Why do men and women alike need essential oil for aftershave? If you’ve ever had razor bumps, you know that the standard shaving cream and razor routine just isn’t enough.
Ready to upgrade your shave? Here’s everything you need to know about using essential oil for aftershave.
What Are Razor Bumps?
Want the ultimate smooth shave? Essential oil for aftershave is key! It can play a central role in preventing razor burn. And, what exactly is razor burn? Razor bumps, or ingrown hairs, are little irritated bumps that are caused by shaving. They occur when individual strands of hair curl back on on top of themselves. This causes them to grow into the skin, resulting in irritation and bumps, which can ultimately lead to scarring.
What Causes Razor Bumps?
There are a few main causes of razor burn. First off, there is dry shaving. Without a lubricant that will help the razor glide across your skin, irritation is nearly guaranteed. When your hair is fully hydrated, it softens and the razor will go smoothly over it.
Another all too common cause of razor burn is pressing too hard. If you’re pushing rather than letting the razor do the work for you, you’re going to cause irritation. This is one reasons why it’s really important to always use a fresh, sharp blade.
Why Use Aftershave?
Aftershave is an important step in shaving. It prevents you from getting an infection if you nick yourself in the process. This is the why store-bought aftershaves always contain an antiseptic property. It is also the reason why every recommended essential oil for aftershave has its own antiseptic value.
The Best Essential Oil for Aftershave
Want to get the best shave for your legs, underarms, or face? You have got to check out our fave essential oil for aftershave.
Lavender Essential Oil for Aftershave
Lavender is the most popular essential oil for aftershave. It’s the go-to pick due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and moisturizing properties. Another reasons it is so popular is that you don’t need to blend it with anything. Literally just put a few drops of lavender essential oil on your hands, rub them together, then pat it onto your legs, face, or any other freshly shaved spot.
Because it’s such a versatile option, it’s good to buy bigger bottles of lavender. We love Majestic Pure Lavender Oil, Pure and Natural with Therapeutic Grade.
Chamomile Essential Oil for Aftershave
Roman and German Chamomile (yes, there is more than one type of chamomile) are great essential oil for aftershave. If you can track down the German kind, it is generally considered the best essential oil for aftershave (This one can be tricky to find in-store. We’d recommend ordering the Chamomile, German 100% Pure, Best Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil from Healing Solutions). Chamomile is ultra soothing so it’s ideal for calming and preventing irritation. To maximize the effect, blend a few drops of it with unrefined organic coconut oil.
Peppermint Essential Oil for Aftershave
Thanks to its menthol content, peppermint essential oil actually works to numb your skin to provide a cool relief. Just put half a cup of filtered water into a spray bottle along with five drops of peppermint essential oil.
Tip- Before using any type of essential oil for aftershave, do a test on your skin. Even though it’s all natural, that doesn’t mean allergic reactions aren’t possible.
Essential Oil Before You Shave
One great trick to preventing razor burn is to do a pre-shave exfoliation. All you need is some sugar and oil. Here’s how to get baby soft skin.
Pre-Shave Scrub
- ¼ teaspoon of Lavender Essential Oil
- 7 drops of Geranium Essential Oil (Try Majestic Pure Geranium Essential Oil, Therapeutic Grade for a gorgeous Egyptian blend. It’s 100% pure essential oil and smells amazing)
- 2 drops of German Chamomile Essential Oil
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup olive oil
Blend it together and exfoliate just before you shave for a flawless finish.
Now what are you going to do with all of those oils? Check out Why You Should Use Essential Oils For Laundry Instead Of Detergent!