Wet Vs. Dry Shaving

What is wet shaving, and how does it differ from dry shaving?

Wet shaving is the traditional way to shave. With wet shaving, you soak the area to be shaved in warm water, apply some foam or gel on the area, and run your razor on it. Dry shaving is performed with some electric razors without using water or shaving gels. It is usually used by those who need a quick shaving solution.

What are the advantages of wet shaving?

Wet shaving gives you the closest shave possible – the hair soaked in water and gel becomes softer and easier to cut. If you start with dry skin and hair, shaving will be uneven, the hair will break down, and you will most probably end with skin bruises. Nevertheless, the skin preparation and the procedure take longer than with dry shaving. A sharp blade is crucial to getting a close and irritation-free shave.

Are there any benefits to dry shaving?

Dry shavers cut the hairs at a certain distance from the skin's surface, an advantage for people with sensitive skin. However, this results in a shave that is not as smooth as wet shaving. Electric razors used for dry shaving cost more and require more maintenance and cleaning than the simple razors used in wet shaving.

How should I choose between wet shaving and dry shaving?

Your choice of shaving method ultimately depends on your preferences - no right or wrong method exists. Some factors include your skin type, the time frame you can allocate to shaving, and your budget.

What tips can you provide for acne-prone skin during shaving?

For people with acne, shaving every day (or at least every other day) is preferable, and using the right method, products, and tools is essential. Check out these tips:

1. Start with a warm (not hot) shower. Heat and humidity will soften your beard and make your shave smoother and less irritating.
2. Cleanse your skin. Use a facial cleanser with medicated anti-acne ingredients such as salicylic acid, preferably customized to your skin type, acne severity, and sensitivities.
3. Invest in a high-quality razor blade. A high-quality razor will provide a better, closer shave and will tend to last longer than cheaper options. Standard, multi-blade razors or single-blade razors are preferable to electric shavers, which have a tendency to crush the hairs of the beard and may penetrate and wound the skin.
4. Use a sharp, clean razor blade. To prevent breakouts and irritation, ensure you are shaving with a fresh razor blade that isn't dull, rusted, or full of bacteria. A rusted, dull blade is also more likely to nick pimples, which can result in scarring.
5. Look for creamy, moisturizing shaving cream. Unfortunately, standard shaving creams found in drugstores are frequently comedogenic (clog pores), contain alcohols, and can be extra drying... this is a recipe for disaster for acne-prone skin as it can cause an increase in the production of sebum and, ultimately, pimples. Higher-quality shaving can also be a bit pricier but are worthy investments for clear, acne-free, and ingrown-free skin.
6. Allow your shaving cream to set on your skin. Leave your shaving cream on your face for a minute or so (ideally 3-4 minutes!) before shaving.
7. Always shave with the grain rather than against it. Shave in one direction: from top to bottom with the grain (i.e., the direction of hair growth). Shaving in two directions goes against the grain of the beard and can cause the tips of the hairs to penetrate and wound the skin and grow back underneath the skin surface (i.e., challenging to treat ingrown hairs!).
8. Take your time to be careful and precise. Going slowly and shaving your skin gently will help prevent those breakouts, ingrown hairs, and irritation we all want to avoid.
9. Use less of your aftershave or scented aftershave creams (or ditch them altogether!). Aftershave balms and lotions can actually be irritating for acne-prone skin. Use these infrequently (if ever) and stick to moisturizer.
10. Hydrate your skin. After shaving, do not forget to hydrate your skin. A good moisturizer will leave skin soft and smooth and help maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier. You can use an oil-free moisturizer (preferably one with active acne ingredients) and/or a good oil-free sunscreen to protect and hydrate your freshly exfoliated skin.

What are some wet shaving tips for women?

Legs:

1. Shave your legs after a warm bath or shower. Soaking your skin in warm water will make skin and hair softer and easier to shave.
2. Use shaving cream. Before shaving, apply on your skin a thick layer of shaving cream.
3. Use long, even strokes. Use long, even strokes without applying excessive pressure.
4. Shave in the direction of your hair. Always shave in one direction, following the direction of the hair.
5. Shave carefully over bony areas like ankles, shins, and knees. For knees, bend slightly to pull the skin tight before shaving; folded skin is difficult to shave.
6. Stay warm. To prevent goosebumps, stay warm. Any irregularity in the skin surface can complicate shaving.
7. Be careful with a closer shave. For a closer shave, carefully shave against the grain of hair growth.

