Research of 2,000 women revealed 76 percent place the most importance on looking after their face. Almost a fifth (17 percent) spend more than 30 minutes a week on facial skin care, but just under five minutes on their legs (41 percent) and arms (45 percent). More than a quarter (28 percent) also spend at least £20 a month on beauty products for their face, compared with just seven percent spending the same amount on skin care for their legs. Dr Ewoma Ukeleghe, cosmetic and medical doctor and ambassador for Venus, which commissioned the research, said: “I see first-hand just how often people disregard the skin on their bodies and routinely forget to nourish their skin from the chin downwards.

“While most of us will think nothing of spending most of our time and money on our facial skin; our bodily skincare routine rarely extends beyond some hastily applied body cream and a cursory shave in the shower.

“There’s lots of misconceptions around shaving and still a lack of awareness of hair removal do’s and don’ts.

“A startling amount of us aren’t changing our blades as regularly as we should be, and this can create the perfect storm for irritated skin and patchy hair removal.

“As well as this, we are selecting the wrong kind of razors and ignoring the all-important pre and post shaving products.”

The study also found 71 percent understand the link between dry and irritated skin and shaving, but just 16 percent regularly replace their razor blades.

And 43 percent don’t understand the benefits of using pre-and-post-shaving products for their skin.

It also emerged 29 per cent went as far as to say they don’t know how to look after their skin from the chin down.

More than half (52 percent) would also buy fresh facial moisturiser rather than a fresh razor.

Nearly a quarter (23 percent) will only change their razor blade, or disposable razor every few months – despite 62 percent agreeing you should replace your blades regularly.

The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found 29 percent of women don’t believe shaving cream is always necessary, considering soap and water to work just as well despite frequent irritation.

And despite 61 percent of women experiencing dry or irritated skin after they shave, a third don’t choose a razor based on their skin care needs.

Olivia Hughes from Venus said: “It’s clear there are still lots of myths when it comes to the relationship between our skin and our hair removal routines, many of which can be addressed simply by choosing a razor that’s right for your skin’s individual needs.

“Just like we tailor care for our faces, we can also very simply do the same for our legs, underarms, toes or stomachs as part of existing routines – what’s important is feeling confident and comfortable in your skin, however you choose to care for it.”

Venus razors will now be made with at least 30 percent recycled material, while refillable razors will come in fully recyclable packaging made with recycled content and responsibly sourced paper, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

They will also, along with blades, continue to be fully recyclable through the brand’s partnership with TerraCycle.

Olivia Hughes from Venus, added: “We know women want the confidence to know the beauty products they choose come with responsible impact.

“As we care for women’s skin, we’re ensuring we’re simultaneously taking care of our planet, and these are the first significant steps in that journey.

“There’s always more to be done, but through this, and our ongoing razor recycling programme with TerraCycle, we’re making progress.”

BIGGEST SHAVING MISCONCEPTIONS

1. Not regularly replacing razor blades: More than a third of women (38 percent) don’t know that you should replace your razor blades on a regular basis to ensure a close and smooth shave for your skin.

2. Not understanding the exfoliation benefits of a razor: 86 percent of women don’t realise that shaving can actually act as an exfoliator for the skin.

3. Myths around hair growing back thicker and faster: Almost a third of women falsely believe that shaving causes hair to grow back thicker, faster and darker.

4. Not realising the skin care benefits of shaving cream: 71 percent of us believe soap and water work just as well as shaving cream.

5. Misconception around shaving and skin care: Almost a third (30 percent) wrongly believe that shaving every day is bad for your skin.