I Shaved My Face...and It Changed My Skin

Dewy, glowy skin is all I’ve ever wanted, but instead I’ve struggled with having dull skin for years. Achieving that brightened effect seemed like a lost cause. Little did I know I could completely change that with one simple tool: an eyebrow razor.

The process of shaving your face originates from a Japanese technique called kao sori and is used to smooth the skin and create a better base for absorbing skincare products. By clearing debris and hair from your face, your skin will be more receptive to products, making them more effective. Having smoother skin will also keep your makeup looking polished because you’ll have an even base. 

You may have heard of the more intensive version of this process with effects similar to kao sori, called dermaplaning. Dermaplaning is a form of exfoliation that uses a scalpel to shave the face while clearing dead skin cells. Though dermaplaning goes deeper on the skin than just shaving, it’s a much longer, and more expensive process. Dermaplaning is about $100 for a 30-minute appointment, and the closest location to Elon University is in Greensboro, about an hour away. If you want to get a similar effect at home for less time and money, The Edge is here to show you how.

Of course, you definitely don’t need to shave your face. Having hair on your face is completely normal and you should never feel pressured to remove it, but if it’s something you’re interested in we have you covered. 

First, let’s start with the eyebrow razor. These are fairly inexpensive, and many different options are available on Amazon. We recommend the About Face Fuzz-Free Facial Razor, which is only $2.99 for a pack of 3. The key is to use an eyebrow razor as opposed to a regular one. The smaller blade cuts closer to the face which allows it to scrape the skin as well as the hair to provide light exfoliation to clear additional debris from your face. You also want to make sure you’re only using the razor on your face to avoid transferring bacteria from different parts of your body.

Before you start, you’ll want to wash your face. It’s important to have a clean base to reduce the chances of breakouts and irritation on the face. Use a light face wash (I recommend Cetaphil) and pat your skin dry. 

It’s important to do a patch test on a small area of your face before shaving the entire thing. Your face might be a little sensitive to the razor at first, so give it a few minutes to make sure no irritation occurs. Make sure to use a light hand as you shave and go slowly to lessen the likelihood of irritation and risk of cuts. Luckily the way eyebrow razors are made, you’re not likely to nick yourself but it is always important to be careful. 

I usually like to start at my forehead and work my way down. I start at my hairline, being careful not to get too close to it, and then shave downwards and around my brows. Next, I move to the sides of my face, making sure my hair is slicked back so I don’t accidentally shave parts of my hair off. Once I get to my cheeks, I try to shave at a few different angles to target the thicker fuzz that grows there and along my jawline. I start by going downwards and then sideways to really hit my jawline. If you want to, you can go down your neck as well. I finish up by shaving my stache and then I’m done!

Once you’ve finished, follow up with your normal skincare routine and you’re ready to go with soft, glowing skin. 

I definitely noticed a difference in my skin after shaving my face. I’m starting to see the effects of my hydrating face products shine through way more than they used to, and my makeup goes on so much smoother. Even when I’m not wearing makeup, I feel way more confident in my skin because it looks and feels brighter and smoother. 

If you decide to try this technique, tag us @theedgemag so we can see your beautiful faces!