Preparing your skin for those sunny beach days requires more than just a razor and shaving cream. Achieving a flawlessly smooth shave involves a few key steps and techniques.

1. Avoid Dry Shaving
2. Skip the Soap
3. Invest in a Quality Razor
4. Prioritize Exfoliation
5. Shave in the Right Direction
6. Hydrate Your Skin
7. Allow Post-Shave Recovery

Using a proper shaving cream is essential for a smooth, close shave. (Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

1. Avoid Dry Shaving

Dry shaving can lead to razor burn, nicks, and bumps. The ideal time to shave is during a shower, preferably towards the end. This allows the warm water to soften the hair, facilitating a smoother shave.

2. Skip the Soap

Soap isn't a substitute for shaving cream. It can create a slippery surface, clog your razor, and make shaving more challenging. Opt for a quality shaving cream specifically designed for this purpose.

3. Invest in a Quality Razor

A good razor has sharp blades and a comfortable handle for controlled movements. Replace your blades frequently to maintain optimal sharpness and shaving effectiveness.

Choose a razor with sharp blades and replace them regularly. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

4. Prioritize Exfoliation

Exfoliating before shaving removes dead skin cells, allowing for a closer shave. A simple sugar scrub can effectively exfoliate and enhance your shaving routine.

5. Shave in the Right Direction

Shaving direction matters and varies depending on the body area. Generally, shave in the direction of hair growth. For underarms, where hair grows in multiple directions, adjust your shaving technique accordingly. Shaving against the grain can increase the risk of irritation and razor bumps.

Sunscreen is crucial, especially after shaving, due to increased skin sensitivity. (iStock)

6. Hydrate Your Skin

Moisturizing after shaving helps the skin recover and stay smooth. Given the increased sensitivity after shaving, apply extra sunscreen and limit sun exposure.

Shave the day before sun exposure to minimize irritation. (iStock)

7. Allow Post-Shave Recovery

Avoid fragranced products immediately after shaving to prevent irritation. Opt for fragrance-free moisturizers. If you're planning a beach day, shave the day before to allow your skin to recover. This minimizes potential irritation from sun exposure.