Shaving with a razor blade removes hair as well as stratum corneum. As a result, there are many potential detrimental effects to skin including increased risk of irritation from other topically applied products, such as antiperspirants (9). Moreover, while shaving seems at first to make the skin smoother, this process actually generates uplifting scales and increased dryness, as well as diminished barrier function in the stratum corneum
and a pro-inflammatory environment in the epidermis (12). The amount of surface trauma and corresponding potential for irritation is increased with use of new razors, a non-optimal shaving angle, and insufficient use of lubricating products (9). Optimal shaving and minimal skin irritation can be achieved by following a few key steps including: (i) having clean skin, (ii) allowing warm water to soften hair, (iii) liberal use of shaving cream applied for two to three minutes to soften hair, and (iv) use of a wet, warm, sharp razor (13).