Dark and dry patches on skin: How to avoid them?

Many believe shaving causes dark and dry patches on the skin, but in fact, hyperpigmentation of the skin can happen for many reasons. Excess production of melanin is the main reason behind dark spots. Many women naturally have more melanin in certain parts of their skin.
However, shaving aggressively or using bad quality razors can lead to further skin discolouration on body parts where there is already an excess of melanin. Similarly, scrapes and cuts may also trigger a post-inflammatory reaction, making your skin appear darker. For this reason, you must ensure you use a good quality razor to avoid increasing the chances of dark spots.
We recommend the full Venus line-up according to your needs, such as the Venus Deluxe Smooth Sensitive Razor. This features a SkinElixir lurbastrip with a touch of aloe vera that allows further protection during your shave.

Dark patches can occur after shaving due to several reasons, getting to the root of the cause will help prevent dark patches from occurring:

It’s so easy to rush your shave and accidentally use rough strokes, but this can lead to skin irritation, often in the form of dry and dark patches on the skin. It’s essential to ensure you use the proper shaving technique and shave with gentle strokes.

Certain products you use before or after shaving can irritate the skin, including shaving creams. Always ensure you use products that suit your skin type especially if you already have dry and sensitive skin.

Ingrown hair could also be the reason why your skin appears dark and dry. Ingrown hair occurs for several reasons including clogged pores that are caused by improper shaving which can cause hyperpigmentation.

Having dark and dry patches on the skin can affect the confidence of many women, and many want to know how to get rid of dark spots from shaving naturally. You’d be pleased to know that there are several ways to remove the pigmentation:

Exfoliating before shaving can go a long way to getting rid of dark patches as it helps remove dead skin cells and allows new skin to come to the surface. This helps lighten dark spots and prevent ingrown hairs from occurring.

There are creams which can help reduce the appearance of dark patches by lightening the area of the skin where hyperpigmentation is present. The most effective lightening ingredients you should look out for in creams are vitamin C, mulberry, liquorice and hydroquinone, which all help to brighten skin with dark patches and promote an even skin tone.

Pre-shaving skin prep is as important as the shaving process itself, the smoother the base of your skin, the easier the shave will be. This is why choosing the right shaving cream is essential to soften the hair before you shave. Venus Satin Care Pure & Delicate Shaving Gel is designed for sensitive skin; the formula helps minimise the risk of skin irritation and is dermatologically tested for sensitive skin, leaving your skin feeling smooth after shaving.

You may wonder if shaving makes your skin darker? Whilst shaving can’t be the cause of dark patches, the way you shave and what you use during and after shaving can impact the quality of your shave, resulting in dark and dry patches. So, it is best to know the key tips on shaving and aftercare that can help you prevent dark and dry patches on your skin:

You should always select a good quality razor to make the shaving process easy and effective. For example, Venus Extra Smooth Razors will make shaving an efficient and safe hair removal option. You should always use clean razors and change your blades often to avoid clogging your pores.

The most comfortable way to shave is with the grain, which is in the direction of your hair growth. Hold your skin tight to avoid cuts and irritation, and then shave using short and light strokes.

Incorporating a cooling gel or suitable moisturiser after you shave can help to soothe and calm freshly shaven skin; this will help retain any moisture lost during the shaving process.

We all have different skin, which is why not everyone's skin responds the same way to shaving. But by incorporating simple tips in your shaving routine, such as using good quality razors, better shaving techniques and cooling moisturisers, you can prevent dark, dry patches and skin irritation to achieve a smooth and more even skin tone.