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No, your skin does not usually darken due to shaving - this is simply a myth, similar to the idea that shaving will cause your hair to grow faster or thicker. The fact is that hair only appears to grow faster and thicker after shaving because the shaft of the hair is thicker close to the skin than it is towards the tip. Similarly, it is the stubble that causes skin to appear dark, not a change in the actual skin color itself. If done properly, shaving will never affect the skin itself. However, the stubble - both above and below the surface of the skin causes the skin color to appear slightly darker than the unshaven skin, and sometimes it can even give the skin a greenish tinge. This usually happens only in areas where the growth of hair is thick and dense, such as the underarms and men's beards. This apparent discoloration is usually accepted as a normal part of regular shaving, but if you are not happy with it, you can use an alternative such as waxing, at least on your underarms.
It is however important to remember that a bad shave can actually damage the skin. This can happen sometimes if the blade used is not sharp enough, as a result of which more pressure must be applied, scraping off a lot of skin in the process. An improper shaving technique can also damage skin - for example, if your strokes use too much pressure, or if you shave against the grain. Such factors can irritate the skin or lead to infections, and as a result of the inflammation and infection, the skin may appear slightly discolored. You should therefore be very particular when shaving - ensure that the blade you use is sharp, and ensure that you use smooth, firm, but not excessively forceful strokes. You should also keep the area clean - wash it properly before shaving, and after shaving too, to get rid of dead skin cells and bacteria.
If in spite of this, you feel that shaving does not keep your skin looking its best, or if you are just uncomfortable with shaving, you can use some other hair removal technique. As mentioned earlier, there are several alternatives to shaving. You haven't mentioned what part of your body you want to shave, but this is something that you will need to consider when choosing a hair removal technique.
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