused with Sweet Almond Oil and Vitamin E for deep hydration. If you have smaller patches of redness or soreness, use the Antipodes Saviour Skin Balm as needed to help repair the skin’s surface. 

Choosing a rich, oil-based formula helps nourish chapped skin and lock in moisture after you shave. Infused with Vitamin E and antioxidant polyphenols, the JASON Smoothing Coconut Oil is an all-purpose moisturiser that melts into the skin as you apply it. With a natural scent, it is suitable for even the most sensitive skin, leaving you soft and visibly glowing with a gentle sheen. 

Don’t forget – if you’re heading outside post-shave, sun protection is a non-negotiable step. Try the We Love The Planet Sunscreen SPF30 for a hypoallergenic formula that won’t clog your newly-exposed pores. 

Our Top Shaving Tips: 

ü  Shave at least two hours before you expose your skin to sun or apply deodorant, this gives your pores time to close

ü  If going in sea water, shave the night before so you don’t irritate your skin further

ü  Shave in long, steady strokes, this will reduce contact of the razor with the skin so there is less chance of nicks

ü  Shave against the direction of hair growth, this will give you the smoothest result

ü  Store your razor in a cool, dry place and replace the head every 8 shaves or monthly