come out of the closet...do you shave your face?
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

free skin care · Tue Feb 27, 2007 5:03 pm

Mountaingirl, thanks for the advice. Can you explain what people are referring to when they say they shave as an antiaging strategy? I read your description of the skin below your shave line and now you are shaving there, does it really make a difference? I know that many people think that is why men age more slowly than women because they are basically exfoliating every day but I also thought it was because in general they have thicker skin and so fine lines just do not show up as they do in thin skinned gals such as myself.

free skin care · Tue Feb 27, 2007 6:12 pm

Kellyks: Shaving your face or any other area of your body, is a means of exfoliation, which keeps your skin renewing itself. Check out this article on the advantages of exfoliation although of course they don't mention shaving. It's still too taboo for ladies!
http://ezinearticles.com/?Cell-Renewal-or-Skin-Exfoliation---How-to-Exfoliate---Advantages-of-Skin-Exfoliation&id=372861 Also, I don't like the term "antiaging." I think shaving slows the appearance of aging...but we're all definitely still aging! Laughing

My skin is living proof it works, especially seeing the skin that hasn't gotten the benefits of shaving, under my jawline. Not pretty! (I shaved there today btw and will do so from now on!) Kelly, I also have thin skin (so thin that in the past, restalyne injections stuck right out of my skin, raised and visable. No, I don't do those anymore. Rolling Eyes

) Also, I mentioned this in a previous post...I do think that men who shave their whole lives, have much better skin that their equally aged male counterparts who sported beards all their lives...but I have no proof, this is just speculation on my part. Listen, I understand how hard the idea of shaving is for women. I reacted the same way, shocked, horrified, and in disbelief at the ladies who did it who worked in my dermatologists office. I interrogated them for years every time I went there, and they just smiled matter of factly, and answered my bizarre questions. Now I am on the other end, but I don't mind a bit because I truly believe it is the cheapest, healthiest, most beneficial thing you can do for your skin --no chemicals, little cost.

free skin care · Tue Feb 27, 2007 8:47 pm

I've shaved for about 4 years after my forth child. I only had peach fuzz but felt that I had to do something. I felt so funny but it looks great! I do not let my husband see me-it's my secret. The only question I have is-does your skin get oilier? Mine seems to be oilier.

free skin care · Tue Feb 27, 2007 10:02 pm

Thanks mountaingirl for the honest information, maybe it really is such a secret that everyone is really afraid to admit it. I think I may give it a second chance, especially since I am getting that peach fuzz now on my cheeks....love those hormonal changes that are making 40 a weird year so far.

Wed Feb 28, 2007 8:10 am

I have been shaving my face and neck ever since Mountain Girl suggested it. Hearing that her dermatologist recommended it and seeing her great skin certainly convinced me!

I'm dark haired and I have not noticed any growth of facial hair. It makes my skin feel so soft and smooth! Thanks Mountain Girl for sharing this great hint!

~Janet~

free skin care · Wed Feb 28, 2007 11:27 am

This is the funniest thread title ever. I shave my arms and have wondered about doing it to my face but have been too scared to until now. I'm still scard, but I'm inspired now and at least I'll have company Laughing

Wed Feb 28, 2007 11:28 am

I tried a small patch on my cheek near my jaw. I'm not super hairy there, but I do have a bit of peachfuzz. The skin feels a bit smoother, but can definitely feel the stubble when I rub upwards! And this was with my hand--not nearly as sensitive as someone's face!

I used a facial brush to dry brush the other side of my face. The skin is just as smooth, but without the stubble.

I think I'll try drybrushing every day instead of shaving. No stubble, and no risk of cuts! This might be a good alternative to those of us who aren't completely hairless!

free skin care · Wed Feb 28, 2007 11:51 am

I held myself back from posting a rave positive yesterday Smile

I shaved my face with a Gillette Fusion (5 blade). I like that it has a swivel head. Wow Shock

Maybe I'm hallucinating but, IMO, it made a huge difference and also gave me a nice rosiness (not irritated red). I put on moisturizer afterward and it seemed to sink in better as well.

free skin care · Thu Mar 08, 2007 12:01 pm

I am reading all these posts with a lot of interest, but still cannot convince myself to try this...mainly because of my previous experience with shaving on different body parts, where the hair that grows back is black, more vigorous, and if I let it grow it grows long-long-long...

Thu Mar 08, 2007 6:36 pm

dealated wrote:

I shave my arms... My family would think that's crazy, I am ashamed of that for some reason. My boyfriend just thinks my arms are "really soft" lol. I know a lot of people believe that the hair grows back thick if you shave, I believe that is a myth and biologically impossible, but has anybody noticed that? Or, does anybody, despite science, believe that? I would love to shave my uppser lip as I have very faint hairs that still make me insecure.

LOL....I am 100% Italian and have shaved my arms for YEARS! I love the look, especially in summer when my arms look very smooth and lightly (fakely!) tanned and toned. I, interestingly, am also somewhat 'ashamed' or embarrassed and haven't ever told anyone, but my sister. My husband doesn't even know! Shock

Thu Mar 08, 2007 6:41 pm

Janie wrote:

I've shaved for about 4 years after my forth child. I only had peach fuzz but felt that I had to do something. I felt so funny but it looks great! I do not let my husband see me-it's my secret. The only question I have is-does your skin get oilier? Mine seems to be oilier.

