11:00 PM EDT on Tuesday, May 24, 2005

Reported by: Vanessa Coria

Radiant, glowing skin – everyone wants that healthy look, no matter what their age.

Exfoliating the dead cells helps people achieve it. Some women aren’t using expensive products on their faces, they’re using a razor.

Giving yourself a close shave may be the closest thing there is to the fountain of youth without spending a fortune.

Stroke after stroke, from forehead to chin, cheek to neck, a razor removes both hair and dead skin.

Sheila Benson is a true believer. “Really, for several years and it really does help get that dry, dead layer of skin off."

13News

Women are shaving their faces as a way to exfoliate their skin.

She works in the office of Va. Beach plastic surgeon Dr. Ben Hugo. Not only does the staff shave, the patients do, too. "You'd just be surprised how smooth, how soft your skin is going to be afterwards,” Benson added.

Benson says she shaves her face a few times a week.

Dr. Hugo says it may sound new, but women have been shaving to exfoliate for decades. "This has a similar affect as microderm abrasion, which patients are paying $100 for."

Admittedly, there’s a stigma about women shaving their faces. Some women worry their hair grows back thicker and darker.

“I'd be like a wolf woman (laughing)," said Terry Profilet.

Dr. Hugo says women shouldn’t worry about that. "Because of the myths about hair growth is the worry about horrible stubble coming through, that the hair might get thicker, darker and this is all a myth. It doesn't."

Dermatologist Dr. Katherine Treherne says shaving the face may not be the best way to exfoliate your skin because of the risk of cutting yourself.

She does agree, though, with Dr. Hugo, that there’s no danger of getting thicker, darker facial hair. "The hair does not change in diameter or size. It stays the same."

Dr. Hugo does have some advice if you’re going to do it - don't expect immediate results. He calls shaving "long-term skin-care."