10 Natural Remedies For Irritation After Shaving
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Despite humans evolving from hairy apes, the concept of hair-free skin turned into the epitome of feminine beauty in no time. In fact, hair removal is a very ancient practice, going all the way back to 3000 BC India and Egypt, where women used rudimentary tools to get rid of unwanted hair!
We’ve come a long way since then and now have very sophisticated and effective hair removal options to choose from. And even though their degree of effectiveness may vary, there’s one thing they all have in common – they cause skin irritation!
If you don’t want to invest your money in expensive aftershave creams and lotions, here are 10 natural remedies that can help you minimize the irritation:
1. Baby Powder Or Cornstarch
You might not know this but both cornstarch and baby powder are actually used as ingredients in cosmetics! This can be attributed to their soothing properties that help heal rashes and itchiness. You can apply baby powder directly onto your skin after washing or you could mix cornstarch with water and apply the paste formed on the desired area. Keep it on for 10 minutes and wash off.
2. Honey
Honey has been a part of the hair removal process since it first began! Due to its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, it can help treat skin problems as well as wounds (1), (2). Plus, it also helps keep your skin buttery smooth. You can apply organic honey directly onto your shaved skin. Leave it on for 10 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.
3. Oils
What kind of oils, you ask? Tea tree, olive, and vitamin E oils are the ones we’re talking about. Olive oil improves your skin’s natural barrier, while tea tree oil soothes irritated skin as it is anti-bacterial in nature (3), (4). Vitamin E oil is rich in antioxidants and can help treat different kinds of skin disorders (5).
All 3 are excellent for treating razor burns. You can apply any one of these on the affected area with the help of cotton pads. However, if you choose tea tree oil, make sure to mix 4 drops of it with 2 tablespoons of water to prevent irritation.
4. Cold Compress
Skin irritation post shaving can sometimes lead to a burning sensation. A cold compress will help soothe your skin in such cases. In fact, a University of Rochester study found out that cold therapy reduces the temperature of your skin and its nerve activity, thereby offering relief (6). So, applying ice cubes wrapped in a towel on your skin will do you good.
5. Petroleum Jelly
If you use an old razor or shave vigorously, you will likely end up with red, dry, and itchy spots. You need to moisturize your skin immediately after shaving to treat this. Petroleum jelly is one of the most effective moisturizers for such cases! Rub some Vaseline on the afflicted area, leaving it on for 10-15 minutes. Wipe clean with a wet towel to get irritation-free skin!
6. Aspirin
Not only is aspirin good for pains and fevers, it’s pretty dang amazing at treating post-shave rashes and irritation! Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, aspirin can reduce that burning sensation after shaving and even treat irritation (7). For this treatment, you’ll have to dissolve a couple of aspirin tablets in water. Once a paste-like consistency is formed, apply it to the affected area, leave it on for 10 minutes, and rinse with warm water. However, don’t try this if you have sensitive skin.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can destroy bacteria and germs as well as reduce swelling because of its antimicrobial properties (8). Besides, it can also help maintain the pH balance of your skin, making it smooth. Mix equal quantities of apple cider vinegar and water. Apply the concoction to your skin with the help of a cotton ball. Some people can develop an allergic reaction, so it’s better to conduct a patch test before using this remedy.
8. Oatmeal
Oats contain something known as “avenanthramides,” which act as anti-inflammatory agents. Besides, research shows oats can even help prevent itching as well as the growth of tumor cells (9)! To use oats as a skin irritation treatment, mix grounded oats with plain yogurt to form a thick paste. Apply this where irritation occurs, let it stay for 30 minutes, and rinse with warm water.
9. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has numerous skin benefits with one of them being relief from damaged/irritated skin (10). The best way to use aloe vera is to extract its gel directly from its leaves and apply it on to your skin. Once it dries, wash your skin with warm water.
10. Cucumber
Cucumbers are one of nature’s best moisturizers. They can help soothe irritated skin and, according to studies, even prevent inflammation (11)! Rub slices of fresh cucumbers on your skin, leaving them on for 15 minutes before throwing them away. Cold cucumbers are even more effective in reducing burning sensations.
There you have it! These 10 remedies are very easy to try out and the chances of side effects with these are very low. Plus, both men and women can try them.
Stay beautiful!
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