Here's How Often You Should Change Your Razor
Shaving can be a dreaded chore that people factor into their everyday regimen. Whether it's shaving your face, legs, arms, or pubic area, it can be a pretty tedious routine. However, one of the biggest mistakes people make in shaving is not changing the blade, and that can make the already unpleasant task even worse. It turns out, though, that the secret to long-lasting smooth legs lies in a new razor blade. So easy!
There are a few signs that it's time to change your blade, and they are a lot simpler to spot than you think. What may surprise you, though, is how often you should be changing your razor.
When to change your razor depends on how often you shave
The answer to when you should swap out your razor blade depends on who you ask. According to Gillette, if you shave daily, change out your razor every 1 to 2 weeks. If you shave every other day, wait 2 to 3 weeks. If you shave twice a week, change it every 4 to 6 weeks. Other places, like Grooming Lounge, say that the blade is ready to be tossed out after 3 to 4 shaves. These numbers, of course, also depend on how how much of your body you shave as well. An easy and simple way to figure out if your blade needs to be changed is if the razor is pulling or tugging on the skin when using it.
Why it's really important to switch out an old razor
Razors are a breeding ground for bacteria — nearly 5 million bacteria to be exact (via Infection Control Today). Older cartridges can cause infections or "little red bumps that appear after a day or so," dermatologist Jeffrey Benabio, MD told Oprah.com.
Having a healthy shave doesn't have to be difficult, though. It just takes some necessary maintenance. Whitney Bowe, MD, told Refinery29, "Women should get rid of their razor blade after a few uses, as it will have been exposed to bacteria." She continues, "The first sign of any rusting or dulling of the blade, or any tugging or nicking of the skin, should tell you it's time to toss it." Debris like hair, soap, and dead skin make razors dull faster, too.
Don't remove this debris with a towel (hello, more germs), but simply rinse it under hot water (via Men's Health). And according to InStyle, the best way to keep your razor in good shape is to keep it in a dry, clean place after usage.