6 Ways to Make Your Shave Last for Days

Things can get prickly a day or two after shaving, but now that shorts weather is here, you can't skip days like you did in the winter. You don't necessarily have to shave more often, but you have to do it differently. Everything from how you prep your skin to the direction you move the razor can impact how long you stay stubble-free. Here, experts share how to extend your shave for super-smooth skin 24/7.

1. Exfoliate the day before shaving.

To remove hairs super close to their roots, buff your skin with a body scrub or body cream that has glycolic, lactic, or alpha hydroxy acid to erase dead skin cells as well as dislodge ingrown hairs, says dermatologist Jennifer Chwalek of Union Square Laser Dermatology in NYC. Try lactic and glycolic-acid based DERMAdoctor KP Duty Body Scrub, which combines the benefits of chemical and mechanical exfoliants for silky skin.

2. Shave at the end of the shower.

By washing away dirt and oil from your skin first, hairs are totally exposed and you can catch them right at the root. Plus, the heat and humidity that builds up in the shower helps soften skin and hair, making them easier to cut.

3. Always use a moisturizing shave gel or cream.

Def not a smooth move to skip this step. And, BTW, shower gel is *not* shaving gel. The latter has more slip so razor blades can work their magic without getting clogged up. Now that that's settled, let's go back to the basics. Every time you shave, cover the area with a thick layer of shaving cream or gel. The goal is to soften the hair and skin underneath so the razor just glides, says Neal Schultz, a dermatologist in NYC. Skintimate Signature Scents Shave Gel in Raspberry Rain is formulated with vitamin E and olive butter to do just that, and leaves behind a yummy fruity scent that smells like summer.

4. Choose a razor with built-in hydration.

Along with applying a shaving cream, use a razor that has moisturizing ingredients. The Schick Hydro Silk Razor includes a hydrating serum to keep skin hydrated for up to two hours post-shave.

5. Be sure to change your blades.

The reason is simple: A dull blade won't get rid of stubble as close to your skin's surface, so you have to shave sooner. Which is the exact opposite of what you want, right? You'll know when it's time to ditch when "the blade will feel as if it's dragging instead of gliding," explains Dr. Schultz. Make it convenient for yourself and keep blade refills at the ready. Schick Hydro Silk Shower Hanging Refills make it super easy to never forget to change your blade. The handy pack is waterproof and comes with a hook to hang right in your shower. Done and done.

6. Add a body oil to your regimen,

Body oils like coconut, argan, or olive oil not only keep skin nourished, moisturized, and glowy (dewy skin makes stubble less noticeable!), but they can also soften hairs so that they're easier to shave. Using these before bed helps you soak in the benefits overnight.