THE pain of waxing can be avoided by shaving but the hair removal method comes with its own set of challenges.
Rebecca Elsdon shared her tips for a smooth shave as she revealed the common mistake that worsens strawberry legs.
Elsdon boasts nearly 20 years of industry experience as an advanced skin specialist and owner of the skin health clinic Re/Skin in Sheffield, England.
Speaking to The U.S. Sun, she shared advice for avoiding unsightly bumps on the skin.
Strawberry skin describes raised bumps or dots that resemble the appearance of the seeds on a strawberry.
The skin condition usually appears on the legs or arms.
“This condition is often down to the follicles or pores in this area becoming blocked or overly visible caused by a combination of clogged hair follicles, dead skin cells, and debris in the pores,” Elsdon said.
“It can also be the result of ingrown hairs from shaving.”
She said dry skin can cause or exacerbate the condition leading to Keratosis Pilaris.
This leads to tiny red or white bumps on the skin, often seen on the back of the arms.
Elsdon said strawberry skin can be avoided by keeping the area well moisturized.
She said shaving should also be done with care to prevent friction or drying.
“A gentle exfoliation routine can help with strawberry skin, to remove any build-up of skin cells,” she said.
“Look for AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHA’s (beta hydroxy acids).
“Dry brushing is also effective at stimulating the circulation and exfoliation.”
She revealed a specific shaving technique can help to prevent strawberry legs.
“Using a sharp, clean razor with a good shaving medium such as a gel or a balm-type product can help,” she said.
“Aveeno Therapeutic shave gel is a great product for sensitive skin and will hydrate the skin too.”
Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel has a whopping 4.7-star rating out of a possible 5 on Target.
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Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel, $4.49, Target
Mallows Beauty Razor Starter Kit, $22.25, Beauty Bay
The $4.49 product contains oat and vitamin E to smooth skin while preventing razor bumps.
Many customers have gushed about its scent, and among the reviews is an individual who said it’s suitable for sensitive skin.
Elsdon said the direction of shaving is just as important as the products used during the process.
“For darker thicker hairs it would be recommended to shave in the direction of the hair growth instead of against it, this will reduce irritation and the risk of ingrown hairs,” she said.
“It’s also important to care for the skin post-shave and daily.
“Medik8’s 3-step smooth body exfoliation kit combines both an AHA and BHA product with a body lotion to help keep the skin smooth and nourished.”
The advice comes after Grace Day shared a razor recommendation with The U.S. Sun.
Day is a beauty expert and esthetician at the online cosmetics retailer Beauty Bay.
She said Mallows Beauty Razor has aloe vera and vitamin E strips for a close shave while being gentle on the skin.
She added that it has a rubber grip for a “no-slip” shave.
Mallows Beauty Razor Starter Kit costs $22.25 on Beauty Bay.
