It’s summer and time for shorts and bikinis. It’s time to keep legs shaved all the way up to that delicate area known as the bikini line. Razor bumps from shaving these areas definitely do not produce the desired effect. So, we have to just say no to razor bumps.
What causes razor bumps?
Razor bumps, or pseudofolliculitis barbae, or ‘sycosis barbae or barber’s itch are caused when strands of hair curl back on themselves and grow under the skin. Here’s what often happens. When you shave, particularly areas with curly hair such as your underarms or pubic area, the hair gets stretched slightly as you shave it off. The shaved hair then retracts below the hair follicle and proceeds to grow into the follicle wall. It may even grow back just under the skin.
Five ways to say no to razor bumps
Don’t pull the skin tight in order to get a closer shave.
- Take a hot shower before shaving to soften the hair.
- Always shave in the direction the hair is growing.
- Use a good thick shaving cream, shaving gel, shaving oil or soap that further softens the hair and prevents razor nicks.
- Follow shaving with a good moisturizer
- Always use a sharp razor
Cream, gel, oil or soap – which is best?
This is a subject for debate and appears to be based on individual preference. Therefore, I’m giving you three super simple and very effective recipes to make. The recipes include: anti-bump shaving oil, anti-bump shaving cream, anti-bump shaving gel and anti-bump shaving soap.
Anti-bump Shaving Oil Recipe
Mix 18 drops of Clary sage essential oil into 4 oz of jojoba oil. Add 3 drop of vanilla essential oil for a light pleasant scent.
Anti-bump Shaving Cream Recipe
4 Tbsps jojoba oil
2 Tbsps beeswax.
1 1/2 cup distilled water
One Tsp of baking soda
Four Tbsps of liquid castile soap.
1/2 cup aloe vera gel.
6 drops lavender essential oil (women) or Clary sage (men)
Instructions
First heat the jojoba oil and beeswax over a double boiler at a low heat. Stir until the beeswax is melted. Pour into a bowl and let cool. While mixture cools, heat water and add the castile soap and baking soda. Mix well until well blended. Add aloe vera gel to water/baking soda mixture. Pour into cooled to room temperature jojoba and beeswax bowl. Add essential oil. Blend mixture with a hand blender for about 2 minutes. Let mixture rest for a minute or two then blend for another 2 minutes.
Add the cream to an airtight container and store in a cool location. Since this makes about 2 cups of cream, I would store half in the refrigerator until you need it. Aloe vera gel, when added to water, can mold.
Note: This is not a thick cream, but it glides on easily, is easy on your face and won’t clog your razor.
Anti-bump Shaving Gel Recipe
1/2 cup liquid organic castile soap
1/4 cup hot water
1/2 tsp salt (this acts as a preservative)
2 tbs vegetable glycerine
2 tbs aloe vera gel
4 drops tea tree essential oil
4 drops lavender (goddesses) or 4 drops Clary sage (guys)
Instructions
Dissolve salt in hot water then mix in all other ingredients. Add to capped bottle and it’s ready to use.
Note: This gel recipe is thinner than commercial shaving gels but works great. Remember, you only need a thin coat on your skin.
Anti-bump Shaving Soap Recipe
This is the easiest recipe yet. You will need ½ cup of liquid castile soap to which you add 3 drops lavender essential oil or Clary sage (men).
Conclusion
Now you know how to say no to razor bumps. We think our goddesses are beautiful even if they do have a few bumps here and there, but our opinion doesn’t count. Our goddesses tell us they don’t want razor bumps so we tell them how to prevent them.
Now go have fun and relax.
Related articles:
Clary Sage Essential Oil – What You Need to Know [4]