Should You Use Body Scrub Before or After Shaving?

Figuring out the ideal routine for exfoliating and hair removal can get confusing. Should you shave first, or exfoliate? How long should you wait between steps? What about waxing?

In this blog, we’re breaking down the dos and don’ts of pairing exfoliants and razors for ultimate smooth, sexy skin. 

Should You Exfoliate Before or After Shaving?

Exfoliating before shaving is recommended, as it sloughs away dead skin cells and allows razors to glide smoothly for a closer shave.

Gently massaging body scrub into skin lifts hairs up, priming them for easier removal. Avoid harsh, gritty scrubs which cause micro-tears that can lead to irritation when shaved over.

Once loosened by body scrub, hairs are easier for razors to capture at follicle level. Exfoliation also clears away oil and product buildup that could clog razors mid-shave. The result is up to 30% closer shaving for superior smoothness. Just remember to rinse thoroughly before applying shave cream.

How Long Should You Wait to Shave After Exfoliating?

It's ideal to wait 24 hours between full-body exfoliating and shaving whenever possible. This allows the skin’s pH to stabilize while minimizing sensitivity. If you’re in a rush, wait at least 4 to 6 hours after exfoliating to let skin rest. Never shave immediately after scrubbing, as this irritates skin and causes ingrown hairs.

Can You Exfoliate After Shaving?

Yes, but carefully! Only gentle exfoliation should follow shaving so not to disturb freshly shaved skin. Use soft buffing grains without fragrances or acids for 2-3 days post shaving. Avoid scrubbing too harshly over just shaven areas. Over-exfoliation leads to razor bumps and burns.

Should You Exfoliate Before or After Waxing?

Do both! Pre-wax exfoliation lifts hairs for easier wax adhesion. Avoid oily body scrubs as these make wax stickiness ineffective. Post-wax scrubbing prevents in-grown and soothes. But skip abrasive grains right after waxing that strip skin defense barriers. Limit first wash to a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser only.

Check out our Exfoliating Tools

Discover our body scrubs and relaxing bath brushes ideal for prepping skin pre-shave and maintaining results after. Buff without irritation using premium ingredients safe even for delicate areas.

What Are the Benefits of Body Scrubs?

Beyond just pre-shave prep, regular full body exfoliating offers total skin renewal with benefits like:

• Smoother, brighter complexion shedding dull cells
• Clearing of blemish-causing oil and bacteria buildup
• Boosting circulation for nourished skin from inside
• Softening and reducing appearance of stretch marks
• Slowing body hair regrowth between shaves/waxing

How Often Should You Use a Body Scrub?

Gently exfoliate 1-2 times per week maximum to prevent stripping skin. Focus on rough areas like knees, heels, elbows and any current ingrown which benefit most from regular scrubbing. Limit delicate areas like face and chest to 1-2 times monthly.

Types of Body Scrubs

Not all body scrubs suit every skin type. Choose an exfoliant texture catered to your needs.

Turmeric Body Scrub

Turmeric mixed into clarifying grains like sea salt deeply cleanses while fighting acne and inflammation. Best for oily, blemish-prone skin but can stain lighter skin temporarily with repeated use.

Salt Body Scrub

Mineral-rich Himalayan and Dead Sea Salts slough away dead cells. Coarse grains suit tough skin on feet, hands and muscles but avoid face. Salt's antimicrobial properties prevent body odor.

Sugar Body Scrub

Finer exfoliants like organic cane sugar lightly polish without scratching. Gentle enough even for sensitive regions like face and neck. The glycolic acid in some sugars offers mild chemical exfoliation too.

Coffee Body Scrub

Caffeine-packed spent coffee grounds drawn out skin toxins while scrubbing roughly like salt. Best for cellulite-prone areas like thighs and buttocks. The scrumptious scent energizes the shower experience.

Precautions After Using Body Scrub

While body scrub benefits abound, beware of doing too much too fast afterwards. Avoid:

• Don’t Sunbathe: Post-exfoliation, skin becomes highly UV sensitive. The scrubbed surface lacks protective upper layers, leaving fresh skin beneath exposed to harsh rays. Avoid sun for 24 hours.
• Don’t go to the Steam Room: Intense heat and steam spread open pores scrubbed wide open. Bacteria easily penetrate the raw skin underneath, risking infection and acne flare ups.

Take it slow with vigorous activity, hot showers, fragrances and anything drying out vulnerable newly exfoliated skin. Nourish with gentle, soothing moisturizers to heal the reveal softer skin.

In closing, knowing when to exfoliate versus shave delivers optimal smoothness. Body scrub before, shave after, then gently buff again once.

Why Choose Nay Skin Glow to shop for your body scrubs?

The intention behind our products is to offer the best skincare solutions to our customers. We offer a range of products from body scrubs to brightening oils. Our products do not contain any harmful chemicals or toxins that can damage your skin. We formulate our products with all skin types in mind. We understand that uneven skin tone, scars, acne, stretch marks, and cellulite are common concerns in our community. With this in mind, we create effective products that cater to every skin type.