Shaving Soap from Daybreak Lavender Farm

I've always shied away from shaving soaps, even though they have a cult following and are made by some of the top shaving companies. I think just the word 'soap' and the thought of a thin barrier on the skin between me and the razor, were partly to blame.

After a Cooking with Lavender Class held at Daybreak Boutique (side note: chocolate and lavender are amazing together!), I just had to pick up their handmade Wash & Shave Bar with Calming Lavender and Bentonite Clay for Smooth Shaving.

Shaving soaps should be used with a shaving brush to create a nice lather. I didn't have one, though it's on my list, so I tried it brushless. Even so, it worked really, really well. The soap provided a lot of slip, I got a pretty close shave and my skin felt really soft afterwards.

Their formula uses the oils of olive, coconut, palm and castor. Bentonite clay, also added, draws out toxins, is highly absorbent, and exfoliates, so it's great for oily skin and can also be used to cleanse with as well. This one includes lavender essential oil. For men, they make a shaving soap with sandalwood.

The bar is huge, which will surely last a long time. With any shaving soap, it needs to be placed on a draining soap dish so that it doesn't sit in water and wear down faster than necessary.

More on Daybreak Lavender Farm:

• Daybreak Boutiques
• Daybreak Lavender Farm in Streetsboro, Ohio
• Daybreak's Soap Collection

More:

• Shaving Soap Recipe from Scratch
• Shaving Soap Recipe- Melt & Pour
• Types of Shaving Brushes

Image Courtesy Daybreak Lavender Farm

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Is Shaving Pubic Hair Normal?

Question: Is It Okay and Normal to Shave Pubic Hair?

Answer: It's a personal preference whether you want to remove or keep it. But it's commonly done and considered safe if you use the right technique and tools. The pages that we have here at About.com- Hair Removal about getting a smooth bikini line or area are extremely popular.

Both men and women get rid of hair in their intimate zone. Some people just remove the hair outside their underwear line. Others like to remove almost all of their hair, and many like to go totally bare.

Keep in mind that it's a bit shaving your bikini zone than your face or legs. Pubic hair tends to be curlier and thicker than some other parts of the body. So it's prone to getting razor burn, ingrown hair and irritation- especially your first couple of times. Our guides below help you to avoid these problems and get a safe, close shave.

• Women's Intimate Shaving Guide
• Men's Intimate Shaving Guide

If you have never shaved your pubic hair before, it's good to start out with just doing the hair outside your underwear and working up from there. Often it's too much to shave it all off right from the start.

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Men’s Shaving Videos

Visual tips and advice for shaving from the neck up. We have some great videos here on About.com for using the razor on your face, head, sideburns and neckline. And if you're already bald, we also have a video on how to care for one to keep it looking healthy. See the list of all the Men's Shaving Videos.

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How to Remove Toe Hair Fast without Shaving

Resist the urge to use the razor a little lower and shave your toes, while you're shaving your legs. Since they're such small areas and the hair is usually sparse, it's extremely easy to wax or sugar your toes. And you don't even have to get a ton of supplies, or buy any products from the store necessarily.

To wax, it only takes a couple steps to remove the hair from the root. There's no heating up product or big mess if you use pre-made wax strips. On clean skin dab on some baby powder, apply a wax strip, rub your fingers over the strip a couple of times in the direction hair growth, hold skin taut and remove strip the opposite direction of hair growth. Use an unscented body oil to get rid of any stickiness.

To spend extra time but save money, make your own sugaring product at home. Try this homemade, natural recipe that simply calls for sugar, lemon juice and water. When finished, you can use it as a paste or a gel. How-to directions are at the end of the recipe. You'll notice how much longer waxing or sugaring last over shaving.

More:

• How to Wax Hair
• Veet Salon Line Ready to Use Wax Strips
• Waxing Salons and Spas

Image Crolique / IStock Photo

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Women Art of Shaving Review

The Bottom Line

The perfect example of "you get what you pay for". Although pricey for a shaving cream, it gives you an ultra-close shave, leaving skin glowing, moisturized and soft.

