A friend of my wife produces essential oils. Having tried some of her products myself, I thought about the possibility of using essential oils for razor burn. So I gave her a call and asked her for some advice in this regard.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts made from the leaves, bark, roots and other parts of plants. You steam or press the plant parts and extract the essential compounds to make a concentrated solution the typically gets bottled and sold in liquid form.
My wife’s friend grows a number of plants and produces numerous essential oils in small vials that are typically sprayed, squirted or daubed directly on the skin. Some essential oils can be taken internally or used in cooking too.
Before trying any essential oil in earnest, it’s best to check with your doctor for a recommendation. Follow the instructions as some essential oil products might need to be diluted. When you are about to use an essential oil for the first time, do a small test patch first.
Essential Oils For Razor Burn
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has long been used to relieve sunburn and other skin burns. It has a thin, opaque, gel-like consistency as that’s effectively what it’s sold as: a gel that is often applied by hand or pumped like a lotion. Aloe vera is often used on lubricating strips on disposable razors too. It can be used to soothe skin after shaving.
Coconut Oil
I’ve written about this essential oil several times, comparing coconut oil vs shaving cream, coconut oil skin moisturizers and using coconut oil for itchy beard. Coconut oil has a very high saturated fat content and is a popular ingredient in many moisturizers, creams and sunblocks. Coconut oil also has anti-inflammation properties. I’ve used coconut oil on my skin and used it to shave my head.
Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel can help to reduce swelling and reduce redness. It’s an astringent and is often added to face cleaning products to shrink pores and reduce inflammation. It can be used after shaving for these reasons including for razor bumps. We talked about Witch Hazel in our Shaving Hacks For Men post that might interest you.
Tea Tree Oil
Studies have shown that Tea Tree Oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is often used by people to help heal wounds and soothe burns. I’ve seen disposable razors that add Tea Tree Oil to the lubricating strip, too. It’s an astringent like Witch Hazel and is often used on razor bumps to reduce swelling. Even using diluted Tea Tree Oil has been known to cause a reaction in some people however. If you’re going to use it, try a small test patch before going all in.
Jojoba
Jojoba oil is often used to help prevent or to help deal with razor burn due to its anti-inflammation properties. It can also help to reduce redness. Jojoba oil is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic which means it won’t clog your pores as other oils often do. It is high in Vitamin E and B as well as minerals like copper and zinc.
Essential Oils For Razor Bumps
As mentioned above, Tea Tree Oil is often used by men to help reduce the swelling and aid in the healing of razor bumps. Moisturizers are believed to help reduce the chance of razor bumps by soothing and lubricating the skin. What other essential oils are specifically good for razor bumps?
Chamomile
Chamomile is a popular tea for relaxation but it’s a popular skincare ingredient too. This oil has anti-inflammation and antiseptic properties. It’s also a popular moisturizer and skin soother widely used in creams, toners, cleaners and more.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass essential oil is widely believed to have antibacterial, antifungal and antibacterial properties. It’s a popular ingredient in many higher end shaving products including preshave and aftershave products for men. Lemongrass and other citrus essential oils may also help the razor glide better.
Lavender
While it’s often noted for its fragrance, Lavender oil is used for its soothing and healing properties, too. You will often find Lavender in aftershave products for these reasons.
Essential Oil Shaving Cream
I’ve noticed an increasing number of essential oil shaving cream products available. They tend to be higher end (ie. more expensive) than their more widely available and well-known big brand products.
You can also find many resources online to make your own essential oil shaving cream. I’ve noticed the aforementioned coconut oil is a popular ingredient as is shea butter and jojoba oil.
There is nothing stopping you from taking your big brand shaving cream and adding a few drops of your favourite essential oil to it too. While you might benefit from the added skincare benefits described above, the scent will obviously change too.
Conclusion
- Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that may offer a number of shaving and skincare benefits when used as recommended.
- A number of essential oils like Aloe Vera, Tea Tree Oil and Coconut Oil can help reduce razor burn due to their moisturizing, antiflammatory, skin soothing and other benefits.
- In addition to skincare benefits, many essential oils add a nice fragrance are often used in skincare and shaving products for that reason, too.
- Shaving creams are increasingly using essential oils. Many homemade options abound and you may also add a few drops of an essential oil(s) to your own shaving cream.
- Check with your doctor before using any essential oil and follow the recommended instructions as some oils need to be diluted.