During the holiday season, you’re bound to see peppermint everywhere – in the form of candy canes, mints, chocolates, and seasonal drinks. But did you know that this winter staple is also a fantastic skin treatment?
The peppermint herb, a cross between watermint and spearmint, is the world’s oldest medicine, and its effects have been proven in the scientific community. Its ability to treat a myriad of health problems – including indigestion, headache, sore muscles, and dry skin and hair, means you’ll find it in everything from shampoo to muscle rubs, and even shaving products!
Today, we’ll be focusing on how peppermint is a fantastic treatment for skin, and its benefits for wet shavers. This seasonal mainstay is one that deserves to be used year-round.
Skin/Shave
Antiseptic properties
Peppermint is naturally rich in Vitamin A, C, and omega-3 fatty acids, so it reduces inflammation while restoring moisture for all skin types. Peppermint also contains menthol, which creates that lovely cooling sensation when you apply it to your skin. As an antiseptic, it prevents infection after traumatic events like burns and rashes, as well as shaving-specific events like razor burn and bumps.
Balancing skin
Peppermint is especially useful for balancing your skin. If your skin is oily or acne-prone, it can improve the texture by controlling the secretion of excess oil. It also prevents clogged pores that lead to pimples. If you have dull skin, peppermint stimulates circulation to brighten the complexion.
Skin saver during wet shaving
It’s this combination of skin numbing, moisturizing, and disinfectant properties that makes peppermint oil a common ingredient in shave creams. RazoRock Peppermint Shaving Lube mixes peppermint with aloe juice to produce an invigorating, smooth glide. Taylor of Old Bond Street Peppermint Shaving Cream uses peppermint to add a kick to its moisturizing lather.
Aromatherapeutic benefits
In addition to improving your shave, peppermint is well known for its aromatherapeutic benefits. The energizing scent of peppermint relieves you from stress, depression, anxiety, and mental exhaustion.
Studies have also shown that smelling peppermint’s essential oil vapor instantly increases blood circulation, oxygenating the body and brain and leading to higher cognitive function.
If you’re always multitasking, this means more mental clarity and focus. This energizing effect also extends to tension: peppermint relaxes tense muscles and relieves headaches. If you’re shaving daily with a peppermint-oil infused product, these are benefits that’ll start your day on a high note.
Some product recommendations:
SHOP: 1. Dr K Soap Company Shaving Oil, 2. Triumph & Disaster Ritual Face Cleanser, 3. Simpsons Shaving Cream, 4. Taylor of Old Bond Street Peppermint Shaving Cream, 5. RazoRock Peppermint Shaving Lube.