Pros

• Made with rose oils for a light, amazing scent
• Moisturizing to skin
• No parabens
• Gives an extraordinary close shave

Cons

• Expensive for a shaving cream

Description

• Manufacturer – The Art of Shaving
• Usage – Shaving Cream
• Options – Only one shaving cream for women
• Average Cost - $26.00

Guide Review - The Art of Shaving Cream for Women

Rose is one of my favorite scents. And this isn’t the fake rose perfume scent your smell at the drugstore, The Art of Shaving cream for women contains a special blend of 100% rose absolute and rose oil. One of the most feminine smelling shaving creams, it’s almost intoxicating.

When I first tried the shaving cream I got a little carried away and put too much on, it’s very concentrated as a little goes a long way. The cream is a very rich consistency, a combination of butter and a thick gel.

So it smells wonderful and is thick and creamy, how well does it work? You’re suggested to use the cream with a shaving brush to help lift the hairs, but I don’t own one. Even with shaving brush less, I got a super-duper close shave with The Art of Shaving cream for women. And even more amazing my skin was so soft, moisturized and was glowing like it had a facial.

Sometimes my underarms will get an ingrown hair or two, but I haven’t been greeted with any since using the shaving cream. Special ingredients used in their formulation to help to avoid ingrown hairs must really work.

The Art of Shaving, as their name contends holds up to their products. They have shaving down to an art, and a science.

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GreenShave – Natural Shaving Cream

While window shopping at Etsy I stumbled upon GreenShave, a shaving cream that impressed me with its creamy appearance and natural ingredients. The owner generously offered to send me one to try out.

When I twisted it open, I immediately fell in love with the aroma of sweet almonds. But the real test is how it does the job. Applying a thin layer of the thick cream, it was a little bit different than most other shaving creams because it doesn't lather or spread as easily having the consistency more like a thick body butter.

The owner and creator of GreenShave, Moira, tells me some people use a shaving brush, but I don't have one. Even so it works great giving a very close shave, and it helps replenish some of the moisture lost from using the razor because of the many hydrating ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, and coconut and almond oil.

But the rest test for any shaving cream is having it easily remove thick, dense hair. My husband's facial hair fits this profile and he was the perfect guinea pig. He was very reluctant to try it because he said, "It looks like it's not going to work."

He admitted not getting any lather was hard to get used to as well as the consistency, wishing it was more "velvety." After also getting an ultra-close shave of two days worth of growth, he is now a believer in GreenShave.

Find more about GreenShave at Etsy.com and green-shave.com.

Image Courtesy GreenShave

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Top Men’s Shaving Gels and Creams

For those of you who feel you need a great razor but a half-way decent shaving cream or gel, think again. You would be amazed in the differences, like how close a shave you get, and how your skin feels and reacts with a quality cream or gel.

I also realize that what might work great for me or my assistant Nicole, but smells like flowers, won't help the guys out there. Daniel Billett, Men's Guide to Fashion / Grooming here at About.com not only has sensitive skin but is prone to razor burn. He put his favorite picks together, check out: Top 7 Men's Shave Gels and Creams.

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Tips for Shaving Private Area

Removing bikini hair has always been one, if not the most popular topic here. And shaving is one of the quickest and easiest ways to do that on your own. But razor burn, bumps, rash and ingrown hairs often come with the territory. We put a list for easy access to our most read bikini hair shaving articles to help guide men and women through the process avoiding nasty side effects. Included is how to make designs, protecting all your parts, how to trim, and products that really work. See it all in: Shaving Private Area.

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Every Man Jack Shaving Product Reviews

I had never heard or remember seeing the line Every Man Jack until I saw the reviews on out About.com Skincare Site guided by Jen Adkins. I don't know how I missed these budget-priced men's products when they can be found on the shelves of places like Target and Whole Foods.

When I saw the glowing comments about their Shave Cream, Pre-Shave Face Scrub and Post-Shave Face Lotion- all under $8- I thought I needed to pass this on. Check out the Every Man Jack Reviews from Jen Adkins.

