Itchy Legs After Shaving Causes And Home Remedies

Do you experience itchiness on your legs after shaving?  If you do, you probably want to know what causes this and what home remedies you can use to deal with this problem.  In this article, we will discuss itchy legs after shaving causes and home remedies.

 

Causes of Itchy Legs After Shaving

Many women experience itchy skin on the legs after shaving, and there are many causes of this.  Let’s discuss some of them here:

Certain kinds of shaving cream

While good shaving creams that have been designed for sensitive skin will help to reduce the irritation caused by shaving, irritating shaving creams (for example, ones that contain irritating ingredients, such as fragrance or dyes) can make itching more likely to occur.  Try to find an oil-based shaving cream rather than an alcohol-based cream.

Razor dullness

Using a dull razor can make itchiness more likely to occur after shaving.  This is because when you use a dull razor, you will tend to press it too forcefully against your skin.

Pressing the razor too hard

If you press the razor too hard against your legs, you are more likely to experience itching after shaving.

Razor burn

Razor burn can lead to itching of the skin, and can be caused by using too much pressure and/or using a dull razor.

Sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, you are more likely to experience itching after shaving.

Dry skin

If you have dry skin, you are more likely to experience itching after shaving.  This is because dry skin is more easily irritated.

Swimming or using hot tubs

If you often swim in pools or sit in hot tubs, you will be more likely to experience itching after shaving.  This is because of the chlorine in the water.

Scratching

It’s very frustrating, but scratching your already itchy skin can make it even itchier!

Home Remedies for Itchy Legs After Shaving

There are many things you can do at home to deal with the problem of itchy legs after shaving.  Let’s go over some of them below:

Fragrance-free lotion or cream for sensitive skin

Apply a generous amount of fragrance-free body lotion or cream for sensitive skin to your itchy legs.  This will help to soothe the dryness and irritation related to the itching.

Baking soda

Baking soda will help to reduce the itchiness of your legs because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.  Mix together one tablespoon of baking soda and one cup of water, and use a cotton ball to apply this liquid to your itchy skin.  You should allow this to stay on for at least five minutes.  Once the five minutes has passed, use cool water to remove it.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is famous for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.  Mix two tablespoons of water with five drops of tea tree oil, and then apply this mixture to the itchy skin.  You should allow this to sit on the skin for ten minutes.  Once the ten minutes has passed, use tepid water to remove it.  You can do this twice a day, if necessary.

Olive oil

Olive oil contains antioxidants and vitamin E, and is extremely soothing and hydrating to the skin.  Apply olive oil to your itchy skin after shaving.  Alternatively, you can use olive oil as a lubricant while shaving, to avoid itching occurring.

Shaving cream

Use an oil-based shaving cream for sensitive skin.  This will help to hydrate and lubricate your skin while shaving, and help prevent itchiness.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal will help to soothe your skin and reduce the inflammation associated with itching.  Mix plain yogurt with finely ground oatmeal, and a small amount of honey.  You should apply this to the itchy skin, allowing it to sit for at least half an hour.  Once half an hour has passed, use tepid water to remove it.  You should do this one or two times a day, as needed.

Cucumber

Cucumber has anti-inflammatory properties, and will hydrate the skin.  Cut up a fresh cucumber.  Once you have done that, allow the cucumber to cool in the fridge for at least half an hour.  Use the cucumber slices to massage the itchy skin for 10 minutes.

Cucumber and milk

Mix a quarter of a cup of milk with half of a pureed cucumber, and then let this cool in the fridge.  Once the mixture has cooled, apply it to the itchy skin.  Allow it to sit on the skin for at least 10 minutes.  Use warm water to remove the mixture.

Exfoliate your skin

You should exfoliate your skin before and after shaving.  This will help to prevent itchiness.

Always shave in your hair growth’s direction

It is important to be guided by your hair growth’s direction when shaving.  If you try to do otherwise, itching is more likely to occur.

Honey

Honey has soothing properties, is antibacterial, and is very hydrating to the skin.  Apply honey (preferably raw and organic) to your itchy legs.  Once you have allowed it to sit for at least 10 minutes, use cold water to remove it.

Black tea

Black tea is anti-inflammatory and soothing.  Use warm water to moisten one black tea bag, and then let the tea bag cool in the fridge for 10 minutes.  Once the 10 minutes have passed, use the tea bag to massage the itchy skin for three minutes.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is cooling and soothing for irritated skin.  It is also intensely hydrating.  If you have an aloe vera plant, apply the gel from one of its leaves to the itchy area.  Once you have allows this to sit for at least 10 minutes, use cold water to remove it.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.  It is also antibacterial.  If you have sensitive skin, make sure to use water to dilute the apple cider vinegar, as the vinegar on its own might cause skin irritation.  Use a cotton ball to apply small amounts of apple cider vinegar and water to the itchy skin, and then let it sit on the skin until it seems to dry (no longer than 10 minutes).  Use water to wash it off of the skin.

Cold compress

The coldness of ice will help to reduce the inflammation and irritation of the skin.  Use a thin towel to wrap up several ice cubes, and then hold this against the itchy skin.  You should hold this in place for at least a few minutes.  An alternative to using ice cubes if to simply immerse a clean cloth in very cold water, and then use that as the cold compress.  After you shave, remember to splash a bit of cold water on your legs.  This will help to make itchiness less likely to occur.