For Underarms and bikini area:

1. Don't shave with dry skin. Instead, moisten the skin and apply a thick shaving gel.
2. Smooth-out skin. Lift your arm while shaving to pull the skin tight.
3. Shave from the bottom up. Then, go in the same direction, down to up, allowing the razor to glide over the skin.
4. Shave over an area just once. Avoid shaving the same area more than once to minimize skin irritation.
5. Avoid applying deodorants or antiperspirants immediately after shaving. Shave underarms at night to prevent irritation and stinging and give the area time to stabilize before using deodorant.
6. Be consistent. Shave frequently year-round to keep the area free of irritation and ingrown hairs.

What should I do after shaving?

Your skin is very sensitive after shaving. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes before applying the products.

If you must moisturize immediately following shaving, select a cream rather than a lotion, and never use exfoliating moisturizers on the skin after shaving. Freshly shaved skin is especially vulnerable to chlorine and saltwater swimming pools, tanning lotions that will stain your skin in an uneven way, and sunscreens containing alcohol that will sting.

Our choice for razor: Gillette Mach 3 Turbo on Amazon

Our choice for shaving cream: MDacne soothing shave cream Trio

FAQs:

Q1. What is wet shaving?
A. Wet shaving is the traditional method of shaving where you soak the area to be shaved in warm water, apply foam or gel, and use a razor to shave.

Q2. How does wet shaving differ from dry shaving?
A. Wet shaving involves using water, foam, or gel while shaving, whereas dry shaving is performed without water or shaving gels, typically using electric razors.

Q3. What are the benefits of wet shaving?
A. Wet shaving provides the closest shave possible as the hair becomes softer and easier to cut when soaked in water and gel. It also reduces the chances of uneven shaving and skin bruises.

Q4. Why is a sharp blade important in wet shaving?
A. A sharp blade is crucial for a close and irritation-free shave in wet shaving. It ensures that the hair is cut cleanly without causing skin irritation.

Q5. What are the advantages of dry shaving?
A. Dry shaving is beneficial for people with sensitive skin as it cuts the hairs at a certain distance from the skin's surface. However, the result is not as smooth as wet shaving.

Q6. Are electric razors suitable for dry shaving?
A. Yes, electric razors are commonly used for dry shaving. However, they tend to be more expensive, require more maintenance, and may not provide as smooth a shave as traditional wet shaving methods.

Q7. How should I choose between wet shaving and dry shaving?
A. The choice between wet shaving and dry shaving depends on your preferences, skin type, available time for shaving, and budget. There is no right or wrong method, so choose what works best for you.

Q8. What tips can you provide for acne-prone skin during shaving?
A. For acne-prone skin, it is preferable to shave every day or every other day. Use a warm shower to soften the beard, cleanse your skin with a facial cleanser containing acne-fighting ingredients, and invest in a high-quality razor blade. Shave with the grain, take your time, and use moisturizing shaving cream. After shaving, hydrate your skin with a suitable moisturizer.

Q9. Any specific tips for women's wet shaving?
A. For shaving legs, soak your skin in warm water, apply a thick layer of shaving cream, use long, even strokes, and shave in the direction of hair growth. Be careful around bony areas like ankles and knees. For the underarms and the bikini area, moisten the skin, use a shaving gel, shave from the bottom up, avoid shaving the same area repeatedly, and be consistent with shaving to prevent irritation and ingrown hairs.

Q10. What should I do after shaving?
A. After shaving, allow your skin to rest for at least 30 minutes before applying any products. If you need to moisturize immediately, choose a cream rather than a lotion. Avoid exposing freshly shaved skin to chlorine, salt water, tanning lotions, and alcohol-containing sunscreens, as they can cause irritation.

More info;

How to shave with acne - 8 dermatologist tips
The best razors for a bump-free shave

To find the right acne treatments for your unique skin, take the free skin assessment by clicking here.