More:

• Compare Prices on Every Man Jack Products
• Save a Blade Automatic Sharpener Review
• Review of Bump Patrol Shave Gels

Image Courtesy PriceGrabber

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How To Prevent Pubic Shaving Rash?

Pubic shaving rash or razor burn is quite common in this area over others because the hair is thicker and can affect those with more sensitive skin or who shave often. But we have some tips to minimize burning, redness and pain.

• Allow skin and hair to soften. Instead of jumping in the shower and shaving immediately, let the steam relax skin for about five minutes so it's more pliable.

• Use a moisturizing shave gel or cream. Alcohol strips moisture from the skin. Stay clear if that's in the ingredients list, especially at the beginning. Instead choose products containing hydrating ingredients like glycerin, goat's milk, shea butter, and oils.

  Prefer a gel and on a budget? Try Bikini Zone Shave Gel. Love the consistency of a cream? Give this one from Simply Sensual a shot.

• Trim hair first. If you use your razor to trim hair, it not only uses valuable cutting power but dulls the blade (which causes burn), and irritates skin by pulling on hair. Cut the length down first with clippers using a guard or the Venus Bikini Trimmer (read review).

• Choose the right razor. Electric razors made for the face and cheap disposables are out. Definitely use a high quality pivoting razor with moisture strips. If your skin is very sensitive, try using a single blade razor, rather than one with mulitiple blades.

• Use pre shaving oil. All it takes is a couple drops (compare prices) underneath your shaving gel or cream to create a barrier on the skin so the razor glides instead of drags. It also helps prevent ingrown pubic hair too!

• Watch your technique. Use firm, but not aggressive pressure using warm, not hot, water. Go over an area once, maybe twice with the razor. Holding skin taut will provide a closer shave, but may cause irritation. If you have very sensitive skin, only shave with the grain of hair. Don't forget to rinse your blade thoroughly between strokes to avoid pubic hair shaving rash. When finished, rinse skin of hair with cool water.

• Keep skin moisturized. Use an aftershave or light lotion that doesn't contain alcohol, perfumes, dyes or artificial fragrances. Regular deodorant soaps can be very harsh and drying, use something gentle like Tom's of Maine Deodorant Soap (compare prices).

• Beware of heat and friction. Stay away from hot tubs, saunas and tanning beds the day of shaving. Do not make tight clothing part of your fashion plan. Abstain from sexual activity for at least a couple of hours, if not more.

Already have a razor rash? Read our tips for treatment: How To Get Rid of Pubic Razor Burn.

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Shaving 101

Shaving hair removal, the most common way to rid hair, simply cuts hair off at skin level with a razor. Skin is first wet with water, and then a slipping agent like a cream or gel is applied to help the razor glide over skin while cutting hair.

After all of the hair from an area is shaved, it is washed with water to clean skin of any remaining residue. Shaving hair with an electric razor doesn't necessarily require water, but a nice splash does help get rid of loose shaved hairs when you're done.

Will it Make My Hair Thicker?

The old wives tale that once you shave hair, it will come back thicker isn't true. But it's easy to understand how this myth started. Hair that has never been shaved has a tapered or beveled edge. Once it is cut, the edge is now blunt. So when it grows back above the surface not only does it feel stiffer than before, it looks thicker too.

The Pros

• It's very accessible. Shaving is quick and can be done at home, or pretty much anywhere with an electric razor.
• Affordable. Basic razors and accessories are fairly inexpensive and easy to come by.
• Not painful. Since it's not removing the hair from the root, if it's done correctly, it shouldn't hurt.

The Cons

• Very temporary results are seen. You aren't silky smooth for very long because hair will be above the skin surface in several hours, or at best in a few days.
• Can cause ingrown hair or razor bumps. Because shaving often creates a sharp tip, it can help the hair to grow back into the skin.

  Learn More:

  • Prevent and Treat Ingrown Hair
  • Home Remedies for Ingrown Hair
  • How To Prevent Razor Bumps

  Ouch Factor

  Shaving hair, the actual process shouldn't hurt at all. But getting ingrown hairs or accidentally nicking yourself can be painful. Razor burn which can range from mild to severe isn't a pretty sight, and can make skin itchy and sting.

