Just Say No to Nicks and Cuts with These 3 Shaving Tips

As our skin becomes more sensitive with age, it seems like our tried-and-true razor techniques no longer work, and post-shaving rashes and ingrowns are now the norm. To the rescue: new shaving tips and innovations for women that will leave skin silky-smooth without irritation.

Patchy Skin on Legs?

Repeatedly running a razor over legs to remove hair strips skin’s outer layer of moisturizing natural oils, resulting in dry, inflamed patches. The fix? Reach for a depilatory like Nair Bladeless Shave Whipped Creme (Buy from Ulta Beauty, $12.99). Its calcium thioglycolate gently dissolves the bonds between hair proteins at the root without the physical trauma caused by a razor. Plus, it’s infused with hydrating mineral oil and anti-inf lammatory lavender extract so legs will not only be hairless but supple too!

Bumps on the Bikini Line?

Since skin along the bikini area is thinner than elsewhere on the body, sharp razor blades can easily create microscopic tears that allow bump-causing bacteria to seep in, says Atlanta-based dermatologist Tiffany Clay, MD. A better way? Using a bikini line–specific trimmer, like Venus for Pubic Hair & Skin Gentle Trimmer (Buy from Walmart, $29.97). Protective “fins” cover its blade, giving the trimmer minimal contact with skin, swiping away surface hairs without nicking the delicate area. The result? Bye-bye, bumps!

Rashes on Underarms?

The underarm area has an awkward contour, unusual hair growth pattern and a buildup of sweat, bacteria, and deodorant that can make it tricky to get a close shave. Plus, all that trying can leave behind an itchy rash. But this two-step remedy can help: Before shaving, gently buff the area with a mix of 1⁄4 cup of brown sugar (it exfoliates) and 1⁄4 cup of coconut oil (it hydrates) on damp skin for one minute; rinse. “This removes debris from hair follicles while releasing trapped ingrowns for a closer shave,” says Dr. Clay.

Next, use a razor, like Flamingo Razor (Buy from ShopFlamingo.com, $11). It has a pivoting head and multiple blades, which self-adjust to all the contours of the underarm as it glides along skin. This reduces the chance of missing hairs and having to go over the area multiple times, which can cause painful razor burn. Also smart: Shave up and down, then side to side. This will help remove hair every way it grows.

This article originally appeared in our print magazine, First For Women.