Shaving and the Sun

Protecting your skin from the sun is a task to be done all year round. Now that warmer weather is upon us, this is especially important.

When you shave, you can make your skin more sensitive to the sun than it normally would be. The razor exfoliates your skin and gets rid of dead surface skin cells. Without them, you can be more susceptible to ultraviolet light damage from the sun.

Moisturizing is always important after your shave, but during the spring and summer you may want to choose a moisturizer that will also protect you from the sun. A moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher is great for UVB rays. Use a product that also contains avobenzone, zinc, or titanium to make sure you protect yourself from UVA also.

Sunburns happen, and if they happen to you make sure you are prepared. Heavy moisturizers can help soothe the skin, as can aloe vera containing creams. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can also reduce inflammation in the skin. For bad sunburns, also take an over-the-counter aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (like naproxen) to extinguish the fire in your skin.

Most importantly, avoid shaving a sunburned face. Sunburned skin is very sensitive and at risk for irritation from the razor. Take a shaving holiday for a day or two until the skin goes back to what is normally is like.