It’s officially skirt season, and with the long-awaited arrival of spring comes higher temperatures and shorter hemlines. To get the clean, perfectly shaven legs you need, we’ve got top tips from Annet King, director of global education at The International Dermal Institute and Dermalogica. Here is what she recommends for a nick-free, long-lasting shave.
First and foremost, shower before you shave. “The moisture and warmth from your shower will pre-soften hair, especially coarser hair like around the bikini,” says King. This will allow you to get your closest shave.
To avoid bumps and razor burn, prep your skin with an exfoliating cleanser, which King says will help clear buildup on your skin, keeping razor bumps and ingrown hairs at bay.
Now, for shaving balm—applying shaving cream before you reach for the razor will offer cushion between the razor and your skin. If you are prone to razor burn, try using coconut oil instead of shaving balm. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties and leaves your skin supersoft.
Once you’ve got your razor of choice (we love the new Venus Swirl Razor ($13) which moves effortlessly over the curves of your skin), make sure to first shave in the direction of your hair growth. If you have a stubborn spot, you can shave against the grain, but beware, “shaving against the direction of hair growth can increase the chances of ingrown hair and razor burn,” says King.
As you shave, make sure you don’t press too hard on your razor, as this only causes irritation. Also, make sure to rinse your blade after every stroke.
Finally, follow up with SPF. “Shaving exfoliates skin and makes it more vulnerable to sunburn, so follow up with a layer of Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport ($30),” says King.
