Lets talk about shaving your arms and legs – it’s not something we love to do, but definitely something that we are thinking about when the weather gets warmer.
Here in Phoenix, the temps are pushing the mid-90’s and we all know that it’s just a matter of a few weeks before we hit triple digits. Bust out those swimsuits and summer shorts… time to think about getting your legs ready!
Let me tell you a secret: I love finding a DIY that can replace something toxic in my home.
Related post: 25 DIYs with essential oils
It’s incredibly empowering when you find a DIY that works amazingly well for you, that you can use to replace the toxic household and personal care products that are the norm in most other households.
Lately, I can’t seem to get enough of coconut oil. I love the stuff. I use it in my deodorant, in my cooking, in my baking, to smooth my hair, and as an all purpose healing salve. It’s incredible stuff! Even more, I find that coconut oil works amazing as a shave oil, too.
Coconut Oil is much safer than putting chemicals on your body.
Commercial shave gels and creams hold some toxic ingredients that can serve as hormone disruptors to your body:
- Triethanolamine (TEA) – found in products that foam, TEA is linked with hormone disruption. What’s scary about TEA is that it’s easily absorbed into the skin.
- Fragrance – found in almost every over the counter beauty and body care product…they are linked with headaches, rashes, skin irritation and more. Cosmetic companies are not required to list ingredients of fragrance, and
- Polytetrafluoroethylene – The same chemical used to make Teflon (non-stick stuff found in cookware), this chemical is linked with health problems like osteoarthritis, heart disease, menopause, and breast cancer.
- Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) – this is a toluene based ingredient used as a preservative in many personal care products – it’s associated with lung irritation, hormone disruption and skin irritation.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS or SLES) – commonly found in things that foam – they are often times associated with skin problems like dermatitis.
- Propylene Glycol – helps the skin hold moisture… but is linked to skin rashes, and kidney disorders.
Coconut Oil is a wonderful moisturizer. It’ll save you a bunch of time. Shave with coconut oil and you are shaving and moisturizing at the same time.
Coconut Oil is rather inexpensive. You can buy it in bulk at Amazon, Costco, even Tropical Traditions or Vitacost.
Coconut Oil has wonderful health properties. It’s antifungal and antibacterial. I can’t think of a better way to shave than with something that’s going to help your legs and arms without being harsh.
Did you know that it works amazingly well as an alternative to shave cream or gel? If you opt to take that route, you’ll need to keep a few things in mind.
It’s not just as easy as jumping in, razor in hand, and shaving away. With a few tips, you can rock your NEW shave option in the shower and leave with silky smooth skin.
Use fractionated coconut oil in an pump and add 10 drops of your favorite essential oil (Lavender, or even Manuka). It won’t foam like commercial shave cream but it will coat your legs and make for a very close shave.
Make sure you use a sharp razor. You should always make sure your razor is sharp – toss out the dull blade because it will make it more challenging.
Shave at the end of your shower. This gives your legs and arms a chance to soften up – the warm water will open up the hair and help that oil penetrate so you can benefit from a close shave without having to repeat areas.
It will be slick! Keep a wet washcloth nearby to wipe the blade from excess oil. Or, keep a small bowl of water with a little dish detergent nearby to swish the razor as needed.
Make your own shave oil at home quite easily:
Ingredients
- 4 oz fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil
- 10 drops of your favorite essential oil
- 4 oz pump bottle
Instructions
- Combine the fractionated coconut oil OR sweet almond oil in a 4 oz pump.
- Add your essential oils and tip to blend.
- Use as needed during your bath or shower for shaving.
We love to use Geranium and Lavender in our shave oil ~ you can use any of your favorite essential oils too. Lavender is great for supporting healthy skin and geranium is uplifting.
For males, I would recommend Cedarwood, Patchouli, or even Idaho Blue Spruce Essential Oils for a more masculine scent.
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