HERE’S YOUR BODY GROOMING GUIDE

Men shaving their legs is no taboo now. However, in order to avoid pimples, skin infections and rashes, follow these expert tips

Marco Asensio who plays for the Spanish club Real Madrid, is a rising football star. Recently, he was in the news for non-footballing reasons. Asensio missed a match because of a skin infection, which he got while shaving his legs before the match. The infection was so bad that he couldn’t even pull his socksup. It’s pretty common for men to shave their legs these days. However, they have a long way to go before they learn how to do it the right way. We got in touch with experts Dr. Rohit Batra, dermatologist and Dr. Neha Mittal, cosmetic physician, who put together a much needed body grooming guide for guys.

AVOID RAZORS

Opt for an electric trimmer or a groomer. Using razor causes cuts and rashes. Also, you need a warm shower to prepare yourself before using a razor. Trimmers and groomers reduce the risk of an infection and don’t form clogs, which are formed by using a razor. After using a trimmer, use an anti-bacterial lotion.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU STILL WANT TO USE A RAZOR

A man’s skin is less hydrated and rougher than a woman’s skin. Hydrate your skin well before using a razor. Go slow as shaving in a rush can cause nicks, which in turn can cause ingrown hair.

USE A BODY TRIMMER, NOT A BEARD TRIMMER

Don’t make the mistake of using a beard trimmer for body grooming. Beard trimmers are specifically designed for facial hair, not body hair. They are not effective in body trimming and can cause rashes.

WHEN TO WAX AND HOW

If your hair growth is dense or your body hair has become thicker due to excessive shaving or trimming, then go for waxing. It helps in pulling out stubborn and thick hair follicles. But waxing needs to be done with caution. Exfoliate your skin at least two days before you wax. It helps the wax grab the hair but not the skin. However, it leaves skin more sensitive to pain. So, go for gentle exfoliation. Avoid moisturising before waxing as dry skin responds better to waxing.

TRY SUGARING

The method of using a mixture of lemon juice, water, sugar and honey for hair removal is called sugaring. Sugaring is advisable for men who have sensitive skin. Before sugaring, use talcum powder to remove excessive moisture and make the skin dry. When the skin hair is moisturised, it easily comes out of the root.

Opt for using a trimmer rather than a razor to remove your body hair as it is easier and less painful

Athletes prefer to shave their legs because they believe it aids in their muscle recovery while getting post-match rub down.