Shaving is a safe option only if one uses the razor carefully and follows a proper skincare regime before and after shaving.  Photo Courtesy: iStock 

When done correctly, shaving offers multiple benefits. It exfoliates and cleans the skin, smoothens it, and makes applying makeup and other skin care products easier.  Shaving is a painless, inexpensive and time-saving method of removing unwanted body hair. Photo Courtesy: iStock

This is not to say that shaving doesn’t result in issues with the skin. It can cause bumps, nicks, cuts and ingrown hair. Shaving only removes the surface hair and does not pull the hair out of follicles and hence can cause some stress on the skin. Photo Courtesy: iStock

To ensure a safe and painless shaving experience, ensure you use a good quality razor and shaving cream. Avoid using soap. Change the razors often to avoid any cuts. Opt for a single-blade razor over a multi-blade razor. Photo Courtesy: iStock 

Moisten the area to be shaved with warm water to open up the skin pores and loosen the skin. Gently exfoliate the skin. Store the razor in a clean and dry place to prevent fungal growth and rusting. Photo Courtesy: iStock 

Shave downwards or in the direction of the hair growth. Experts say moisturising your skin after shaving is one of the critical steps in skin care. Apply the right moisturiser after shaving. Look for products having ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, squalene and niacinamide, lavender, chamomile, avocado oil and glycerine because they are known to nourish the skin and keep it soft. Photo Courtesy: iStock