Should you exfoliate before or after shaving?

Absolutely. It might sound like a natural first step, but you’ll need to make sure your hair is wet (dry shaving can cause tugging, which can lead to irritation and razor burn). So, hop in the shower or run a warm bath, soak for a couple of minutes and then apply a soothing shower mousse before you reach for your razor. The warm water will soften your hair, making it easier to shave, while the shower mousse will help your razor glide along effortlessly.

Should you exfoliate before or after shaving? The answer is yes, to both. One of the most important parts of your pre-shave prep is exfoliation, which helps to buff and prepare your skin. Made with ¼ moisturizing cream, our Crushed Macadamia & Rice Milk Moderate Exfoliating Body Polish gently exfoliates your skin while nourishing it, for longer lasting smoothness. Using an exfoliator a couple of days after you shave too will remove dead skin and make it easier for the hair to come through – meaning you’ll be less likely to get ingrown hairs.

Using a caring shaving product creates a barrier between your skin and the blades, helping to protect you from irritation and reducing your risk of nicks and cuts. Perfect for cleansing and shaving, our indulgent Shower Mousse with Argan Oil instantly lathers, wrapping you in a creamy cloud of lather and a luxurious scent. The ultra-nourishing formula helps to restore your skin's natural moisture barrier too, leaving you with beautifully nourished, soft skin that lasts all day long. 

Shaving up, against the direction of your hair growth, gives you the closest shave for the smoothest skin. But your skin can get irritated if your hair is on the longer side, so start by shaving with the grain. This will shorten the hair, and then you can do the reverse – it’s your best solution for softer, smoother skin.  

After shaving, use a rich moisturizer to keep all the moisture from our Shower Mousse locked in. The minute you’re out of the shower or bath, gently pat down your skin with a towel (instead of rubbing, which can be irritating) and smooth on your favorite Dove moisturizer.