We all want our legs to be soft and kissably smooth during summer. 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, which means 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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Shave your legs however often you want. At least once or twice a week is considered more acceptable to prevent excess hair growth. However, no one will stop you if you want to enjoy No Shave November like the guys do!
I shave mine as usual, but switch a few things to prevent dry, itchy legs.
Changing Your Shaving Routine This Winter
If you still want perfectly smooth legs all winter, you can have your cake and eat it. You’re not destined for a winter full of scratching at your legs or having ashy skin. Make small changes to your routine to have soft, smooth legs.
Don’t Pre-Soak Your Legs
We all know nothing is more satisfying than a long soak in a hot bath during winter. 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.
However, those pre-soak sessions can also dry and itchy your skin. Switch them out in favor of excellent 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, 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 products specially designed to use after shaving, such as aftershave gel. Some products are specially formulated for sensitive skin that works 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.
Our Picks
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Body Oil
Avoid Hot Baths
If you must soak in the bathtub to avoid ingrown hairs, opt for warm water instead of hot water. Hot water can irritate sensitive skin and 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, which is particularly important during winter. Your skin is already more sensitive and dry, making it more prone to irritation, and 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 weekly, you’ll only need a new razor every 2-3 weeks, and you always have a sharp razor.
Keep Exfoliating Weekly
The skincare community tends to circulate the myth 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 sit on top of the skin, causing irritation and uneven skin texture. Use a gentle exfoliator with moisturizing properties during winter, such as one with honey.
Consider trying exfoliating body scrubs with oil to keep your skin moisturized and soft. These are a great idea for your entire body, including your legs, throughout winter.
Our Picks
Lotion is a great way to restore skin to keep it moisturized, but you may need a few more additions to your winter skincare or shower routine to keep your legs soft, especially if you’re consistently surrounded by dry air. These shower scrubs, body butters, and other products can help you get the velvety skin you want.
Black Raspberry Body Polish
Infused with black raspberry oil and black raspberry seeds, this body polish helps moisturize your skin while providing it with the powerful antioxidants it needs. Organic cane juice sugar gently buffs away dead skin cells while soothing oils and extracts keep your skin hydrated and silky soft.
Why You’ll Love It
- Gentle on the skin
- Moisturizing
- Lasting hydration
Haute Cocoa Body Butter
Haute Cocoa Body Butter is carefully infused with the finest ingredients to keep your skin healthy and hydrated. The sensual smell of soothing cocoa teases your nostrils while a powerful mixture of oils nourishes your skin for long-lasting hydration. It’s the ultimate skincare addition for dry or dehydrated skin.
Why You’ll Love It
- Handmade in the USA
- Multiple scents available
- Nourishing oils
- Safe for most sensitive skin
In Conclusion
How often you shave your legs in the winter is up to you and your preference. While I continue to shave mine as I do during the summer, you can only shave yours once weekly. 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 minor changes to your routine.
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