Men and women alike know the annoyance of razor bumps, which are a combination of ingrown hairs and razor burn. While the skin irritation alone can be uncomfortable, razor bumps can also become painfully inflamed and infected. The right essential oils can help soothe the skin while fending off infection.
Alone or combined, some suggested essential oils for razor bumps are:
• Frankincense
• German chamomile
• Lavender
• Lemongrass
• Tea tree
Addressing Sensitive Skin
If you have a skin condition that could be contributing to razor bumps (such as eczema, here), make sure to do all you can to get that condition under control with essential-oil remedies.
Razor bumps are easy to treat at home with natural remedies and aromatherapy methods.
• Simple massage. Dilute a few drops of essential oils in your favorite carrier oil and massage the mixture directly onto the affected area.
• Soothing soak. If your razor bumps are located on your body rather than your face, a warm, essential-oil bath may be a helpful treatment.
• Hot compress. Applying heat to the area can help open pores, free the trapped hairs, and draw out infection. Compound those benefits by adding antiseptic and anti-inflammatory oils to a hot compress.
Natural Partners for Aromatherapy
For maximum results, combine your essential oils with these other natural remedies:
• Apply aloe. Cut open a leaf of aloe vera and lightly apply its healing inner gel to the area.
• Try witch hazel. Astringent witch hazel can help relieve skin irritation and itching.
• Use lemon juice. Applying lemon juice to razor bumps can reduce irritation and prevent infection.
Use these simple aromatherapy remedies at the first sign of razor bumps to prevent inflammation and infection.
Combining lavender and tea-tree oils creates a powerful treatment for irritation, inflammation, and infection.
1 drop lavender oil
1 drop tea-tree oil
2 drops jojoba oil
Combine the oils in a small bowl. Massage the mixture onto the affected area, as needed.
If you notice ingrown hairs after a shave, apply this oil-infused compress to the area to address infection and reduce painful inflammation.
2 drops lavender oil
2 drops lemongrass oil
2 drops German chamomile oil
1 tablespoon carrier oil
1 cup warm or hot water
1 clean washcloth
Combine the oils in a large bowl, then stir in the water. Soak the washcloth in the water, wring it out, and apply it to the area. Hold it there until the washcloth comes to room temperature. Repeat the process with a fresh cloth, as needed.
One of the best ways to treat razor bumps is to prevent them altogether, and this DIY shave cream may help you do just that.
⅔ cup coconut oil
⅔ cup shea butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons liquid unscented soap
10 drops lavender oil
10 drops frankincense oil
1 dark-glass pint jar
Use a double boiler to melt and combine the coconut oil and shea butter. Remove mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before stirring in the olive oil. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl. Whisk the mixture until it becomes fluffy, then stir in the liquid unscented soap, lavender oil, and frankincense oil until blended with a whipped consistency. Pour into your container and cover to store.