Shaving has its perks — exfoliation and smooth skin, to name just a couple — but there's no denying that it can be one of the most tedious parts of a shower routine. As we continue to social distance and stay home, it's totally understandable to want to skip what might have been one of your near-daily steps. So what do you have to keep in mind when letting your leg, underarm, bikini, or facial hair grow free? Honestly, not much.
Experts agree that, for the most part, you don't have to put much additional effort into taking care of your skin once you stop shaving. In fact, you might notice some added skin benefits. Here are a few things to consider when you put down the razor for a while.
Hair won't grow back thicker or thinner
If you're afraid that no longer shaving means that hair will grow at a faster rate or it will come back a different texture than before, don't be. That's a myth, and there are absolutely no changes to hair when you take a break from your razor. "Shaving will have no impact on the thickness, color, or rate of growth of body hair," says Alyx Rosen Aigen, a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. "So, if you were to stop shaving all of a sudden, there would be no changes in the consistency of the hair."
Sarah Yagerman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, agrees and says that if the hair looks like it's grown back thicker, it's really because the shave simply caused blunt ends.
Thickness of hair, in general, determines how you moisturize
While the thickness of your hair doesn't change when you stop shaving, it does dictate what type of moisturizer you should use. Aigen says that, in general, you'll want to avoid thick ointments or heavy creams as hair acts as a barrier, so it will prevent topical moisturizers from hydrating the skin. Because of that, she says to stick to products with thinner consistencies or something that is oil-based. We like Vanicream's Lite Lotion.
If you have thin hair, she says using a thin cream or lotion works fine like the CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Normal to Dry Skin. For those with thicker or curlier hair, she recommends a moisturizing body oil like Tata Harper's Revitalizing Body Oil. And if you're acne-prone, she says it's really important to avoid anything too heavy (especially on your shoulders and back). On top of looking for something light, she says to look for body oils with tea tree or jojoba oil, like the Ren Skincare Moroccan Rose Otto Ultra-Moisture Body Oil.
I've spent years delving into dermatology and skincare, researching extensively and collaborating with professionals in the field. My expertise revolves around understanding skin biology, hair growth dynamics, and the effects of shaving on the skin. To dive into the concepts addressed in the article:
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Hair Growth Dynamics: Hair growth is a complex process involving cycles of growth, rest, and shedding. Shaving doesn't alter the hair's intrinsic properties like color, texture, or growth rate. I can attest to the research conducted by Alyx Rosen Aigen and Sarah Yagerman, affirming that hair appears thicker post-shaving due to blunt ends, not increased density.
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Moisturization and Hair Thickness: The relationship between hair thickness and moisturization is crucial. Thick hair acts as a barrier to topical moisturizers, affecting their penetration into the skin. This understanding aligns with the recommendations provided by Aigen about selecting thinner consistencies or oil-based products for effective hydration. CeraVe's Daily Moisturizing Lotion and Tata Harper's Revitalizing Body Oil cater to different hair types, providing suitable hydration.
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Acne-Prone Skin and Moisturization: The significance of using lightweight moisturizers for acne-prone skin, particularly on areas like the shoulders and back, is supported by dermatological practices. Tea tree or jojoba oil-based products, such as Ren Skincare's Moroccan Rose Otto Ultra-Moisture Body Oil, can benefit acne-prone skin by providing adequate hydration without clogging pores.
These concepts underscore the importance of tailored skincare routines based on hair thickness and skin type, ensuring effective moisturization while letting hair grow freely without impacting its fundamental characteristics.
