Body hair removal: Experts explain the benefits of shaving and share handy skincare tips

Shaving is inarguably the most convenient and economical body hair removal option. A Rs 200 razor can be used for a couple of months before you discard it. It saves approximately anywhere between Ra 500 - Rs 800, which women would normally spend on waxing every month. The cherry on the cake is that it is safe for your skin.

Experts, however, caution that shaving is a safe option only if one uses the razor carefully and follows a proper skincare regime before and after shaving. In fact, Dr Rinky Kapoor, consultant dermatologist, cosmetic dermatologist & dermato-surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics, says that using a razor for body hair removal offers multiple benefits.

Therefore, it is crucial to understand the right way of going about your body hair removal process when you opt for shaving to avoid any damage to the skin. Mid-day.com spoke to Mumbai-based dermatologists like Kapoor to share a one-stop guide to ensure a hassle-free shaving experience for soft and glowing skin.

Kapoor says shaving provides the following benefits:

1. It acts as a gentle exfoliator by removing dirt and dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin. It also helps remove the gunk of makeup residue. This not only makes your skin appear soft and glowing immediately but also helps in cell renewal naturally.

2. When you shave your body hair, the dead skin cells are removed and it facilitates better product absorption on the skin. if you have been doing a regular skincare routine and not seeing the desired results, then maybe you can try shaving your hair.

3. Shaving makes product application easier. It helps the makeup sit smoothly and looks flawless since it blends well with the skin.

4. Shaving is a painless, inexpensive and time-saving method of removing unwanted body hair. It is the perfect option when you are on-the-go and don't have the time to go to a salon.

5. It is especially best for those who have sensitive skin or are allergic to other hair removal creams or wax.

This is not to say that shaving doesn't result in issues with the skin. Shaving only removes the surface hair and does not pull the hair out of follicles and hence can cause some stress on the skin. Shaving works on the epidermis which is the top layer of the skin responsible for keeping the moisture intact for tissues and other layers of skin.

Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurkar, MBBS, MD (Dermatology), consultant dermatologist, Dr Trasi clinic and La Piel skin clinic, says, "Though shaving is an inexpensive procedure and preferred by many females, even with the best of the razors, it can lead to many skin conditions."

She further explains, "Shaving off body hair with a razor can lead to bumps, nicks, cuts and ingrown hair. Nicks and cuts if ignored can lead to bacterial infection. Ingrown hair is caused due to frequent, close shaving of hair to the skin. Here the hair begins to curl within the surrounding tissue and irritates the skin. The cuts can also lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and marks on the skin. Besides, the effect of shaving lasts for very few days and one observes hair re-growth and skin irritation within 4-5 days."

Acne, dry skin and stubborn dark spots in case of cuts are some other potential issues that might be born out of shaving.

Handy tips for appropriate usage of razors
Both Kapoor and Nerurkar suggest the following tips:

1. In the case of coarse thick hair, it is advisable to use a good quality shaving cream instead of a soap to avoid skin irritation. Shaving creams soften the hair and make it easier to shave around the ankles, knees, elbows etc. without nicking (giving small cuts) the skin.

2. Use a brush or your hands to apply a thick layer of shaving cream on the area to be shaved.

3. Change the razors often to avoid any cuts.

4. Choose the correct razor. Use a single-blade razor over a multi-blade razor (reduces the risk of ingrown hair). Men and women need different kinds of razors because they have different types of hair. Even the razors for intimate areas, the face and the rest of the body are different. Using razors with moisturizing strips of aloe vera or coconut oil will offer more benefits as they give extra glide or lubrication for the razor to run smoothly.

5. It is not difficult to shave the right way. Simply follow the instructions mentioned on the product's package.

6. Moisten the area to be shaved with warm water to open up the skin pores and loosen the skin. Gently exfoliate the skin.

7. Shave downwards or in the direction of the hair growth. Try not to shave in the same direction. Use firm but gentle strokes.

8. When shaving the face, you can use a priming oil to lubricate the skin better.

9. Store the razor in a clean and dry place to prevent fungal growth and rusting.

10. If you are suffering from skin issues like eczema or psoriasis or have active acne then wait for a few days till the condition subsides before shaving.

Protection of skin after shaving
Taking care of your skin after shaving is mandatory. Kapoor says, "The best post-shaving products for the skin are moisturising creams and ointments. They heal the skin without clogging the pores." So, what are the kinds of creams, ointments and oils can be used? The city-based dermatologist says one should look for ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, squalene and niacinamide, lavender, chamomile, avocado oil, glycerine because they are known to nourish the skin and keep it soft.

While the act of shaving is important, there needs to be an equal emphasis on steps that one can take after they are done shaving hair on their body. Experts say moisturising your skin after shaving is one of the critical steps in skin care. One has to choose the moisturiser depending on their skin type. The drier the skin the thicker your after-shave moisturiser should be. Ingredients like witch hazel and eucalyptus oil are known to kill bacteria, tighten pores and give you a more matte complexion. They work well for people with oily skin and those prone to ingrown hair.

Kapoor says even the shaving gels that you use should contain ingredients like neem and turmeric that protect the skin and help heal against abrasions and cuts. For people who are prone to razor burns, acne or ingrown hair, ingredients like salicylic acid or hydrocortisone, tea tree oil and lemon juice work well to soothe irritated skin.

