Do You Exfoliate Before or After Shaving?

Shaving is one of those rituals that, for many men, is a daily part of life. 

Whether you're going for a clean-shaven look, maintaining a beard, or tidying up around the edges, the goal is always the same: smooth, irritation-free skin. But let’s be honest — achieving perfectly smooth skin is no walk in the park. 

One of the key questions that guys often wonder is, “Should you exfoliate before or after shaving?” If you’ve ever pondered the answer, we’ve got you covered. Let’s break down exfoliation and shaving and get to the bottom of this grooming conundrum.

Why Is Exfoliation Important?

Before we try to settle the "before or after" debate, let’s talk about why exfoliating the beard area and face can be a game-changer in your grooming routine. 

Exfoliation is all about removing dead skin cells that hang on the surface of your skin. These little guys can clog your pores, cause breakouts, and make your shave less smooth. Plus, they can dull your skin, making you look less fresh than you’d like.

When you exfoliate, you clear a path for your razor, which means a closer, more comfortable shave with fewer nicks, cuts, and ingrown hairs. You’re also helping prevent those annoying razor bumps that can pop up after shaving.

Benefits of Exfoliating Before You Shave

Now, let’s discuss the benefits of exfoliating before you shave. This is the approach that most grooming experts recommend, and here’s why:

Prepares the Skin and Hair

When you exfoliate before you shave, you’re prepping your skin and hair for the blade. 

Sloughing off dead skin cells creates a smooth surface for the razor to glide over. That means less tugging and pulling on your hair, which can help prevent irritation. Exfoliating can help lift the hairs away from your skin, making it easier for the razor to catch and cut. This is especially important if you’ve got a thick or coarse beard.

Reduces the Risk of Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown beard hairs are the bane of every dude’s existence. These painful little bumps happen when hair grows back into the skin instead of out of it. 

Exfoliating before you shave can help prevent that by removing the dead skin cells that can trap hair beneath the surface. When your skin is smooth and clear, the razor can do its job more effectively, and your hair is less likely to get trapped.

Opens Up Your Pores

Exfoliating before shaving also helps open up your pores, especially if you’re using warm water or a steam towel as part of your beard routine. Open pores support a closer shave, which means fewer passes with the blade and less irritation overall. It’s a win-win.

Benefits of Exfoliating After You Shave

While exfoliating before shaving is the more popular choice, some fellas prefer to exfoliate after they shave. Here’s the reasoning behind that approach.

Smooths the Skin Post-Shave

Exfoliating after you shave can help smooth out your skin by removing dead skin cells that were loosened in your grooming routine. 

This can be particularly helpful if you’re prone to dryness or flakiness. Exfoliating after shaving can leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed, giving you that fresh-out-of-the-barbershop vibe.

Helps Prevent Razor Burn

Razor burn is a real pain, both literally and figuratively. Exfoliating after you shave can help reduce the risk of razor burn by clearing away lingering dead skin cells that may irritate and clog your pores. 

Not to mention, using a soothing exfoliant can help calm your skin down afterward.

Keeps the Skin Clear

If you’re prone to breakouts, exfoliating after shaving can keep your skin clear. Shaving can sometimes push bacteria and oil into your pores, leading to acne. Exfoliating afterward helps clear out those pores and reduces the risk of post-shave pimples.

Which Is Better: Exfoliating Before or After You Shave?

But what’s the final answer: Should you exfoliate before or after you shave? The truth is, it depends on your skin type, your personal preferences, and the kind of shave you’re after.

If you have sensitive skin, you should stick to exfoliating before you shave. This will help you avoid irritating your skin twice in one go. Exfoliate before you shave to prep your skin, then follow up with a soothing aftershave to calm things down.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, exfoliating after you shave may be more beneficial. It can help keep your pores clear and manage the chances of breakouts. Just make sure to use a gentle exfoliant to avoid overdoing it.

How To Exfoliate Like a Pro

No matter when you choose to exfoliate, you’ve got to do it right. Here’s how:

Choose the Right Exfoliant

There are two main types of exfoliants: physical and chemical. 

Physical exfoliants have tiny granules that scrub away dead skin cells, while chemical exfoliants dissolve them with acids or enzymes. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a chemical exfoliant, which is usually gentler. If you prefer a good scrub, go for a physical exfoliant instead, but choose one with fine particles to avoid irritation.

Be Gentle

Exfoliation should never hurt. If your skin feels raw or irritated afterward, you’re probably being too rough. Use light, circular motions and let the exfoliant do the work. Your skin will thank you for it.

Don’t Overdo It

You don’t need to exfoliate every day. For most guys, two to three times a week is plenty. Over-exfoliating can strip your skin of its natural oils and lead to irritation. Listen to your skin and adjust your routine as needed.

Follow Up With Moisturizer

Exfoliation can leave your skin feeling like the Sahara Desert, so make sure you follow up with a good moisturizer. This will help keep your skin feeling hydrated and smooth and prevent any post-shave dryness or flakiness.

The Bottom Line

Should you exfoliate before or after shaving? It really comes down to what works best for you. Both approaches have their benefits, and the best choice depends on your skin type and shaving goals. 

For more beard and grooming guides, be sure to check out The Beard Club blog and our collection of awesome men's grooming products today! 

Sources:

How to safely exfoliate at home | AAD

Acne: Skin care for acne-prone skin | NCBI Bookshelf

Sensitive Skin: Symptoms, Common Triggers & How It's Treated | Houston Methodist

What Causes Sensitive Skin and How to Care for It | Banner Health