During the summer months, we all want our legs to be visibly soft and kissably smooth. However, as soon as the weather changes, so does our routine. We’re not wearing shorts, so no one sees our legs anyway. Winter brings dry, itchy skin with it, which means that we don’t want to shave our legs as much. So, how often should you shave your legs in the winter?
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However often you want. It’s considered more acceptable to shave your legs at least once or twice a week to prevent excess hair growth. On the other hand, no one will stop you if you want to enjoy No Shave November like the guys are!
Personally, I shave mine as I normally do because I don’t like having hairy legs. I also switch a few things in my routine to prevent dry, itchy legs.
Changing Your Shaving Routine This Winter
If you still want perfectly smooth legs all winter long, you can have your cake and eat it too. You’re not destined for a winter full of scratching at your legs or having ashy skin. Simply make these small changes to your routine to have soft, smooth legs.
Don’t Pre-Soak Your Legs
We all know that there is nothing more satisfying than a long soak in a hot bath during the winter months. Those pre-soak sessions are known to make leg hair softer, too! That means that ingrown hairs and razor bumps are less likely to sprout up.
However, those pre-soak sessions can also make your skin dry and itchy. Switch them out in favor of good shaving cream or natural shaving cream alternatives, such as coconut oil. Another great option is to stand in the shower for ten minutes before shaving. The moisture in the air will soften body hair just like your normal pre-soak in the bath does.
Moisturize Your Legs
During the summer months, whatever I shave with tends to do its part to keep my legs soft and smooth. I need something extra during the winter months, though. You can use shaving products specially designed for after shaving, such as aftershave gel. Some products are specially formulated for sensitive skin that work amazingly well! Other great ideas to combat dry skin include:
– Coconut oil
– Moisturizer
– Hand cream
– Baby oil
Any of these will do their part to help combat dry skin, and they are all suitable for sensitive skin.
Avoid Hot Baths
If you simply must soak in the bathtub to avoid ingrown hairs, opt for warm water instead of hot water. Hot water can irritate sensitive skin, and it can dry out your skin. Warm water or not soaking in the bath at all is best during the cold winter months.
Switch Out Your Razor
You never want to shave your legs with dull blades, but this is particularly important during the winter months. Your skin is already more sensitive and dry, making it more prone to skin irritation. You don’t want to add to the problem by not using a sharp razor.
To make sure that you always have a sharp razor to use, switch them out every week. You can go a little longer if you do not shave frequently during the winter, though. FOr example, if you only shave once per week, you’ll find that you only need a new razor every 2-3 weeks, and you always have a sharp razor.
Keep Exfoliating Weekly
This myth tends to circulate in the skincare community that you shouldn’t exfoliate your legs during winter because your skin is already dry, and exfoliating them can cause skin irritation. This is not true. Shaving alone helps to exfoliate our legs.
You still want to exfoliate your body weekly to remove dead skin cells. If you don’t, those dead skin cells simply sit on top of the skin. They can cause skin irritation and make your skin have an uneven texture. Use a gentle exfoliator with moisturizing properties during the winter months, such as one with honey.
In Conclusion
How often you shave your legs in the winter is up to you, and your personal preference. While I continue to shave mine as I do during the summer, you can opt to only shave yours once per week. There are no hard and fast rules. However, if you want soft and smooth legs as you have during the summer, use the tips above and make some small changes to your routine. Then, check out the benefits of coconut oil as a moisturizer!
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