Aspirin

If your skin is especially sensitive, you might want to avoid this remedy.  Let two aspirins dissolve in a teaspoon of warm water.  Once the mixture is the consistency of a paste, apply it to the itchy area and let it sit for about 10 minutes.  Use tepid water to remove it.

Vitamin E oil

If you can find pure vitamin E oil, apply it to your legs to relieve the itchiness.  If you cannot find the pure oil, try to find a lotion that contains vitamin E (preferably unscented).

Lavender

Apply lavender oil diluted with water to your itchy skin.  This will help to soothe your skin and address the itching.

Witch hazel

Applying witch hazel to your itchy skin will help to address the problem.

Over-the-counter itch cream

Try to find an over-the-counter itch cream that contains 1% hydrocortisone.  Apply this to the itchy skin.  You will find this a very helpful remedy.

Table salt

Mix table salt (two teaspoons) in a single liter of cool water.  Dip a clean cloth into this solution, and apply it to the itchy skin.  Allow this to sit on the skin until you no longer experience itchiness, and then remove it with water.

Benzoyl peroxide salve

You should use 2.5% to 5% benzoyl peroxide.  Apply this to your legs very soon after shaving.  This will make itchiness less likely to occur.

Ammonium lactate lotion

Look for a 12% ammonium lactate lotion.  Applying this to your legs will help to reduce the chances of experiencing itchiness after shaving.  This remedy is especially effective for dry skin.

Baby powder

Approximately 10 minutes prior to shaving, apply baby powder to your legs.  This will help to prevent the development of ingrown hairs in addition to itching.

Coconut oil sugar scrub

Mix one tablespoon of raw honey, four tablespoons of coconut oil, two tablespoons of brown sugar, and two tablespoons of regular sugar.  Gently massage this mixture into the skin of your legs after shaving.  This will help to prevent itching, and deal with any itching that may already be present.

Strawberry after shave paste

Mash three strawberries, and mix it with sour cream.  Make sure that this ends up being reasonably thick.  Apply this generously to the legs, and leave it on for 20 minutes.  Use warm water to remove it.

Coconut oil

Apply coconut oil to the skin on your legs after shaving, and give it time to really absorb into the skin.  Coconut oil is very soothing, and has anti-inflammatory properties.  Coconut oil is an especially good choice if you have dry skin.

Vaseline (petroleum jelly)

Apply petroleum jelly to the itchy skin, and let it stay on for at least 10 minutes.  This will help to soothe and hydrate the skin.  Take the petroleum jelly off using a wet cloth.

Yogurt and cucumber

Combine two tablespoons of plain yogurt and a whole peeled cucumber in a blender or food processor.  Apply this mixture to the itchy skin, and let it stay on for at least 20 minutes.  Use tepid water to remove it.

Chamomile oil

Mix 6 to 8 drops of chamomile oil with one quarter cup of cold water.  Apply this solution to your legs using a clean cotton ball.

Apple cider vinegar and honey

First put honey (preferably raw and organic) all over the itchy skin, and allow it to sit for five minutes.  Use cold water to remove it.  Dry the skin gently with a soft towel.  Apply apple cider vinegar to the skin, and let it dry.  If you have extremely sensitive skin, you might find apple cider vinegar too harsh.

Cornstarch

Create a cornstarch paste by mixing cornstarch and a small amount of water.  Apply this to the legs, and allow it to sit for at least 20 minutes.  Use warm water to remove it.

Calendula oil

Mix 10 drops of calendula oil in cold water (one quarter cup).  Apply the mixture to legs, and give it time to dry.  Use water to remove it.

Lemon juice

Use the juice of one half of a lemon.  If you have very sensitive skin, you might want to dilute the juice with a little bit of water.  Use a clean cotton ball to apply the juice to the itchy skin.  Allow the lemon juice to dry on the skin until it dries.  Use tepid water to remove it.

Cocoa butter

Try to find a cocoa butter that is free of perfume and dye.  You should be able to find this in a health food store.  Apply the cocoa butter to the itchy skin.  It will help to hydrate your skin, soothing it and reducing the itchiness.

 

References:

“How to Treat Itchy Legs After Shaving,” http://www.livestrong.com/article/91105-treat-itchy-legs-after-shaving

“Why Do My Legs Itch After Shaving,” http://www.enkivillage.com/itchy-legs-after-shaving.html

“3 Ways to Prevent Skin Irritation After Shaving,” http://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Skin-Irritation-After-Shaving

“8 Natural Remedies for Treating Razor Burn,” http://www.diyncrafts.com/3987/health/8-wonderful-remedies-keratosis-pilaris-razor-burn-skin-bumps

“How to Get Rid of Razor Burn Fast,” http://www.rapidhomeremedies.com/how-to-get-rid-of-razor-burn-fast.html

“19 Best Home Remedies to Get rid of Razor Bumps Fast,” http://www.homeremedyhacks.com/19-best-home-remedies-to-get-rid-of-razor-bumps-fast

“How to Soothe Legs that Burn After Shaving,” http://oureverydaylife.com/soothe-legs-burn-after-shaving-21177.html