Gone past are those days when shaving was only a ‘men’s thing!’ Apart from facial hair removal, it’s a trending method to exfoliate the skin, keeping wrinkles and acne at bay. Here is what you need to know about this ‘no more a masculine’ hair-removal regime:
Shaving for women – what about it?
Dermatologist Dr Shefali Trasi explains what this trend is all about. ‘The new face- shaving procedure is a specific treatment known to medical personnel as ‘dermaplaning.’ It is usually done with the help of a small surgical blade (not scalpel) and exfoliates the superficial or outermost layers of the skin.’ This method hence scrapes out all the dead skin cells and is a natural way to cleanse out clogged pores thoroughly.
Is it safe? It is said to reduce wrinkles and acne…
The home-shaving procedure is not likely to cause any pain if a specific facial razor with a curved blade is used. A single-blade and single-edge one is the ideal pick. Do not use the underarm or leg razors with sharp blades, these will be harsher on the face.
As for the procedure done professionally, Dr Trasi says, ‘Procedure is safe when done properly by a professional. It is done using light, feathery strokes which exfoliate the skin and stimulates collagen production. Also, after this procedure the penetration of anti-ageing serums is enhanced leading to better results for decreasing wrinkles.’ Here are some home remedies for ageing skin.
Any chances of in-growth on the face?
In-grown hair is a common struggle to deal with post hair-removal procedures. However, Dr Trasi mentions, ‘It depends on the type of hair growth on the skin. Removal of hair is just a part and parcel of this procedure and is not however the main purpose. Ensure that you are shaving off your hair or moving the razor in the direction of your hair growth so there will be lesser chances of any in-growth hair.’
Is it harsh on sensitive skin?
Many of us would not be comfortable about using a razor on our face, simply because of the risks to cuts and harsh reactions onto the skin. Dr Trasi helps explain this, ‘This procedure is similar to microdermabrasion (skin polishing) or chemical peels. Hence, on sensitive skin there is a chance of developing red rashes immediately after the treatment. You could manage this better with thorough care post the shaving.’ It is ideal to consult your dermatologist before you plan on shaving your face if you have been suffering from severe skin reaction skin products and other treatments. Also, your skin specialist is the best one to prescribe products, you could use once as post-shaving skincare.
What about growth after shaving?
The post-shaving growth depends on your natural growth and or if you have any hair on your face at all. If you have fine hair growth, then the hair is bound to grow back thicker and darker with a blunt edge.
Is it a recommendable method to exfoliate the skin?
You may be sceptical about this exfoliating procedure, but it is a method you could consider for deep cleansing and exfoliation. Dr Trasi says,’ It is one of the good ways of exfoliation. It is a new procedure but needs to be explored more.’
How to shave?
Steps
• Keep your face dry to begin with. Use the facial-razor with a curved edge in particular.
• Hold the razor in a 45-degree angle against the skin.
• Start shaving in short, gentle strokes in the direction of the hair growth and downwards.
• Be careful of sensitive areas like under the eyes, near lips and nose.
What you need to do post-shaving?
Since this procedure involves cleaning out all the dry and dead skin cells, your skin requires its share of moisturising too. Opt for a simple, and natural face pack – avocados and olive oil. Avocados would further complement this exfoliating method as it particularly helps resolve anti-ageing issues like wrinkles and crow’s feet. Additionally, olive oil is a key ingredient to moisturise dry skin, keeping it supple yet firm. Try these 4 winter skincare packs.
Steps
• Mash a ripe avocado into a fine paste.
• Add 1 tbsp of olive oil to this paste and mix thoroughly.
• Splash some water on your face before you apply this face pack.
• Leave this paste on for 10-15 minutes.
• Rinse off with cold water.
Image source: Getty Images
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