Should You Shave Before You Go To The Beach?

Naturally, we all want to have sleek, silky, fuzz-free skin before we head off on vacation. However, should you shave prior to heading to the beach or pool? The answer may just surprise you. While we all want to be hair-free in a bikini, it isn't always the best option for your skin. According to the shaving experts at Gillette, you should shave the night before your vacation in order to avoid skin irritation. Think about it. The pool and beach aren't exactly skin-friendly environments. Elemental factors like the sun, sand, or chlorine could seriously harm your freshly-shaven skin. Those open pores may not be ready for all that harsh contact.

In fact, if you shave prior to heading to the beach, and then jump in the salty ocean water, you may have experience an intense burning sensation. This is due to the salt water getting in those open pores. Trust me, it's not fun. Avoid the burn by allowing yourself enough time for your pores to close throughly before your sandy vacation. So, this means if you forgot to shave, just leave the hair alone. It's better to have a bit of stubble hanging around than dealing sensitive, irritated skin all day. Who needs it? Have a yourself a better vacation by knowing when to shave. Here are a few ways to help lessen the chance of skin irritation before heading to the pool or beach.

1. Apply Moisturizer

Moisturizing your skin is not only good for hydrating your skin cells, but it also gives your skin some extra protection against the elements. The team at SpaceCoastMassage.com recommend using shea butter, oil, or lotion before heading to the beach to seal off your skin's pores.

2. Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen

This is just a no-brainer. You should always apply an SPF before heading out into the sun. It's the easiest way to protect your skin from the sun's harsh rays.

3. Ditch Certain Skin Care

While having a superb skin care routine is great for managing your skin's health on a day-to-day basis, certain products can also have a negative reaction in extreme sunlight. Products that contain retinol, skin lighteners, and certain acne-fighting ingredients can cause the skin to become more sensitive in the sunlight. Protect your skin by only using gentle cleansers and moisturizers prior to sun exposure.

While having sexy, smooth skin is always preferable, sometimes it isn't worth the side effects.

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