Exfoliation

[R181]

I see some shavers who spend time pre shave exfoliating with various products and methods. Being a face latherer, I have always been puzzled by this. My daily shave is done with cold water in 4 passes. At the end there is plenty of dead skin in the sink water to know I have exfoliated my skin. Seems wetting my face before each pass and face lathering up when combined with actually shaving does the job regarding exfoliating. No extra steps or product needed.

Bob

 

[slapo]

I do find it curious as well - given many popular razors have at least slightly positive blade exposure, the shave itself with such a razor should provide exfoliation, regardless of the brush used.
If it doesn't, I think it begs the question - why is so much of the skin's upper layer dying off between shaves?

Having said that, I think some people do it for a sense of completeness of sorts, or because they like the feeling of exfoliation.

 

[Holyzeus]

Are they talking about areas they don’t shave though?
I have a goatee. I exfoliate that area, forehead, temples etc.

 

[R181]

I was referring to exfoliating as part of a shave. If people just enjoy the extra faffing around, that is perfectly fine too. Being a Northern Ontario Bush Whacker/Red Neck, the other parts of my body get exfoliated in the shower.

Bob

 

[Rufusdog]

When I wasn’t able to wet shave and had to use (gasp) an electric razor for several months, I found it unnecessary to exfoliate any part of my face, or body for that matter. I’ve found showering and shaving regularly without using any products touted as exfoliants to be more than adequate. In certain cases people have to exfoliate to treat a skin condition, but other than that I regard it as a frippery and a “First World” affliction.

 

[Holyzeus]

 

[Randy]

That depends. I definitely not exfoliating the day I shave, it will end up irritate the skin even more after the blade touches it.

The days I don't shave, I surely exfoliate with a face scrub with Salicylic Acid (Clean & Clear, dirt cheap).

 

[chazt]

To me the concept of exfoliation is moot. It happens automatically as you shave. Imo, exfoliating my skin prior to shaving is unnecessary and a waste of time and effort as the very act of shaving removes a layer of skin cells.

 

[Rufusdog]

I’m seeing my dermatologist at the end of October for my annual inspection. I will ask him for his opinion on exfoliation. His a candid person and is unlikely to prevaricate. I’ll report back.

 

[Rufusdog]

That depends. I definitely not exfoliating the day I shave, it will end up irritate the skin even more after the blade touches it.

The days I don't shave, I surely exfoliate with a face scrub with Salicylic Acid (Clean & Clear, dirt cheap).

I assume the ASA is greatly diluted. In addition to being an analgesic, in greater concentrations it is used to remove warts and corns, among other things.

 

[Burgundy]

Your mileage may vary.

I don’t use a dedicated exfoliant - chemical or mechanical - because my skin doesn’t need to use one. It has needed to in the past. In the future, it might well again.

I do, however, use a retinoid every night as well as sun protection every morning. Because I’m worth it.

 

[Randy]

I assume the ASA is greatly diluted. In addition to being an analgesic, in greater concentrations it is used to remove warts and corns, among other things.

Of course, only 0.2% , the ingredient is almost the last from the list.

 

[Twelvefret]

4 passes seems excessive.

 

[R181]

4 passes seems excessive.

I am not saying that anyone has to do 4 passes but only that I do. You do the number of passes that gets you the results that you are happy with.

Bob