Why you shouldn't dry shave your legs: Dermatologist's advice
Why you shouldn't use dry shaving (photo: Freepik)
Sometimes people, in their haste, may shave their legs on dry skin. This method is harmful as it can damage the skin, according to the Livestrong website.
What is dry shaving
Dry shaving is a modern method that allows for effectively removing hair without using water or shaving gel. This method has found its supporters due to the convenience and speed of the process.
Perhaps you're in a rush or simply don't want to go through the entire process.
The advantage of dry shaving is that it is very quick.
However, it can also irritate the skin significantly.
Side effects
People with very sensitive skin should be cautious about dry shaving. It's also advisable to avoid it if you have conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
Skipping the step of moistening the skin before shaving means the hair doesn't soften adequately before removal. Without this, the razor doesn't remove hair as smoothly, which can lead to ingrown hairs or unevenness.
Dry shaving doesn't give you as smooth a shave as wet shaving, leading to uneven results.
Moreover, if you rush through a dry shave, you're more likely to nick the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
Folliculitis, a skin condition caused by infection, can worsen with dry shaving.
Tips for dry shaving
Sometimes dry shaving is the only option when you're in a hurry and need to quickly remove unwanted hair. If you're planning to dry shave, Dr. Robinson offers advice to do so safely:
- Keep your razor in good condition: Make sure to clean it after each shave to prevent skin irritation.
- Ensure your skin is clean: This reduces the chances of a nick turning into an infection.
- Apply moisturizing cream after shaving to prevent dry, flaky skin post dry shaving.
- Shave in the direction of hair growth.
- Use a single-blade razor: Multi-blade razors increase the likelihood of skin irritation.
