Does the pre-shave process for body shaving differ from the routine I go through when I blade my face? Also, should I moisturize my body more if I'm going to be shaving it?

ANSWER:

Shaving your body might seem a little more intimidating than shaving your face, but the pre-shave process (i.e., hydrating and moisturizing) is pretty much the same.

The first step is to trim excess hair down to about a quarter of an inch with a pair of grooming scissors (this will offer a closer shave and prevent your razor from getting clogged). Next, soften up your skin and hair with plenty of warm water and soap to prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs; shaving at the end of a shower is ideal. Finally, lather on some shaving cream or gel (you can use the same products as you do on your face) and shave with the grain of the hair using short, light strokes.

When you’re done shaving, lock in moisture with a lightweight lotion (just stay away from anything that contains alpha hydroxy or you’ll be in for a bit of a burn).

It’s a myth that you need to use tons of extra moisturizer if you’re going to shave your body -- most shaving creams contain heavy-duty moisturizing ingredients. Plus, now that your skin is hairless, any extra moisturizer that you do apply works overtime because your skin can much more easily absorb it.

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