If you’re prone to red, bumpy, itchy after-effects from shaving, dread the razor no more. Here are three DIY ways to fix razor burn fast, and also a fail-proof way to master your technique to make for a smooth shave every time.
Aloe Vera
The soothing, cooling nature of aloe vera will give instant relief from the burning and inflammation of razor burn. Aloe vera will also keep your skin moisturized, which speeds up the healing process. Aloe in it’s pure form from the plant is best to use on irritated skin (it has no additives that could irritate skin further). Simply break open an aloe vera leaf and rub the gel on the affected area. Allow it to dry, and then rinse it off with cold water after a few minutes or as long as feels good.
Tea Tree Oil
This miracle oil helps prevent irritation and infection after shaving. Dilute a couple drops in a cup of water (this is key – tea tree oil can irritate skin when not diluted in water or another oil) and spritz your skin with it after shaving. The antiseptic properties will prevent infection creeping into any nics or opened pores. Or, mix 2-3 drops of tea tree oil into 1 tablespoon of olive oil and massage into skin irritated by razor burn. The tea tree oil has antiseptic and anti-fungal properties and the olive oil will moisturize.
Milk & Cucumber Puree
This mixture is like a cooling smoothie for your skin. Peel and chop up some cucumber and place in a blender with some full-fat milk and blend to make a paste. Dress the irritated area with it and feel the instant cooling take effect. Milk works wonders on skin irritation The cucumber is hydrating, cooling, and has anti-inflammatory properties, and the milk’s fat moisturizes, as the lactic acid helps to gently exfoliate the skin.
3 Steps to a Perfect Shave:
Step 1: Exfoliate your skin with a mild scrub before shaving. This helps slough off dead skin cells that could clog up your razor and making nicks more likely. Or, if you’re into dry brushing, do this before you get in the shower.
Step 2: Here’s an (optional) trick: Slather baby oil (or olive oil) onto your skin before you apply shaving cream. Since oil and water don’t mix, the oil will coat your skin, providing a protective barrier so you’ll get a nick-free shave.
Step 3: Apply fragrance-free shaving cream (some people swear by using a moisturizing hair conditioner) thickly onto your skin and shave using small strokes. If you’ve got really sensitive skin, shave down in the direction your hair grows, rather than against.
When it comes to picking the right razor, you don’t necessarily need to go crazy with pivoting heads and multiple lubricating strips. Just avoid the cheap pink disposable ones and be sure to get one with a good quality moisture strip or block. Replace your razor when the strip starts to wear off, or you feel it dragging on your skin. Lastly, don’t shave every day. Give your skin a break and leave it some time to heal. Razor blades are tough on your skin, after all.
After you’ve mastered your perfect shave, master your smoothest legs. Here are some simple tricks that can be used to create naturally smooth legs year-round.