  The Costs

  • Disposable Razors: Priced anywhere from .50 cents to $3.50 each, give you a couple of uses before you throw them away.
  • Regular Razors: These are the kind that you keep the handle but throw away the blade. They last a bit longer than their disposable counterparts and usually have a pivoting head. The initial purchase of the shaving system (razor and blade) costs approximately $7 to $13, and blade replacements run about .80 cents to $4 each.
  • Electric Razors: $20 to over $250 depending on the quality, design, and features.
  • Shaving Slip: Cream, lotion, gel, soap, or oil- they all help in getting a smooth shave. A basic cream sells for about $2 and can run upwards of $25 or more for a designer or organic shaving gel.
  • Professional Shave: A no-frills men's facial shave at a barbershop can be as low as $5, and as high as $50 in an upscale spa complete with hot towels and a mini facial massage. A 15% - 20% gratuity on your total bill is customary and suggested.

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Want Built-In Shaving Gel? Try Gillette Venus ProSkin

I like the idea of a gel bar attached to the razor so you don't have an empty shaving gel bottle staring back at you when you really need it. It also helps save a little bit of time, because often all we're looking for are mere minutes to help us get ready quicker.

Years ago I tried the version by Schick and didn't care for it at all. My assistant Nicole has also tested out Schick Intuition Plus for Sensitive Skin and wasn't impressed either. Other users online complained that the gel is used up too quickly for the price paid and it doesn't provide a close enough shave. Razor rash was a side effect for some. Although I have to say, there are a few five star ratings with people raving about it.

Talking to a friend, she told me about the one from Gillette, as it's her razor of choice. Although they also make the Venus Spa Breeze with a built-in bar, I picked up their Venus ProSkin MoistureRich. It doesn't give the closest shave ever, but I have to say it's pretty good. As a whole, I definitely like the razor a lot better than Schick Intuition.

The MoutureRich's smell, a topical coconut scent is very pleasing to the nose (at least mine anyway). Overall the Gillette Venus ProSkin (compare prices) has high ratings, but some did complain they couldn't see where they already shaved due to the lack of lather and think the refills are priced high. However, I do recommend giving it a try if you like the idea of built-in shave gel but weren't happy with Schick Intuition.

Photos Courtesy PriceGrabber

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Is Pubic Hair Shaving Safe?

Question: Is It Safe to Shave Pubic Hair?

Answer: Since you are using a razor, you do have to be careful in this sensitive zone. Especially if you are taking most or all of the hair off. But it's generally safe to shave your pubic hair if you do it correctly, use the right tools and take a little precaution.

Shaving One Part is Different Than the Other

Using the razor on your face, underarms, or legs is one thing. But this zone is a bit different. We have intimate shaving guides for both men and women that help you step-by-step get a safe shave while avoiding common problems like nicks, razor burn and ingrown hair.

Removing It All?

Many men and women like much more than a clean-up, and prefer to get rid of it all or just leave a shaved design or landing strip. Here are some tips to stay safe while going almost or totally bare.

• Women. Be careful when shaving on the labia and use short strokes and a gentle pressure. Also, by wearing a vaginal shield while shaving called the Va j-j Visor (read review) you will protect the inner vulva from nicks, cuts and product.
• Men. Shaving the hair on your skin is different than removing the hair from your genitals. You don't want to use a manual razor here, but can still cut the hair off with other tools (read tips).

Instead of Shaving, Trim

If you aren't comfortable taking a razor on your entire bikini zone you can always clean up with shaving and trim the rest. Learn about the different ways: How To Trim Pubic Hair.

