Exfoliation.

[Kazzo]

I should know this by now, I am 28 so I have been shaving my legs for about 16 years but I just can't get it right.

When and how is the best way to exfoliate before shaving legs. Anything I have tried does not seem to work and I am over having itchy legs a day or so after shaving.

Any tips would be much appreciated

[BrightSparkles]

You need to be exfoliating afterwards also.

[purplepixie1978]

I use a mitt thingie to exfoliate after. I would usually use a salt scrub but I find it's a bit too tingly immediately after.

[AnyDream]

I must be doing something wrong because I never exfoliate my legs @ the time of shaving ??! BTW I've hit the roaring forties so it can't all be bad. Instead I exfoliate occasionally (when I remember) as part of an all-over body exfoliate. Sometimes I use a scrub but usually with a hemp or scrubby mitt from the body shop.

BUT the itching may not be related to the exfoliation/not exfoliation. Do you use a shaving cream/product? - they can be very irritating and drying. I just use a non-soap shower gel or a non-irritating soap, you only need the tiniest bit to lubricate the razor, and then I use the plainest low-chemical moisturiser afterwards (some of those scented body moisturisers like Nivea etc give me the itches something rotten).

[Kazzo]

Hmm, I always exfoliate the day after shaving, like Purplepixie said, it stings to do it straight after. I don't use anything perfumed and use non-soap too and I have tried all different types of razors, product (while shaving). So maybe it is just me and my skin.
It was only the other week that a friend told me you should exfoliate before shaving but that has not helped either.

I have a glove, would trying to exfoliate on dry skin be better or should it always be wet?

[JLeigh29]

I don't shave my legs, I use a Silky Mitt. It's like sandpaper and exfoliates as well as defuzzes.

If I do shave, I exfoliate VERY gently beforehand with the tiniest bit of soap free gel (I have very sensitive skin).

[Ladylove]

Kazzo so do I! I usually use the conditioner from hotels for my legs lol- i have lots of the little bottles saved up. you can also use a cheap body oil or even olive oil or something like that. I use either Palmers body oil or Dermaveen bath and shower oil. The latter is particularly good as it has oatmeal which is good for itchiness.

[Cally]

I was told that it's best to exfoliate on dry skin, as opposed to in the shower when it's wet. I used to use a mitt with body wash on it in the shower, but now I do it just dry and have had less issues.

[Kazzo]

Thanks LL and Cally. I have tried all different suggestions and so far exfoliating on dry skin and lots and lots of mosturiser is doing the trick. Finally, I know how to look after my legs better.

[Malyna]

I'm not sure about the timing, but I do have an excellent exfoliator (sp?) that doesn't cost a lot.

Raw sugar and honey. A couple of heaped tablespoons of raw sugar in enough honey to make it into a paste. Take it in the shower with you and then scrub yourself with it. It leaves my skin babysoft (and I'm 41). I just love it.

I have sensitive skin and use the sugar and honey scrub on my face, because I found that commercial face scrubs just tried my skin too much. It also did a great job on my legs, making them supersoft.

[Kazzo]

Thanks Malyna, that actually sounds really nice. I might just have to try that too. I am still not having much luck with stopping my legs from getting really itchy so still trying anything and everything.