Dermatologist reveals 3 shaving hacks to prevent razor burn

June 12, 2024

Your old shaving routine just isn’t cutting it.

Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, a board-certified dermatologist based in Mississippi, is sharing three hacks for a smooth shaving experience — shave in the direction of hair growth, always use a shaving gel or cream and exfoliate often.

“[We] want the glowiest, smoothest, razor-burn-free shave this summer,” Zubritsky declared to her 1.4 million TikTok followers in a minutelong clip this week.

For starters, you’ve probably been shaving wrong.

Zubritsky notes that you need to shave in the direction of the hair growth — not against it.

“Shaving against the hair growth causes micro-traumas and cuts to the skin, allowing more inflammation, irritation and bacteria,” Zubritsky explained.

Also, dry shaving is a major no-no.

Use shaving gel or cream — even bodywash works in a pinch, she advises. She holds up a can of Barbasol while filming the video.

“Shaving gels and creams usually are more lubricating, allowing for a more seamless shave,” Zubritsky added. “And if you’re not exfoliating at least one to two times a week before you shave, you’re doing yourself a disservice.”

She recommends exfoliators with alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.

“There’s going to be less gunk on the skin for the razor to get caught up in,” Zubritsky continued, and it’s “also going to reduce the amount of bacteria on the skin, which sometimes gets in the hair follicle, causing that infection and [giving] you razor bumps.”

Zubritsky said “lazy girls” like herself can make do by using a salicylic acid body wash in the shower a couple of times a week or washing with benzoyl peroxide, which kills bacteria underneath the skin, or Hibiclens, a medical-grade antiseptic skin cleanser.

“We’re canceling razor bumps this summer,” Zubritsky announced in her caption.