As with the whole lot in moist shaving, there isn’t any one-size-fits-all when it comes to pre-shave remedies. Some males can’t dwell with out them, others discover no distinction, and a few even discover their shaves to be higher and not using a pre-shave. The greatest means to decide if try to be utilizing a pre-shave therapy is to strive shaving 1 – 2 weeks with, then 1 – 2 weeks with out, then with once more. You may also experiment with making use of the therapy solely earlier than your shave, or making use of earlier than every go.
There are a pair pre-shave choices accessible: pre-shave oil, gel, and cream. Here, we break down the advantages of every choice.
Pre-shave oil
What is it?
A pre-shave oil makes your pores and skin softer and extra supple for a shave, which implies you gained’t expertise as a lot irritation. Oils penetrate the pores and skin higher than lotions or gels, so they’re in a position to retain water in your pores and skin and maintain it sturdy throughout a shave. As famous on Badger and blade, “when a blade drags across the well-moisturized skin, the skin ‘gives’ to the blade and will bend or conform significantly to the shape of the blade BEFORE it will be torn or cut by the blade…on the other hand, if the skin is dry…the skin will not give or conform to the blade but will instantly tear.”
Who ought to use a pre-shave oil?
We advocate pre-shave oils for any man with delicate pores and skin, as it can shield you from razor burn and razor bumps.
How do I take advantage of pre-shave oil?
It should first be famous {that a} pre-shave oil shouldn’t be efficient with out water. This is as a result of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of pores and skin) absorbs water with ease, however doesn’t maintain it in effectively. Thus, an oily substance – a pre-shave oil – is required to lure the water within the pores and skin.
To optimize a pre-shave oil’s advantages, apply it within the bathe, the place the steam will open up pores for deeper penetration. Or apply it proper earlier than a sizzling towel therapy to related impact. Wait till your pores and skin feels extremely gentle, then begin lathering.
What are some good pre-shave oils to strive?
Highly absorptive oils embody jojoba oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, hempseed oil, castor oil, and sunflower oil. You can merely use a number of drops of any of those oils (or a mix) for a pre-shave.
In the realm of commercially ready oils, St. James of London Pre-Shave Oil has wonderful critiques. It comprises sunflower oil and jojoba oil to go away your pores and skin feeling easy as silk.
SHOP: St. James of London Pre-Shave Oil
—
Pre-shave cream/Gel
What is it?
Whereas pre-shave oil makes the pores and skin itself softer, thereby stopping nicks and cuts, pre-shave lotions and gels create a cushion between your pores and skin and the blade. This cushion permits the blade to slide extra simply throughout the floor. Pre-shave lotions and gels concurrently soften the beard, making your hair extra pliable and simple to minimize.
Who ought to use a pre-shave cream or gel?
The greatest means to decide if a pre-shave cream or gel will make your shave higher is to strive one out for your self (see technique in first paragraph).
How do I take advantage of a pre-shave cream or gel?
Apply to damp pores and skin prior to shaving. We counsel making use of the cream or gel proper earlier than you begin constructing lather. By the time your lather is prepared to go, your pores and skin needs to be completely lubricated.
If you bathe earlier than you shave, apply the pre-shave cream or gel proper earlier than you bathe.
What are some good pre-shave oils or gels to strive?
Proraso Pre-Shave Cream – Green, Refreshing and Toning has been mentioned to not solely enhance shaves, but in addition to scale back zits and razor burn. It has the additional benefit of refreshing your pores and skin with a minty, tingling sensation as you shave.
If you might have reactive pores and skin, The Art of Shaving Ocean Kelp Pre-Shave Gel is very efficient for males with delicate pores and skin and thick beards. Glycerin coats the pores and skin for enhanced glide, and the alcohol-free components reduces irritation.
SHOP: Proraso Pre-Shave Cream – Green, Refreshing and Toning and The Art of Shaving Ocean Kelp Pre-Shave Gel
—
A word on Geo. F. Trumper Skin Food
If you end up brief on time or simply in search of a multitasking product, Geo. F. Trumper Skin Food makes an excellent pre-shave and aftershave balm. Its glycerin base protects the pores and skin. You may also place a number of drops onto your puck or brush to fight lathering points with hard-to-lather soaps like Geo. F. Trumper Hard Shaving Soap.
Tip: For a step-by-step information to producing lather with the Geo. F. Trumper Hard Shaving Soap, see our weblog publish right here.