I have tried shaving my face, and while I like it for a few days, I realized that my oily skin would start to break out. I believe that may be because the hairs actually serve the purpose of bringing the oil out of the follicle onto your skin...so my shaving it made the oil clog my pores more than usual. So...I only shave my face once in a while, especially before a special occasion (love the look!) and during the summer when my tanned skin seems to show the peach fuzz more cuz it bleaches lighter with the sun. I do not try to tan, even use 40 spf, but my Italian skin tans really easily with very little exposure to sunlight.

free skin care · Fri Apr 06, 2007 7:17 am

I keep coming back to this post. I am so intrigued! Maybe I will try this... Is there anyone that has been doing this for awhile (besides Mountaingirl)?

free skin care · Fri Apr 06, 2007 10:26 am

lisaroberts....Read back through the pages of this thread. There are a lot of girls who came out of the closet and admitted it. Laughing

free skin care · Fri Apr 06, 2007 10:59 am

KathyJ wrote:

So...I only shave my face once in a while, especially before a special occasion (love the look!)

This is good to know. One of the main reasons I don't want to go near my face with a razor is that I don't want to be roped into having to do it all the time once I start. I had been wondering how many people do it just on occasion.

free skin care · Fri Apr 06, 2007 2:01 pm

Yen wrote:

skincareaddicted wrote:

gracedhy wrote:

never, i dont have hair to shave though, i am asian. Laughing

i'm asian too though Sad

Me too. My parents are pretty hairless on their arms and legs but I'm the odd one. Body hair must be a recessive trait in the family.
Sad

the same!

free skin care · Fri Apr 06, 2007 3:39 pm

Ok ladies, now I'm going to have to take my Lady Schick on a test drive across my face tonight ... (and add yet another routine -- in addition to blowdrying hydrator on my lips -- to try to hide from the DH) Laughing

Fri Apr 06, 2007 4:07 pm

I've been shaving my face for several years. Waxing and creams I think cause far more damage to the skin and never really got the "job done". Tweezing takes forever and there are always some missed ones. Since taking MSM, I can now grow a better beard and 'stash than hubby and that is not acceptable LOL.

I just bought an epilating kit and my face was my main motivation for it. Just gave it a try and I think this new machine will be my best friend LOL.

No need to hide--- I shave and I'm proud!!!! LOL

Linda

free skin care · Fri Apr 06, 2007 5:15 pm

mountaingirl wrote:

lisaroberts....Read back through the pages of this thread. There are a lot of girls who came out of the closet and admitted it. Laughing

Hi MG - all of those posts are what tempted me to even consider doing this. It seems so odd, somehow. And yet, you have great results, your derm and his staff have as well, and even EDS members. I think I will try this over the weekend. I will report back. Thanks MG!

free skin care · Fri Apr 06, 2007 5:24 pm

Seriously? MSM increases facial hair on women? Or some women?

What else does this?

free skin care · Sat Apr 07, 2007 10:08 am

I probably posted earlier in this thread. But will repeat. I've been shaving my face for over 40 years. I find it the easiest, fastest and cheapest way to get rid of facial hair.

As others have mentioned, it is also easier on your delicate facial skin than wax and creams. It also exfoliates.

There are many rezors out there just make sure it has a sharp blade and go slowly in the beginning.

The best shaving aids, I think, are moisturizer and conditioner.

Sat Apr 07, 2007 11:24 am

I shave, mainly concentrating on the upper lip and stray hairs under my chin. I have also used it on other areas of my face where there used to be some downy hair. It has never grown back coarse or stubbly and I find it much easier than tweezing. I use a small, battery-operated razor designed for facial hair, sideburns, etc., and have been very happy with the results.

free skin care · Sat Apr 07, 2007 4:28 pm

It's interesting that when I started this thread, it was to see how many woman shave their face to SAVE their skin...but it seems that a lot of ladies came out of the closet admitting they shave to remove hair. It's true they are getting the benefits of both exfoliation and hair removal, but personally, if I had any course dark hair on my face, I probably would try some other hair removal methods first, then start shaving.

free skin care · Tue Apr 24, 2007 12:19 am

Nobody mentioned what the follow up their shave with...moisturizer..or anything special?

free skin care · Tue Apr 24, 2007 2:57 am

Nope, no particular follow up. I usually do it in the shower and then just do my usual skin care routine afterwards, but nothing special related to the shaving.

free skin care · Tue Apr 24, 2007 6:35 am

How do you keep from nicking yourself??? Do you have a mirror in there? I would probably cut myself even with the mirror.

I have significant peachfuzz, but translucent. I think it actually obscures my orange-peel pores.

Automatic Message

If this is your first visit to the EDS Forums please take the time to register. Registration is required for you to post on the forums. Registration will also give you the ability to track messages of interest, send private messages to other users, participate in Gift Certificates draws and enjoy automatic discounts for shopping at our online store. Registration is free and takes just a few seconds to complete.

Click Here to join our community.

If you are already a registered member on the forums, please login to gain full access to the site.