Sexy summer legs start with a proper shave

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop

May 28, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- It's time to bare your legs. But first, you'd better make sure your gams are summer-ready.

The way you shave your legs can make all the difference. From choosing the proper razor to the shaving gel to the technique, this ritual takes plenty of planning and forethought to ensure a clean, close shave so legs look and feel smooth and sexy.

"Shaving your legs is about more than getting rid of excess hair," says Susan Lanzarotto, director of shaver marketing for Bic. "A lot of women say they feel more confident after they shave, so there is an emotional side to shaving, too."

As shaving technology develops, the days of the lone pink razor among many selections for men are long gone. More women are choosing multiple-blade shavers. In addition to providing three, four, even five cutting surfaces, shavers are more flexible to adjust to each curve. Some razors also have lubricating strips. Having plenty of choices makes the shaving aisle of drugstores and supermarkets more female-friendly.

But before you put razor to skin, exfoliate.

Skin exfoliation is an important part of the process, especially after exposing our skin to months of harsh winter elements, says Dorothy Andreas Tuel, president of The Sewickley Spa Inc. She calls it "spring cleaning" for your skin and recommends doing it twice a week.

"Exfoliating the skin is the first step to smooth legs," she says. "Over the winter, the skin cells are not shed as quickly. The exfoliation process helps to remove the skin that appears to be 'alligator' skin. You can use either a professional product, which will usually contain sea salts, or granulated sugar mixed with herbs and/or aromatherapy oils.

"For sensitive skin, even a washcloth is enough. Wet the skin. Begin at the upper thighs, using a circular motion, and work down to the ankles, paying particular attention to knees, ankles and feet."

Whether you worship the sun or get your tan from a bottle, shaving and exfoliating promotes the summer color, says Kristen Gugliotta, external-relations manager for Gillette Venus.

"Shave regularly to highlight a tan," she says. "Shaving may actually enhance your tan by removing flaky skin that can hide its glow."

Here are more tips to maximize your leggy summer look:

Shave at night

Nighttime is the perfect time to remove dead skin cells and the superficial layer of the epidermis. This process actually is healthy for your skin, and reduces your skin's defenses for a couple of hours. If you shave in the morning, you are more likely to expose weakened skin to external elements. Your shaved skin will feel less comfortable. Shaving in the evening gives your epidermis the entire night to recover its strength and suppleness to resist irritation.

Pick a direction

You can decide which direction to shave -- with or against the direction of hair growth. Shaving against the hair growth gives you the closest shave. But if you have more sensitive skin, try shaving in the direction of the hair growth.

Clean and wet

Try not to shave any part of your body without first making sure the skin is perfectly clean. This will help prevent infection or bumps. Apply hot water or shave after showering. Warm water and humidity increases skin elasticity and softens and pumps up hair, which makes it easier to cut and leaves you with a closer shave.

Hot water actually diminishes hair toughness, which can increase blade longevity. Wet hair is easier to shave. Moisten the skin with water for about 3 minutes before applying shaving lotion or gel.

The razor's edge

Keep in mind that the duller the blade, the more irritated your skin will become. Change blades regularly, especially if you have sensitive skin. On sensitive areas, such as the bikini and underarms, shaving with a dull blade can result in red spots.

To keep your blade sharp, never shave without first moistening dry hair with water. Dry hair is difficult to cut and breaks down the fine edge of a razor blade. A sharp blade is crucial to getting a close, comfortable, irritation-free shave. A razor that scratches or pulls needs a new blade immediately. For most women, the blade needs to be replaced after five to 10 shaves.

Shaving cream and gel

Don't be afraid to try shaving wet with shaving cream, a gel or soapy lather. It will help the shaver glide smoothly over the skin, chasing away oily residue while leaving skin soft and smooth. Shaving cream or gel with aloe vera -- or another moisturizing agent -- is preferred to normal soap, because it is gentler to your skin and will lift your hair. Lather the cream/gel with back and forth motions over the pre-moistened area you are going to shave. Leave the cream/gel on your skin for 2 minutes before shaving.

Careful -- curves ahead

When shaving knees, bend slightly to pull the skin tight before shaving, as folded skin is difficult to shave. The backs of knees and thighs, and areas such as ankles, where the bone is close to the skin surface, often are difficult to shave. Allow extra time for these areas to soak in shaving gels.

A kind touch

Use a light touch when shaving. Pressing hard only flattens your hairs, making it harder for them to enter the cutting chamber. It also will wear out the cutting surface of your shaver more quickly. Use long, even strokes without applying excessive pressure. Shave carefully over bony areas like ankles, shins and knees. Stay warm to prevent goose bumps, as any irregularity in the skin surface cam complicate shaving. Simply let the blade and handle do the work for you. Wire-wrapped blades help prevent careless nicks and cuts.

Soothe and hydrate

After shaving, the skin will be dry and irritated. Apply an alcohol-free after-shave to remoisturize your skin and avoid the feeling of razor burn. Products that hydrate, like an after-shower moisturizer, or shave gel will help skin feel silky smooth.

Sources: www.gillettevenus.com, www.feelthesoleil.com, www.schick.com, www.Remington-products.com

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop can be reached via e-mail or at 412-320-7889.

Newstex ID: 35354633