How to prevent dry skin after shaving

Tired of dealing with dry, flaking skin after shaving? You’re not alone, but the good news is that post-shave dryness doesn’t have to hold you back. That tight, itchy feeling and the redness that often comes with it can all be tackled with the right grooming routine. Even if you have sensitive skin, you can achieve post-shave smoothness without the irritation.

From answering ‘why is my skin rough after shaving?’ to exploring potential irritants, discover how to prevent dry skin after shaving once and for all with the advice in this guide.

Why is my skin dry after shaving?

When compared to other common hair removal techniques, like plucking and waxing, shaving was found to cause significantly more skin dryness.¹ It’s essentially a form of exfoliation, removing the outermost layer of skin as you shave.

But how does this cause rough, dry skin after shaving? The main issue is that, without proper care, the abrasion from shaving disrupts the skin barrier. This is the layer of skin that acts as a protective shield to prevent water loss, reduce sensitivity, and mitigate the effects of environmental damage.²

With a damaged skin barrier, water can pass out of your skin easily, leading to those frustratingly dry patches after shaving. Hair removal can also strip your skin of its natural oils, making any existing dryness worse.

Preventing dry skin after shaving

• Work with moisture: Shave after a warm shower or in the bath. Your skin will be softer and more moisturised, helping your razor glide with less abrasion and irritation.
• Choose a wet or dry shave: Learn whether a wet or dry shave  is better suited to your skin and your chosen shaving tool.
• Add a protective layer: Apply a hydrating shaving cream or gel before you shave, creating a barrier between your skin and the blade to further reduce irritation.
• Ditch alcohol-based products: Alcohol is known to dehydrate the skin, increasing the risk of dryness after shaving. Avoid it in products like moisturiser and aftershave.

Avoid dry skin from shaving by boosting your skin barrier

The risk of dry, flaking skin after shaving can be reduced by improving your skin barrier. Start by developing a skincare routine that focuses on boosting your skin’s natural moisture retention to provide long-term protection against dry skin from shaving.

When selecting a moisturiser, look for a product that contains ingredients known to boost the skin’s moisture levels, like ceramides. These are a type of fat that occurs naturally in your skin and are a vital part of your skin barrier. They boost hydration and reduce inflammation, too, making them an excellent skincare ingredient to prevent dry patches after shaving.³

You can also look for products enriched with hyaluronic acid, glycerine, or niacinamide, which help your skin lock in moisture and repair its natural barrier more effectively. For an added layer of protection against dry, flaky skin after shaving, consider applying a fragrance-free oil, like jojoba or coconut oil.

Remember, consistency is key. Moisturising daily (not only after shaving) strengthens your skin barrier over time and soothes red, irritated skin , making it more resilient to irritation and dryness. 

From understanding ‘why is my skin rough after shaving?’ to how you can boost your skin barrier, each aspect of your new routine will work together to create smoother, more comfortable hair removal. With the right care, shaving becomes less of an irritation and more of a refreshing step in your skincare routine, leaving your skin healthier and more resilient over time.

Sources:

¹ The Impact of Different Hair‐Removal Behaviours on the Biophysical and Biochemical Characteristics of Female Axillary Skin, NIH 
² Skin Barrier Function: The Interplay of Physical, Chemical, and Immunologic Properties, NIH
³ Ceramides and Skin Health: New Insights, NIH