Face shaving is the process of removing facial hair for aesthetic or hygienic purposes using a razor. Many men regularly shave their facial hair as part of their grooming routine. However, some women also choose to shave their faces to remove peach fuzz or fine vellus hairs. So do dermatologists actually recommend shaving your face? Let’s take a closer look at the potential pros and cons.
Why Some People Shave Their Faces
Here are some of the main reasons people, especially women, choose to shave their facial hair:
- Removes peach fuzz – Fine, light colored hairs on the face can catch the light and create a slight shadow. Shaving removes these hairs so the skin appears smooth.
- Exfoliation – The act of shaving can slough off dead skin cells, revealing fresher skin underneath.
- Allows better makeup application – Makeup glides on more smoothly over a freshly shaved face.
- Prevents ingrown hairs – For those prone to ingrown hairs on the face, regular shaving can help prevent them.
While shaving might seem like an easy solution for facial hair removal, there are some potential downsides to keep in mind.
Potential Risks of Face Shaving
Shaving your face does come with some risks, including:
- Cuts and nicks – Razors can easily cause nicks and cuts, especially around curved areas like the jawline and chin.
- Ingrown hairs – While shaving may prevent some ingrown hairs, improper shaving technique can also lead to more ingrown hairs.
- Folliculitis – Inflammation around hair follicles caused by irritation from shaving.
- Razor burn – Red, rashy skin from friction and irritation during shaving.
- Blemishes – Facial shaving can clog pores and worsen acne breakouts.
- Stubble – Faces may feel stubbly just hours after shaving as the hairs quickly grow back.
- Dry skin – Frequent shaving can dry out facial skin.
So do the potential benefits outweigh the risks? Let’s see what dermatologists have to say.
Dermatologists’ Recommendations
When it comes to shaving your face, dermatologists generally weigh the pros and cons on a case by case basis. Here are some of their key considerations:
- Skin type – Sensitive skin types are more prone to irritation from shaving. A dermatologist can help assess skin type.
- Hair density – Coarse, dense facial hair may require shaving but fine vellus hairs usually don’t.
- Purpose – Shaving for temporary smoothing before an event may be OK, but long-term can increase irritation.
- Technique – Proper shaving technique, products, and aftercare are key to preventing problems.
- Alternatives – Dermatologists may recommend alternative hair removal like threading, depilatories, epilation, or laser hair removal.
Overall, most dermatologists recommend shaving faces only occasionally for specific purposes. For those who insist on regular face shaving, dermatologists advise proper shaving techniques along with use of appropriate products.
Dermatologists’ Shaving Tips
If you choose to shave your face, following dermatologists’ best practice tips can help minimize irritation:
- Shave along the direction of hair growth, not against it.
- Use a clean, sharp razor each time.
- Apply a moisturizing shave gel, cream or oil.
- Rinse blade often during shaving.
- Avoid stretching skin taut while shaving.
- Shave lightly using short, gentle strokes.
- Rinse face with cool water after shaving.
- Pat dry then apply moisturizer.
- Exfoliate before shaving to prevent ingrown hairs.
- Avoid harsh scrubs after shaving.
Following up with products containing soothing ingredients like aloe, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin or glycols can also help prevent irritation. Using a chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid or glycolic acid 1-2 times per week can keep skin smooth.
The Verdict
So in summary, do dermatologists actually recommend shaving your face? Here are some key takeaways:
- Dermatologists generally recommend shaving faces only occasionally, if at all.
- Heavy, coarse facial hair is more appropriate to shave than fine vellus hairs.
- Those with highly sensitive skin may be advised to avoid shaving altogether.
- Proper technique and quality products are essential to minimizing irritation.
- Long-term, dermatologists favor alternative hair removal methods over frequent shaving.
The bottom line is dermatologists approach facial shaving with caution. While occasional, careful shaving may be acceptable, frequent face shaving often does more harm than good. Consulting a dermatologist helps determine if shaving is recommendable based on your individual hair type and skin concerns.
Other Facial Hair Removal Methods
If dermatologists don’t recommend shaving your face that often, what are some better alternatives for facial hair removal? Here are a few top options:
Threading
Threading involves using a thin twisted cotton thread to pull out facial hairs. It’s considered gentler than shaving or plucking.
Pros:
- Precise control for shaping eyebrows, lip, and chin hair.
- No heat or chemicals.
- Causes less irritation than shaving.
Cons:
- Can cause redness and swelling.
- Hairs grow back quickly.
- Results only last 1-2 weeks.
Depilatory Creams
Depilatory creams contain chemicals that dissolve hair shafts. They are applied to the face then rinsed off after several minutes.
Pros:
- Very quick and easy hair removal.
- Lasts 1-2 weeks.
- No razor burn.
Cons:
- Can irritate sensitive skin.
- Some odor and mess.
- Risk of chemical burns if left on too long.
Epilation Devices
Epilators use rotating tweezers to grasp and pull out hairs. Both spring-based and electric epilators are available.
Pros:
- Lasts 2-6 weeks.
- Can be used on face and body.
- Epilated hairs take longer to regrow.
Cons:
- Can be painful on sensitive areas.
- Risk of ingrown hairs.
- Not as precise as threading.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal uses targeted pulses of light to destroy hair follicles and prevent regrowth. It requires multiple treatments.
Pros:
- Long-lasting hair reduction.
- Precise targeting of dark hairs.
- Can treat large areas like full face.
Cons:
- Expensive – often $200-$400 per session.
- Multiple treatments needed.
- Usually not permanent hair removal.
- Not suitable for light hair.
Conclusion
While dermatologists may approve an occasional gentle face shave for specific purposes, they generally recommend alternative facial hair removal methods for those desiring smooth skin on a regular basis. Non-irritating options like threading, depilatory creams, epilation devices, and laser treatments allow more long-lasting facial hair removal with potentially fewer side effects than shaving. Consulting a dermatologist helps determine the best facial hair removal approach based on your individual skin type and needs. With the right techniques and consistency, smooth, hair-free skin can be achieved without excessive shaving.