Nerurkar adds "You must apply a gentle calming lotion containing thermal spa water immediately after a shave. In the absence of one, use ice to calm the skin down. One can even use non-oily body moisturisers to maintain the hydration of the skin and keep it non-irritated."

Skincare tips for razor injuries
When one talks about shaving, it is hard to ignore cuts and nicks because they are very common when shaving. Sometimes even when you are very careful, you can end up cutting the skin. In order to help heal the cuts quickly you can use one or any of the following methods:

1. Apply Vaseline or lip balm on the cut. Use a cotton swab or clean fingers for application.

2. Use hot water compress to stop the bleeding. Hot water compress helps in removing the ingrown hair too. Use firm pressure to hold the hot water compress against the skin.

3. Place an ice cube to slow down the bleeding.

4. Witch hazel is an excellent astringent to slow down the bleeding

5. Potassium alum block is not a medical suggestion but many people claim it is very useful.

6. Run an anti-perspirant over any nicks and cuts that you see post-shaving. Don't try to pick the cut or irritate it. It can cause more bleeding and even scarring. You can also use an antibacterial cream containing fusidic acid or mupirocin to prevent any infections.

Shaving the face and private parts
Nerurkar suggests against shaving the face for hair removal. She says, "Using razors on facial hair can lead to irritation and redness of the skin. Face skin is generally delicate and soft, especially in young women. Razors can also lead to acne eruptions on the skin. Constant rubbing while shaving can lead to pigmentation on the facial skin."

On the other hand, Kapoor suggests safe ways to go about facial hair removal. She says, "Razors for the face are different than those for the body. Facial skin is more sensitive. Using a different razor prevents the transfer of bacteria and germs to the face and diminishes the chances of pimples and skin irritation. Before shaving the face, clean the face thoroughly and hold the razor at 45 degrees angle to get the best result. When buying a face razor, choose one that is not too sharp or too dull."

Further, for trimming your eyebrows and hair on the upper lip, use specially designed, usually battery-operated equipment that is generally safe to use. Make sure you hold the device close to your skin when using them for a clean look and to reduce hair pulling. They are quick and easy and don't leave any marks behind. Depending on the hair growth they can be used daily.

Both experts suggest avoiding shaving in the below areas of the body:
Genital areas
Neck and back of the neck
Stomach or the treasure trail
Widow's peak on the hairline
Butt cheeks

Men's razor and shaving creams
Experts advice women to use a razor that is specially designed for them. Nerurkar explains, "The difference between men's razors and women's razors isn't about dullness or the ability to cut hair close to the skin for a smoother feel. It's about the head, handle shape, rotation and how it fits within the contours of the skin. However, females can still use razors provided it is used carefully."

On the contrary, Kapoor says, "Women must not use men's razors. Men's body hair are denser and their razors are angled for the same. Women's razors are designed for soft body hair. If a woman uses man's razor, there are chances of more cuts."

She goes on to explain, "Razors for men are not equipped to shave the hard-to-reach spots. Men's razors are flatter and designed for only one area. Plus, women need different razors for different body parts. Razors for women are made with pivoting heads for extra flexibility for curves and difficult-to-reach areas. Men's razors have only one angle and don't move well along the curves. Most men's razors also don't have a lubrication strip."

However, she says when it comes to shaving creams, men and women can use the same product as they contain the same ingredients.

This being said, it is upto you and what you prefer. Ensure you use a razor that best suits your requirements.

Sharing of razors
While shaving and using the right razor is important, one may often be tempted to share razors with friends and family. However, the experts say sharing your razor with anyone or using someone else's razor is a strict no. While shaving, since the skin cells are sloughed off along with hair, there can be some nicks and cuts exposing the blades to the blood of that person. If you share these instruments, the chances of spreading infections are high. Besides, sharing of razors is usually also an unhygienic practice.

If you are travelling somewhere then it is best to carry your own razors rather than relying on the hotel ones.

Waxing or shaving
Waxing pulls the hair from the roots and therefore gives more long-lasting results. It is a great skin exfoliator too and reduces the appearance of tan. On the downside, waxing needs a visit to the salon and can be time and money-consuming. The choice between waxing and shaving is personal.

According to Kapoor, it is a good idea to go waxing at least once in two-three months for hair removal.

Alternative body hair removal techniques
Nerurkar says, "The best way of hair removal worldwide is laser hair removal. This method targets the bulb of the hair follicle and reduces the growth of thick black hair." Other common alternatives include: Waxing, threading, depilatories, electrolysis and cream removal (elfornithine).

Frequency of shaving
There is no hard and fast rule about how often you can shave. It is a personal decision. On average, keep a gap of 3-4 days between shaves. You can use razors when needed but avoid using razors that have dull blades. Give your skin a break from shaving and allow it to heal any nicks and cuts to reduce skin damage, especially on areas like underarms.

Busting common myths about shaving:

1. Although many believe this, shaving does not make hair thick or rough. Since a shave only cuts the hair, it might appear coarse or rough as it grows back because of the blunt tip. In reality, the thickness, types and growth rate of the hair depends on your body's hormonal structure and not the hair removal methods.

2. Shaving also does not affect or stunt the hair growth in any way.

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