Protect yourself from shaving irritation the natural way

Daily shaving is not only time-consuming, it can also put stress on skin. Luckily, this can be remedied with the right cream, salve or lotion.

If you find yourself with a skin irritation or small cut, there are time-tested home cures that can offer quick relief. Whether you shave with a manual or electric razor is a matter of personal preference. But avoid using a manual razor if you have blemished skin, since it may open pustules and could lead to infections.

Sooth your skin with natural ingredients and feel relief wash over you.

• Soothe and disinfect your skin with a pleasantly fragrant aftershave lotion. Pour 20 millilitres (four teaspoons) of rubbing alcohol, 75 millilitres (five tablespooms) of witch hazel, 20 millilitres (four teaspoons) of rose water and two drops each of clary, seabuckthorn, sandalwood, cedar, lemon and cypress oil into a small bottle. Shake vigorously and let steep for four weeks. Apply straight or pour a little aftershave into your hand, rub in a few drops of jojoba oil and apply.
• Make a balanced aftershave lotion by thoroughly stirring together 75 grams (2.5 ounces) of pH-neutral moisturizer (from a pharmacy) and five millilitres (one teaspoon ) each of jojoba, apricot kernel and almond oil, five millilitres (one teaspoon) aloe vera gel and two drops each of chamomile, mint and geranium oil. Store the aftershave in a jar in a cool place.
• Relieve and soothe irritated skin with a witch hazel salve (available at health food stores); the effect is increased by mixing in a few drops of St. John's wort or tea tree oil.
• Look for creams and salves containing pot marigold, chamomile or aloe vera. They should be available in most health food stores, as well as some pharmacies.

If you use a blade razor, you are bound to cut yourself from time to time. When you do, here's how to stop the bleeding:

• Dab small cuts with a cotton ball moistened with rubbing alcohol.
• Stop bleeding with a moist styptic pencil.
• Yarrow flowers are a tried-and-true home remedy for cuts. Grind the dried flowers to powder in a mortar. Apply to the cut and press lightly with a damp cloth.