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Male Pubic Hair Shaving

Male pubic hair shaving requires more patience and care because of this sensitive zone. Let’s just say, it's a bit different than your morning facial shave. Here we will show you how to get a close, safe shave while avoiding common problems like nicks and ingrown hairs.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 1/2 hour for male pubic hair shaving

Here's How:

1. Pick the right shaving cream. For this sensitive body zone be sure to get and use a good shaving cream or gel, using soap is definitely out. Brave Solider, Brave Shave (read review) is specifically made for male body shaving, and softens the hair follicle for a smoother shave.
2. The right razor makes the world of difference. Don't use straight, cheap disposables or you'll be left with cuts and nicks. Don’t use a regular electric razor made for the face. Instead, use a razor with a pivoting head and multiple blades to give you a smooth, close shave.
3. Take the length off. If you use your razor first you'll be likely to pull hair and cause irritation and also wear down the blade before shaving. So first trim hair down short by using the shortest guard with hair clipperss or placing a comb flat on the skin and trim over comb with scissors.
4. Take a warm shower or bath. 5 - 10 minutes of the heat and steam will make skin and hair more relaxed and pliable.
5. Exfoliate. Removing dead skin cells with give a closer shave by using a mild body scrub or your favorite body wash with an Ayate washcloth (compare prices).
6. Shaving oil is your friend. The oil moisturizes skin and creates a barrier so the razor glides easier instead of dragging. On top of that shaving oil helps prevent razor rash, red irritation and ingrown hairs- all big offenders in the pubic area (compare prices).
7. Apply shaving cream or gel. Skin needs to be damp, but not overly wet. Work the product in circles with a shaving brush to help lift hair and get a closer shave. Brushless, simply use your hands.
8. Shave with a fresh blade. First go in the same direction of hair growth and then in opposite direction without going over the same area too many times. (Holding skin taut does help give you a closer shave, but may irritate skin.) Only shave on your skin, not your genitals (read tips).
9. Clean blade. Rinse the blade from the front back and sides between strokes. A clogged razor won’t remove hair well.
10. Final rinse. Rinse area to remove all traces of shaving gel or cream. Then pat dry with a soft towel.
11. Hydrate. Apply a light, unscented lotion or aftershave lotion.
12. Fight irritation and bumps. In this area because of thick and curly hair, it has a tendency of getting ingrown hairs. Tend Skin (compare prices) can help with razor rash, irritation, bumps and ingrown hairs.

Tips:

1. If you keep getting irriation then use a single blade razor and only shave in the direction of growth.
2. Taking a small mirror in the shower can help you see better. Shaving while showering may be easier over a bath because you can prop up legs on side of stall.
3. Shaving has very short-lived results, waxing will keep hair away for weeks at a time. You may want to consider a male bikini or brazilian wax.
4. Use a clipper with a guard to trim hair short on genitals, don't use the razor.
5. Get more tips for grooming, trimming and removing hair down below in: Guy Pubic Hair.

What You Need

• Comb and scissors or hair clippers (with guards)
• New pivoting razor
• Hydrating shaving cream or gel
• Pre-shave oil
• Shaving brush (optional)
• Aftershave lotion
• Cortizone cream (for itchiness)

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The Art of Shaving Cream- Men

The Bottom Line

Look no further for the perfect men’s shaving cream. The Art of Shaving Cream for men gives a close, smooth shave that leaves skin soft, moisturized while fighting ingrown hairs.

Pros

• Different shaving cream formulas for your skin type
• Gives an ultra-close shave
• Thick formula to even cut through thick beards
• A little shaving cream goes a long way

Cons

• Expensive for a shaving cream

Description

• Manufacturer – The Art of Shaving
• Usage – Shaving Cream for men
• Options – Lavender essential oil, Sandalwood essential oil, Lemon essential oil and Unscented
• Average Cost - $22.00

Guide Review - The Art of Shaving Cream for Men

I had my husband try the The Art of Shaving Cream Sandalwood essential oil for men, made for normal to dry skin. He usually uses something from the drugstore, so there was a huge, dramatic difference in his shaving experience.

He has very thick facial hair that can be hard to cut through. You’re suggested but not required to use the cream with a shaving brush, but we don’t have one. Not using a fresh razor, and shaving without a brush he still got a very close shave. My husband didn't shave at all the day after first using the cream despite being a work day, because it wasn't really necessary. That gives you an idea of the close shave you get.

