Sensitive Skin

[bokaba]

I have trouble with sensitive skin and superficial blood vessels (prone to razor burn and bleeding). I am currently using shave secret oil, toms of maine mint shave cream, a boker (my honing skills are amateur), and finish with cold water, thayers superhazel, and brut AS balm. Any suggestions?

[AusTexShaver]

I too suffer from sensitive skin. Some products (especially those with essestial oils) set my face on fire.

I've tried with varying degrees of success most of the usual more frugal choices such a witch hazel, aloe vera, etc. but I've never found anything that works for me as well as Trumpers Skin Food. They're REAL proud of the stuff price wise but a little goes a long way and it's worth it to me to spend around $5 a month for the way it makes my face feel...and as a bonus when you're done with your face you can rub the excess on your arms and make your suntan last without peeling.

[nickyspaghetti]

Skin food is very mild, but I don't like the price or that it tends to leave my skin a little tacky afterwards.
I would agree that some essential oils cause irritation but look out more for fragrance oils(artificial) which can be much more aggressive.
I use american crew after shave balm, it is fairly mild and is a good moisturiser.
Bad honing can definately be a cause of irritation. Do you find it less irritating with a razor hone by someone else?
Technique is probably a big factor in irritation - I cannot do direct ATG without big problems. Try just doing WTG passes for a bit to see how it affects your skin.

[xman]

Strop lots and keep that razor as sharp as you can get it. I do 60 laps on leather before every shave and sometimes precede that with a dozen or more laps on the linen.

X

[cybrok]

Maybe chose another soap without mint.

I never tried Brut balm, but other scented balms set my face on fire. Maybe try the Nivea for sensitive skin.

[netsurfr]

I have quite a selection of balms but find that one of my most inexpensive is always a contender, Nivea ASB for sensitive skin. I may not have the name exactly right but this stuff works great for me. Also, Proraso makes a nice ASB with vitamin E and Aloe Vera.