Make Your Own Cooling Summer Shaving Oil

What if I told you that your current razor bump issues could be solved by switching to using an all-natural shaving oil? It’s true.

What you use to shave can have an impact on how smooth and clean your shave is. It can also protect your skin from the occasional nick. If you’re unhappy with your store bought shaving cream or if you want to cut down on the number of products on your shopping list, here is a DIY shaving oil recipe.

We know the benefits aloe vera, coconut oil and essential oils can have for our hair, so it is no surprise we like them for our skin as well. Your boyfriend and bestie might like it, too.

What You Need

• 1/4 cup aloe vera (you can also use conditioner if you don’t have aloe vera”>
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 4-6 drops of your favorite essential oil (such as peppermint, tea tree, lavender or a combination”>

Directions

• Melt the coconut oil and combine with other ingredients. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, but it easily melts at 76 degrees.

• Stir together and store in a plastic container.

• Apply a thin layer to skin and let sit a couple of minutes before shaving.

• Add an essential oil of your preference. Peppermint oil will give you a cooling sensation, while lavender oil is soothing and known to have antiseptic capabilities for cuts.

If coconut oil hardens or separates between uses, place the closed container beneath the shower stream before shaving to warm it up.

5 Tips for the Best Shaving Experience

1. Choosing the right razor: Don’t think that you can get a smooth finish with the same old razor. Usually, inexpensive ones or those with only one cheap blade tend to get dull super quickly, easily causing pesky nicks. A good, long-lasting razor is essential. Purchase a blade with multiple blades or higher quality care materials like Bevel Shave System Starter Kit from Target.

2. Exfoliate beforehand: Before you shave, make sure that you exfoliate. This may seem like an extra step, but it makes a difference. Exfoliating prepares the skin, getting rid of dry, dead skin and opening up clogged pores that are susceptible to to ingrown hairs. There are many exfoliating products on the market, but you can always DIY your own with brown sugar, honey and olive oil.

3. Don’t shave the same area twice: This a common mistake that we all make. Shaving the same area twice causes skin irritations, razor burn, nicks and cuts. Make sure that you are going against the direction of hair growth.

5. Follow up with a moisturizer: Don’t skip this step. It’s important to apply a body moisturizer after shaving. A moisturizer will calm the skin and reduce the amount of razor bumps. A light oil such as coconut oil will do, and it means one less product to buy!

What do you use to shave? Shaving cream, conditioner, or something else?