The Best Skincare Routine for Summer Skin: Introducing Step Zero
The glow-up season is upon us! As we peel off the layers and embrace the balmy bliss of the warmer weather here in Australia, it's time to rethink not just our wardrobes but our skincare routines too.
Enter a new era of what Make My Shave experts are calling: Step Zero!
Step Zero is your new easy-to-follow skincare mantra that's all about prepping your skin to perfection before you even think about serums, moisturisers and sunscreens.
Step Zero is the key to reducing skin irritation and creating a flawless base for whatever goes next in your beauty routine.
Read on for our guide to all things Step Zero, and how integrating an advanced shaving routine can be your secret weapon for flawless summer skin.
“High-performance hair removal — Meet the new Step Zero to my routine!”
What is Step Zero?
Step Zero is all about enhancing your beauty routine with impeccably smooth skin, achieved through meticulous shave care. Whether it’s about banishing the peach fuzz with a dermaplaner or ensuring your legs are silkier than ever, Step Zero sets the scene for whatever comes next.
Before diving into how to enhance the effects of hydrating masks, brightening serums and body moisturisers, let's take a step back—right back to the foundation of body hair removal.
The tradition of shaving is a practice with ancient origins, dating back to at least 30,000 BC. Archaeological evidence suggests that early humans used tools made from clam shells and sharpened flint stones, much like disposable razors today, as a method of hair removal.
By around 3000 BC in ancient Egypt, shaving and grooming had become highly sophisticated cultural practices, primarily limited to the upper classes who considered hair removal as a mark of sophistication and luxury.
The practice of women shaving body hair evolved significantly over the centuries, particularly influenced by cultural and fashion changes. By the mid-20th century, particularly during and after World War II, the shortage of materials like nylon (used for stockings) led many women to shave their legs more regularly.
The introduction of the bikini in 1946 alongside the changes in technology for razors, also influenced norms around body hair removal, pubic hair grooming and general personal care.
Today, while the shaving industry is still dominated by men's razors, the gears have shifted with more brands such as Make My Shave entering the market to cater specifically to the shaving needs of women. This shift reflects a broader change in how beauty routines are perceived and practiced.
As awareness grows and more tailored products become available, women are increasingly encouraged to redefine their beauty regimes with specialised steps that promise better results and greater satisfaction.
If you’re shave-positive and pro body hair removal, embracing Step Zero is the foundational step to enhancing your beauty regime.
"Step Zero — a skincare-inspired shaving routine designed to provide the smoothest and most effective shave, setting the stage for flawless skin."
What are the benefits of Step Zero?
Step Zero refers to the shaving routine for your facial areas (using a dermaplaner) and your body (using a female razor).
Dermaplaning:
Dermaplaning, the darling in the skincare world, is a modern technique for safely and effectively removing peach fuzz on important facial areas including your chin, cheeks, upper lip and jawline. A dermaplaner also makes the perfect beauty tool for sculpting eyebrows.
In addition to whisking away unwanted facial hair, a high-quality dermaplaning tools also layer off dead skin cells through gentle exfoliation. This exfoliation process can dramatically improve skin texture and tone, resulting in a smoother, brighter complexion.
Beyond its immediate effects, dermaplaning helps to promote deeper product penetration, boosting the efficacy of the serums and moisturisers you apply afterwards.
By clearing away those dead cells and hair, your skin becomes more receptive to skincare products, which can lead to more profound skincare benefits over time.
Additionally, this method can help to diminish the appearance of fine lines and acne scars over time, contributing to an even more youthful and glowing skin appearance.
Regular at-home dermaplaning sessions can also play a pivotal and enjoyable part of an anti-aging skincare regimen with this beauty routine helping to maintain consistent cellular turnover, encouraging the skin to refresh and rejuvenate itself more effectively.
And because dermaplaning only removes the hair at the surface, not the root, hair won’t grow back thicker or darker!
If you’re on the lookout for the best dermaplaning tool for your skin, visit our latest article: How to Choose the Best Dermaplaner.
Shaving:
Switching scenes to traditional shaving, this age-old hair removal process is often overlooked in the beauty department. Yet, if you're keen on bidding farewell to body hair, making shaving a part of your Step Zero routine is a must.
With the right choice of razor combined with shave care products that are kind to your skin, you’ll find yourself with renewed confidence—whether it’s for your legs, underarms, or bikini line.
Regular shaving doesn’t just aid in maintaining personal hygiene; it enhances the efficacy of body lotions and sunscreens by allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin without the barrier of fine hair or dead skin cells.
Introducing pre-shave and post-shave rituals—such as exfoliating first, using a natural alternative to shaving cream, and applying a skin-soothing moisturiser—can make a noticeable difference in your skin’s health.
Moreover, the razor you choose can genuinely transform your shaving results. Finding a high-quality razor that works for your skin type can reduce irritation and leave your skin nourished, softer, and smoother.
Historically, women’s skincare routines often overlooked the importance of razors, with a shaver often regarded as a male-oriented instrument rather than a feminine beauty tool. Challenging this norm, brands like Make My Shave have bridged the gap by launching a female razor and subscription service designed specifically for the female body and lifestyle.
This fresh approach to your hair removal routine could revolutionise how you think about skin health and your overall well-being.
Emotional Beauty: The Zen in Your Skincare Routine
In the narrative of skincare, emotional beauty plays a pivotal role, especially when we consider the relaxing ritual of shaving. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about feeling good in your skin.
The calming, methodical strokes of dermaplaning or shaving can be a meditative practice, helping to alleviate stress and enhance your mood.
This intrinsic connection between mental well-being and skin health is what emotional beauty is all about, turning your skincare into a form of self-care that heals both the mind and the skin.
Final Thoughts: Your Skin Deserves the Best
As we sashay into summer, let’s make skincare about more than just products; let’s make it about practices. Starting with Step Zero, integrate high-quality shave care into your routine to enhance the effectiveness of every subsequent step. Embrace this new beginning with Make My Shave, where luxury meets responsibility, and where your skin gets the treat it truly deserves.