Most of the time his face is really dry after shaving, but not this time. The skin was so soft where he shaved, and looked like he had a facial.

His skin was left smelling of sandalwood, like he put on cologne. I don’t know how familiar you are with sandalwood, but it’s often used in men’s cologne because of it’s masculine earthy scent. The Art of Shaving only uses essential oils, and that’s huge bonus points for me because I don’t like artificial fragrances.

Essential oils do more than just make products smell wonderful, they have therapeutic properties. That is why there’s more than just one choice of essential oil in shaving creams for your skin type: lemon for normal to oil, lavender for sensitive, sandalwood for normal to dry and unscented for hypoallergenic.

Another problem a lot of men face is ingrown hairs from shaving, especially in the neck area. Moisturizing ingredients in the shaving cream help soften the hair and protect skin to help avoid ingrown hairs. It worked, and helped lessen the amount of ingrown hairs for my husband.

Beware, after trying The Art of Shaving Cream for men, you might not ever want to use anything else. It’s truly amazing!

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Women's Pubic Shaving Guide

Women shaving their pubic hair is different than using the razor on legs or underarms. You need a bit more patience and care because of this sensitive zone and thicker hair type. While you might be able to get away with a 'hurry up and get it done job' with other areas, but not this one. Here we will show you how to get a close, safe shave while avoiding common problems like nicks and ingrown hairs.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 1/2 hour for women shaving their pubic hair

Here's How:

1. Choose your shaving cream wisely. For this sensitive body zone be sure to get and use a good shaving cream or gel, using soap is definitely out. The Art of Shaving, Unscented Shaving Cream (compare prices) is phenomenal for getting a smooth shave, moisturizing skin and preventing ingrown hairs.
2. Don’t skimp on your razor. Stay clear of the straight, cheap disposables or you'll be asking for cuts and nicks. Instead use a razor with a pivoting head and multiple blades to give you a smooth, close shave. My pick Schick Quattro for women (compare prices).
3. Give a haircut. Trim hair down first as short as possible by placing comb flat on the skin and trim over comb with scissors, or with clippers using the shortest guard. The less hair you start out with means less use of your razor.
4. Take a warm shower or bath. At least 5-10 minutes of the heat will soften skin and relax the hair follicle.
5. Exfoliate. Rid dead skin cells and provide a closer shave by using a mild exfoliator or your favorite body wash with an Ayate washcloth (compare prices) on your pubic area.
6. Dab on some shaving oil. Working as a barrier on your skin, the razor will glide easier instead of dragging and moisturize skin. It also helps prevent razor burn, general irritation and ingrown hairs.
7. Apply shaving cream or gel. Make sure skin is damp but not overly wet. If you have a shaving brush, work the product with the brush in circles to help lift hair and get a closer shave.
8. Shave. Using a fresh blade, first go in the same direction of hair growth and then in opposite direction. Don't go over the same area too many times.
9. Rinse. In between strokes, be sure to rinse blade. A clogged razor won’t work well.
10. Cleanse. Rinse pubic area and pat dry with towel.
11. Moisturize. Apply a light, preferably unscented lotion.
12. Fight redness. There's a tendency for getting ingrown hairs. Flawless Ingrown Hair Serum (read review) can help with bumps, redness and ingrown hairs.

Tips:

1. Keep all products on the outside of your body only. And avoid shaving during your period, as skin is more sensitive.
2. If you are taking off most of your hair, a vaginal shield, the Va j-j Visor will offer you protection so you don't cut your inner vulva. Using a small mirror will also help you see better.
3. Shaving while taking a shower, rather than a bath can make things easier because you can prop up legs on side of stall.
4. If you're daring, you can create pubic hair designs at home.
5. Shaving only takes hair even with the skin, waxing will keep hair away weeks at a time. You may want to consider a Brazilian wax.

What You Need

• Comb and scissors or clippers
• New pivoting razor with multiple blades
• Shaving cream or gel
• Shaving oil
• Shaving brush (optional)
• Cortizone cream if pubic area starts getting itchy
• Light, unscented moisturizer

View the original article here