Okay, let’s get this out of the way, I’ve tried a lot of skincare trends. Clay masks that make you look like you’re peeling your face off? Yup. Serums that promise to “erase ten years overnight”? Guilty. But shaving my face? That’s one beauty trend I’ll never buy into.
I know, I know, plenty of women swear by it. And no shade to them, but personally, every time I see a razor near my face, my skin practically screams “please don’t.” I’ve done my research, I’ve listened to the pros and cons, and after weighing it all out, I realized shaving my face is a hard no for me. Want to know why? Let’s get into it.
The Hype Around Face Shaving
Before we get into the “why not,” let’s talk about why face shaving even became a thing. Basically, you use a razor or blade to remove peach fuzz and dead skin for smoother, glowier skin.
Sounds good on paper, right? Instant glow, smooth makeup application, and the joy of seeing fuzz collect on a razor blade, it’s oddly satisfying. But here’s where my skeptical side kicks in: not every trend works for every skin type. And my skin made it crystal clear that this wasn’t its idea of fun.
Irritation Central
Shaving your face involves dragging a sharp blade across delicate skin. My skin? Sensitive. Even shaving my legs sometimes feels like a wrestling match with razor burn, so I can only imagine what my face would look like afterward, probably a mix between a tomato and sandpaper.
For people with sensitive, dry or acne-prone skin, shaving can cause:
- Redness and irritation that lasts for days.
- Tiny cuts or nicks that sting when you apply products.
- Breakouts from bacteria entering freshly shaved skin.
Honestly, why would I risk turning my face into a battlefield when gentler exfoliation methods exist?
It’s Not Worth the “Glow”
Sure, people claim their skin looks brighter after shaving. But guess what? So does mine when I use a gentle exfoliating scrub or chemical exfoliant. Shaving gives instant gratification, but IMO, it’s a shortcut that comes with too many risks.
Here’s how I get the glow without razors:
- A mild AHA or BHA exfoliant once or twice a week.
- A good hydrating serum that makes my skin plump.
- The holy grail, sunscreen, because nothing dulls skin faster than UV damage.
All that, minus the fear of slicing my cheek.
Ingrown Hair Nightmares
This one’s personal. I once got ingrown hairs on my chin from tweezing (rookie mistake), and let me tell you, it was not cute. Painful bumps, redness, and the constant temptation to pick at them. Shaving increases that risk because it cuts the hair bluntly at the surface.
So the thought of voluntarily shaving my entire face? Hard pass. I’d rather keep my peach fuzz than relive the ingrown hair trauma.
Makeup Isn’t That Deep
One of the main arguments for shaving your face is that makeup applies smoother. And sure, foundation might glide on more easily without peach fuzz. But honestly? A good primer and a damp beauty sponge do the trick just fine.
And let’s not forget, most people don’t even notice your peach fuzz. You only notice it because you’re three inches from your mirror at midnight overanalyzing every pore (don’t lie, I know it).
So am I really going to shave my face just so my makeup looks 2% smoother under fluorescent bathroom lighting? No thanks.
My Skincare Routine Already Works
Another reason I won’t shave my face? I already have a skincare routine that I trust. Shaving feels unnecessary when I’ve got products that gently exfoliate, hydrate, and protect my skin.
My go-to routine instead of shaving:
- Gentle cleanser (no harsh foaming ones that strip my skin).
- Hydrating toner or mist.
- Niacinamide or vitamin C serum.
- Lightweight moisturizer.
- Daily SPF (because glow means nothing without protection).
This routine keeps my skin smooth, clear, and bright, without ever bringing a blade near it.
Alternatives I Swear By Instead
Just because I won’t shave my face doesn’t mean I walk around ignoring peach fuzz or dead skin. I just prefer methods that feel safer and more tailored to my skin.
1. Waxing (Selective Areas)
Okay, hear me out. I don’t wax my whole face, but I’ll do my upper lip or chin if needed. Yes, it stings, but the results last longer than shaving.
2. Threading
Threading works wonders for eyebrows and upper lip hair. It’s precise, quick, and doesn’t irritate my skin as much as shaving would.
3. Gentle Chemical Exfoliation
Exfoliating with AHAs and BHAs keeps my skin bright and smooth. No blades required.
4. Dermaplaning, Professionally Only
I’ll never DIY shave my face, but I might book a dermaplaning session with a licensed esthetician once in a blue moon. Key word: professional. Because if anyone’s dragging a blade across my skin, they better have training and good lighting.
The Emotional Side Nobody Talks About
Beyond the practical reasons, shaving my face feels unnecessary for me emotionally. As women, we already feel so much pressure to tweak, fix, or remove things about ourselves that are completely natural. Peach fuzz is one of those things.
Sometimes I ask myself: do I genuinely want to remove this, or am I doing it because society tells me smooth, fuzz-free skin is the standard? And honestly, most of the time, I don’t care enough to grab a razor.
Who Might Actually Benefit from Face Shaving?
I’ll admit, just because I don’t like it doesn’t mean it’s wrong for everyone. Some people swear by it and genuinely love the results. If you:
- Have thick peach fuzz that bothers you.
- Wear makeup daily and want a smoother base.
- Don’t struggle with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
…then shaving might be worth trying.
Quick FAQ: Shaving Edition
Q: Do you think shaving is bad for everyone?
A: Nope. It’s just not right for me. Some people do it safely with great results.
Q: What if I want to try it?
A: Start with a dermaplaning razor, not your boyfriend’s Gillette. Go slow, use short strokes, and always moisturize after.
Q: Do dermatologists recommend it?
A: Many say it’s safe for the right skin type. But they also say it’s not essential, so if you’re hesitant, you’re not missing out on a “must-do” step.
Finally
Skincare should make you feel good, not stressed, irritated, or pressured. For me, shaving my face just doesn’t check those boxes. I’d rather stick to methods that fit my skin, my lifestyle, and my comfort level.
So here’s my bottom line: I’d never shave my face because the risks outweigh the rewards for me personally.
But hey, if shaving makes someone else feel amazing, then more power to them. In the end, this is just my opinion.
