Shave Or Exfoliate First? The Answer Is Definite

Sometimes, your morning routine can feel endless (especially on Mondays). So endless, in fact, that it's tough to keep the orders straight — so, when it comes to the showering portion of the routine, should you shave or exfoliate first?

Well, as fate would have it, it's actually in your favor to exfoliate first — because doing so will give you a closer shave. It makes sense when you think about it; by sloughing off the unnecessary dead skin cells prior to shaving, the razor is able to cut the hair as close to the skin as possible, thus enabling your legs to last longer between shaves. It's best to stick to that order — especially when you consider the fact that exfoliating after shaving is not exactly fun (your legs are already somewhat tender, and you don't want to cause irritation).

Also, as Lauren Conrad points out, it's worth noting that shaving actually serves to exfoliate your skin — so you won't need any additional exfoliation more than a couple of times per week. So, there you have it — exfoliate first, shave after. To get you started on your quest for even-smoother-than-usual legs, here are a few different tried and true body scrubs.

Crème de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish

Kiehl's Crème de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish, $30, net-a-porter.com

This rich, non-drying formula makes your daily shower a spa-like experience.

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Sweet Pea Golden Sugar Body Scrub

Bath and Body Works Sweet Pea Golden Sugar Scrub, $16.50, bathandbodyworks.com

Infused with the Bath and Body Works' signature decadent fragrance, this exfoliating scrub is a favorite for a reason.

Ginger Body Scrub Smoothing Body Buffer

Origins Ginger Body Scrub Smoothing Body Buffer, $38, origins.com

In addition to smelling amazing, the ginger in this scrub has natural skin-soothing properties — plus, the jar is adorable.

Images: Courtesy Brands