If You’re Using a Normal Razor, You’re Wasting Your Time—Here’s the Smarter Swap

We know shaving can feel like a chore. And if you’re prone to skin irritation like razor burn and ingrown hairs, there’s an extra layer of, I don’t want to do this. I say this from experience as someone with coarse hair who has battled ingrown hairs since I started shaving as a pre-teen. So what can you do to prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs?

Well, for starters, it’s all in the skin prep. We’ve all been in a rush, reached for a razor, and swiped it across our dry skin. That is a big no-no. When shaving, you want to ensure your skin is damp and has had at least five minutes of water exposure. Then, you can apply a shaving cream or gel before cutting the hair away. 

Additionally, pre-shaving exfoliation is essential—especially for those prone to ingrowns—along with an arsenal of body care products that will help replenish moisture and exfoliate the skin simultaneously (think a body lotion with AHAs). 

One more helpful tip that might just be the most strategic of all? Opting for an electric razor. These days, the updated technology helps electric razors give a close shave that is gentler on the skin and better for the planet. Below, we’re sharing a few of our top electric razor picks alongside our favorite shaving skincare essentials. Keep scrolling for more!

Designed with five hypoallergenic gold-plated heads and a pop-out precision trimmer, this waterproof shaver removes hair from every angle, from face to legs. Plus, the rechargeable battery can shave for up to 30 days on a single charge!

Wet or dry, you can use this rechargeable three-blade electric shaver to shave even the most delicate areas of your body, including the underarms and the bikini areas, as the hypoallergenic shaver contours to each curve of the body. 

For sensitive areas, this rechargeable three-blade cordless, water-resistant trimmer is an excellent option. Designed with four lengths and rounded blades that help combat irritation, the water-resistant electric shaver can be used in and out of the shower with or without shaving cream. 

This electric shaver may be designed with men in mind, but the waterproof trimmer is ideal for coarse and curly hair and can cut away hair without nicks. 

Designed with an ergonomic S-shaped handle for maximum control (you’ll be less likely to drop your razor or nick yourself), this 2-and-1 razor offers a hypoallergenic shave thanks to its stainless steel blades. 

Designed with rounded pearl-tip trimmers with hypoallergenic flexing foil, you’ll get a close, clean shave without irritation, wet or dry. And the rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to an hour of cordless use. 

With nearly a five-star rating, this epilator claims to keep skin smooth for up to four weeks because of the ability to remove four times shorter hair than wax. We see why it’s a fan favorite. It’s also an excellent option for new shavers and removes hair in one stroke. 

Reviewers say this is your match if you’re looking for an electric shaver that can effortlessly tackle large and intimate areas. With three speeds, hypoallergenic blades, and a battery that recharges quickly, you can shave your legs, arms, back, armpits, and bikini lines without irritation. 

Offering up to 30 minutes of use before it needs a recharge, this wet/dry electric razor designed with hypoallergenic foil helps prevent skin irritation while the rounded design glides over skin leaving skin nick-free. 

If you’re not a waxer but want to keep your bikini line hair-free, reviewers say this wet/dry trimmer is a budget-friendly option that delivers. 

We know that manual dermaplaning is effective, but Dermaflash’s sonic speed option, made with a Microfine Edge, provides a closer shave without nicks and gently removes dead skin cells and peach fuzz. 

Shaving can mean unwanted ingrown hairs, but exfoliation is a simple way to keep them at bay. If you’re a fan of chemical exfoliators, you’ll love this 3-in-1 body treatment that acts as a scrub, peel, and mask that will slough away dead skin and help reveal smoother skin. 

Dove body polish is always in my shower. It’s budget-friendly, smells like a spa, and helps keep my ingrown hair-prone areas smooth without overstimulating my skin. 

Body brushing is an every other day ritual for me, and using this stunning marble brush makes that task much more fun and glamorous. Made with a hand-assembled marble base and sisal bristles, this is a luxe experience that takes care of our body’s largest organ. 

Finding an oil that melts into the skin without leaving residue behind isn’t impossible. This vitamin-packed oil formulated with rosehip oil hydrates the skin and replenishes the skin barrier. 

Here we have a lotion that exfoliates and protects the skin barrier. Formulated with an AHA blend—glycolic, tartaric, lactic, and citric acids—marla and shea butters, this formula protects, smooths, and locks moisture into the skin. 

Using this fragrance-free buffing bar after a day in the sun or once a week as an exfoliator keeps my skin looking and feeling its best. The hydrating bar is formulated with organic shea butter, aloe, and glycerin, which sloughs away dead skin, keeps stubborn ingrown hairs in check, and helps smooth keratosis pilaris. 

If you’re removing hair from the bikini line or underarms, this whipped cream gives the skin plenty of slip and protects the skin barrier with olive oil, aloe, and marshmallow extract. 

There’s a reason this drugstore shaving gel boasts a nearly five-star rating. Not only is it easy on the budget, bur the oat and vitamin E–rich formula also protects skin against razor bumps and hydrates. 

Next: And Now—Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Laser Hair Removal