Soap or Shaving Cream: Shaving Your Legs the Right Way

Women in the United States have been shaving their legs for nearly a century. The practice began sometime after WWI ended in 1918 and before WWII began in 1939.

Back then, women didn’t want to be seen buying razors because shaving was considered a masculine activity. Instead, they used abrasion, x-rays and industrial depilatories like the chemicals used in tanning animal hides for hair removal.

These dangerous, sometimes deadly, forms of hair removal are why women first started using their husband’s razors, and ultimately led to the question of do you need shaving cream to shave legs.

The Importance of Shaving Cream

Why use shaving cream on legs? Fast forward to the 21st century where women shave their legs daily, and the supply of women’s shaving products is practically endless.

Are all these shaving creams, gels and foams really necessary? Can’t you save money and get the same results by dry shaving or using bar soap, body washes or shampoos?

Save money, maybe. Get the same results, no.

These may seem like cheaper options, but you will pay for it with damaged skin in the long run. Especially when dry shaving or if the product contains alcohol.  

Shampoos, soaps and body washes are designed to clean your hair and body, not condition your legs for shaving. Using them makes it more likely that you will experience razor burn, bumps and ingrown hairs.

Dermatologists agree that conditioning skin with a moisturizing foam, gel or cream softens hair and hair follicles which reduces your risk of nicks, cuts and skin irritation. Here’s how it works.

Shaving creams and gels prevent pulling and tugging of hairs by allowing the razor to glide smoothly across the skin. Other methods yank and pull hairs producing irritation, redness, razor burn and nicks and cuts.

Fortunately, protecting your legs from shaving damage is easy with products like LaLa Daisy’s Peter Thomas Roth Modern Classic Shave Cream.

Shave Your Legs the Right Way

Leg shaving is a right of passage these days. Teenage girls everywhere look forward to picking up a razor and joining the ranks of millions of women before them . . . who’ve spent their lives shaving the wrong way.

Surprise! There is a right way and a wrong way to shave your legs. Who knew? The American Academy of Dermatology, that’s who. For a successful shave with minimal skin damage, follow these tips:

1. Wash and  exfoliate your skin before you shave. This keeps your razor from being clogged up with dead skin cells which can dull the blades.

1. Make shaving the last thing you do in the tub or shower. This allows time for the warm water to soften the hair.

1. Use a moisturizing shaving cream or gel to protect your skin and produce a smoother, softer finish.

1. Shave in the direction the hair grows, which is a downward rather than upward, motion to prevent razor bumps and burns.

1. Use a sharp razor with 2-3 blades and rinse it after every swipe. If it feels like it’s pulling the hair, replace the razor or the razor blade.

1. Replace blades or throw away disposable razors every 5-7 shaves.

1. Don’t keep your razor in the shower where it can stay wet causing the blades to rust and bacteria to grow. Instead, use a towel to pat it dry and store it in a dry place.

1. If you must shave outside the tub or shower, wet your legs with warm water, apply shaving cream or gel and wait a few minutes for the hair to soften before shaving.

For extra protection and softness, apply a moisturizing body lotion to your legs after shaving. You’ll have the smoothest, silkiest legs you’ve ever felt when you shave the right way.

If you’re looking for a great shaving experience, look no further than LaLa Daisy‘s complete line of affordable skin care products from shaving creams and body washes to moisturizers and lotions.