The frigid, dry air of winter often causes dry, flaky skin. Discover how to keep your skin healthy while shaving during the colder months of the year.

How often to shave during winter comes down to personal preference. Many people may choose to shave less since their skin is typically more covered this time of the year. However, close-fitting clothing may agitate dry skin or cause chafing. If this occurs, shaving can actually help by removing dead skin and reducing friction caused by body hair rubbing against clothing.

Exfoliating regularly helps prevent dry, flaky skin, especially during winter. Use a gentle scrub, loofah or a pair of exfoliation gloves to lightly rub away any dead skin cells. You can also keep your skin well-hydrated by preserving moisture while you shave. Soak the area you plan to shave for three to five minutes, use shaving gel and apply moisturizer after you shave. Learn how to pick the best shaving cream for your specific shaving needs.

To make sure you shave properly even while on the go during the holidays, always keep a travel-sized shaving gel, moisturizer and razor blade in your travel bag or suitcase. If you’re extra tight on space in your suitcase, consider a razor with built-in moisture bars to eliminate the need for shaving gel, or try a mini travel razor.

Shaving is always a personal choice. But if you do choose to shave during the warmer months of the year, here’s how to protect your skin from irritation, razor bumps and ingrown hairs.

Shaving will not cause a tan to fade. In actuality, shaving can help enhance your tan by removing dead skin cells that block the healthy skin underneath. Safe sun exposure will also preserve your tan. Apply sunscreen and take breaks from the sun to keep your skin from burning.

Dehydration from the heat impacts your health and body, which includes your skin. Keep your skin healthy and soft by shaving properly. Soak before you shave. Apply shaving gel. Shave in steady strokes. And use moisturizer once you’re finished. Learn how to shave each individual area of the body to prevent skin irritation, razor burn and bumps.

In addition to keeping a travel-sized shaving set in your suitcase, here are a few summer shaving tips to keep in mind:

• Let your skin recoup after shaving before sun exposure, applying sunscreen or tanning lotion, or going to the pool.
• Stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water and by applying moisturizer regularly.
• Never skip the shaving cream, unless using a razor with built-in moisture bars.

What’s more, try building your own razor. And, see the array of Venus shaving products here.