Natural Aftershave – What to use and how to make it

When you shave your skin, you’re not removing just the hair. You are removing the outermost layer of your skin as well. Right after shaving, the skin is most vulnerable. You have just peeled off it’s first protective mechanism. While this thin layer regenerates rather fast, it is up to you to protect your skin while it does that. I mean, you shaved it in the first place.

With the inner layer exposed, the skin is susceptible to infections and breakouts. While rubbing alcohol might do the trick for most people, there are some of us that want the best for their skin. Instead of using chemicals, some of us opt out for a more natural aftershave. Surprisingly, there is a plethora of things you can use as an aftershave when you want to go chemical-free. We’ve even included a sweet DIY recipe at the end, in case you want to take the extra step.

First of all, when you say aftershave, you think of two things. The smell and the soothing feeling that an aftershave brings. While the smell can be reproduced in a number of ways, the soothing feeling is actually even easier to break down. If you think about it, since your skin needs to regenerate and rejuvenate, your natural aftershave should contain all the nutrients that your skin needs for this. If you look at it that way, it is quite simple to decide what to use after you have shaved.

Shea butter

You must have been living under a rock if you didn’t see this one coming. Shea butter is the go-to oil for whatever problems you have. From wrinkles to acne. If you use it as an aftershave it will soothe your skin, which is exactly what it needs after a round of razor-peeling (sounds harsh, but that’s essentially what you’re doing). Furthermore Shea butter has been proven to have anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin. Finally, just like any other butter, it will help with moisturizing your skin, giving it a fresher feel. On top of all of that, Shea Butter is a non comedogenic oil, which means it will not clog your skin pores when they are at their weakest.

Coconut oil

Another superstar in regards to skincare. And again it’s a tropical plant. Ah, what would we do without them. It is not surprising that coconut oil can be used as a natural aftershave. It’s benefits on the skin are amazing. First it will help your skin moisturize  and feel fresher. On top of this coconut oil has strong antifungal and antibacterial properties. After a shave, if you’re not keen on using alcohol, this is the second-best option. Even thought it will not prevent infections as well as alcohol, it will still help immensely. The added bonus with coconut oil is that you do not necessarily have to use it exclusively as an aftershave. You can use it as a shaving cream as well. This literally makes it an all-in-one go-to product that every shaving kit needs.

Astringent of choice

Astringents are ingredients that help the blood vessels of the skin constrict. This way, all the micro-tears in your skin as well as the cuts will heal much more quickly. Since most of the astringents contain alcohol, if you want to avoid it choose the ones with the lowest amount in them. Witch Hazel will do the trick for you, although usually they come with the highest content of alcohol. But fear not, there still is a huge selection. If you want to fully utilize even this aspect of your aftershave, you can go with White Tea (which has even more nutrients than green tea) or Rose Water.

Essential oils as part of your aftershave

The last part that you would need for your homemade natural aftershave, is not what your skin needs but rather your senses. Everybody has a favorite scent, and those who don’t, they haven’t properly discovered essential oils yet. We trust the ladies enough to, by now, know their preferred scent. It is not everyday that you meet a woman that doesn’t have a distinguished taste in perfume or essential oil. This is why we will give advice to the guys out there only. One of the more popular choices for men are Bay (West Indies), or basically the oil that has been in aftershaves since the modern concept of them appeared. Cedarwood Atlas is also a common choice. It’s woody, rigid smell is more suited for individuals that are more masculine, or at least want to smell that way.

Natural Aftershave DIY recipe and instructions

So far you have learned what you will need for your aftershave. While the ratios of the exact ingredients can vary, try to stick to the ratios specified for that thick, creamy feel.

First of all, put equal parts of Coconut Oil and Shea butter in a double boiler. (For the guys, it when you put a container over a pot of boiling water). Leave them on the fire until both of them melt. Once melted, place them in an ice bath and start stirring. Actually, since you’ll be making a cream, the more appropriate term is whisking. Whisk until you get a thick, creamy substance. At this point you add your Astringent of choice and the essential oil. It is as easy as that. Put everything in a container and store it in the fridge. Wait for a couple of hours and congratulate yourself on making your first natural aftershave.

Hopefully, what you will get is a nutrient rich, soothing and moisturizing skin cream. Congratulations, you have just saved yourself a good deal of money.

If you have any questions, feel free to comment below. We would love to hear from you.

Healthy Means Happy

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