Getting a good shave requires proper preparation. Back in the day, a “good shave” meant using a hot towel or washing your face with hot water. Then, the barber would use a badger brush to apply the lather and exfoliate. This is why old-school barbershop shaves are still highly regarded today.

The good news is you don’t need to find an old-fashioned barbershop to get a good shave. Exfoliation is the easiest and most efficient way to prepare your face for shaving.

Exfoliation is key to getting a good shave because it reduces razor burn, breakouts, and blemishes. Here are some other reasons why exfoliation is a good habit to get into, and one that you should add to your shaving routine.

1. Bring Out the Dead: Specifically, dead skin skills. The word “exfoliate” means to remove the outermost layer of something. In regards to your skin, exfoliating means removing dead skin cells that sit on top of the surface of the skin. Dead skin cells also trap oil, dirt, irritants and even hair while shaving. As a result, these dead skin cells are one the primary culprits to blocking and clogging pores, which lead to breakouts and blemishes.

Getting rid of dead skin cells nourishes and promotes healthy skin. Using a proper scrub and a good safety razor that involves less friction is the best way to rid your face of these tiny terrors.

2. It’s Okay to be Sensitive: Your facial skin is the most sensitive area on your body. Therefore, using a washcloth or loofah to wash your face as you would with other areas of the body may be too harsh. The face requires more of a delicate touch.

The best exfoliants for the face are not the microbeads, but products that are made with natural ingredients and abrasives, such as ground walnut shells. Once you splash the warm water on your face, work your exfoliant in small circles to bring up the hair and any rogue skin cells. If you experience or notice some redness after scrubbing your face, don’t worry—this just means you did a good job!

3. Be Manly: Men and women are obviously different in many ways—and skin care and exfoliation is no exception. A man’s facial skin is more rugged than a woman’s. This means men must use exfoliation products designed for their more leathered visages.

A rugged exfoliation product is perfect for men. A man’s face tends to naturally have more nooks, crannies, and crevices than a woman’s face. Therefore, using an exfoliation product designed for a man’s skin provides a more thorough rinse. Once it’s time to shave, using these specialized products helps the razor glide across the skin and leave a clear complexion.

Get Eager About Exfoliating

You can use all the tricks and tools of the wet shaving trade, but one of the most important techniques to ensure a good shave is exfoliation.

Find the products that work best for you, and incorporate a solid exfoliation technique into your regular wet shaving routine, and people will quickly notice your amazing skin.