First step: dry cleaning. This is a classic Ayurvedic ritual that involves gently brushing the skin with a bristled tool known as a dry brush. Brush lightly all over the body (except face and neck), starting from the feet up and always brushing towards the heart.

You will want to do this before you step into the shower to shave because it provides physical exfoliation to help prepare you for a better, smoother shave. “Preparing for shaving should include gentle exfoliation to loosen any hairs that may be stuck under the skin,” board-certified dermatologist Tiffany Clay, MD, previously told mbg.

Some people may reserve this step exclusively for pre-shave rituals, but it can be done more often for regular exfoliation and a smoother texture and complexion.