SAEDNEWS: Wondering when to exfoliate for smoother, healthier skin? Learn why dermatologists recommend exfoliating before shaving—and how this simple switch can make all the difference in your skincare routine.
According to SAEDNEWS, Smooth, radiant skin doesn’t just happen—it takes care and the right timing. Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells that dull your glow, but should it come before or after shaving? In this post, we uncover the expert-backed answer to get your skin looking its best.
Having smooth, glowing skin is something many people wish for. But as we age, the skin's natural cell renewal slows down. Dead skin cells begin to accumulate on the surface, making the skin look dry and dull. This is when exfoliation steps in—helping remove those dead cells and bringing back the skin’s natural radiance and freshness. But here's the big question: When is the best time to exfoliate—before or after shaving?
In the shower, before shaving.
According to Dr. Maya Toussani, a dermatologist from Arizona,
"Without exfoliating, your razor can get clogged, and it may not shave the hair as cleanly or closely as possible."
She explains that exfoliation helps remove the dead skin cells that surround the hair, allowing the hair to come out more easily. As a result, your shave becomes smoother and more effective.
Plus, with smoother skin, you're less likely to get cuts or nicks during shaving.
On the flip side, some exfoliants—especially chemical exfoliators or coarse scrubs like salt—can irritate freshly shaved skin. If you have even a small nick, the irritation could get worse.
So regardless of whether your exfoliator is a gentle scrub or a product with powerful acids, it's always better to exfoliate before shaving.
Also, after shaving and exfoliating, moisturizing your skin becomes even more important, as these processes can dry out your skin.
If you've been unsure about exfoliating or haven’t turned it into a regular habit yet, these five benefits might change your mind:
Exfoliation helps remove dead cells from the skin’s surface. When these cells build up, your skin can look dry, dull, and older.
If you struggle with body acne, products containing salicylic acid can help. They clean out pores and prevent future breakouts.
Exfoliators help eliminate rough, uneven textures and make your skin feel smoother. According to Dr. Toussani, they even help with conditions like keratosis pilaris—also known as “chicken skin.”
When the skin’s surface is clear of dead cells, products like body serums, creams, oils, sunscreen, or self-tanners absorb more effectively.
A razor glides more smoothly over exfoliated skin because there are no dead cells clogging the blades, and the skin surface is more even.
In general, exfoliating once or twice a week is enough, but it depends on your skin type and the kind of exfoliant you use.
Dry skin, which produces less oil, can handle 1–2 times per week without irritation.
Oily or thicker skin may tolerate daily exfoliation.
Using exfoliating soaps with fine particles or a bath mitt counts as gentle exfoliation. Dr. Toussani says:
"If you don’t apply too much pressure, this can be done daily."
Products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), beta-hydroxy acids (BHA), or natural enzymes should be used weekly or biweekly, depending on the product’s strength and your skin type.
These require firm pressure and should be used no more than once a week.
Dr. Toussani warns:
"If done with too much force or without moisturizing afterward, this type of exfoliation can cause irritation or dry out the skin."
