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Regarding shaving soaps:
I have had to deal with sensitive skin and the bumps on the neck, all my adult life.
When it gets bad, i like to use Proraso...i have other soaps (thanks Olivia) and love those alot, but for times when my skin gets really irritated, the Proraso works the best.
Before shaving, i boil water and apply a hot towl to my face for a couple minutes, then slather on the Proraso soap. I leave it on for quite some time...5-10 minutes, usually while im stropping or reading SRP. I then wipe it off with a hot towl and re-apply it a second time, right before shaving.
The menthol in the Proraso, works as a vasodialator/skin dialater...really opening up the pores and anestitizing the skin...also softening the facial hairs, so less shaving is required, for removal. I think that razor-bump people just have to do more prep work...IMO.
I am sure there are other good products out there with Eucalyptis and menthol in it, but currently Proraso, is what i use, about once a week. I can get away with using the other soaps, usually the other times i shave.
Hopefully i can get Olivia to make me some Mentholated shaving soap. ;-)
Hope this helps,
Mac
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some things to try
pre shave oil: I like to make my oil 75percent olive oil with 25 percent vitamin e oil.
Creams are easier to build a good lather, but using glycerin with soap works good too.
The most important thing though is to use light pressure, you are only trying to cut hair right:). Skin prep before and skin stretch is very important. One pass on the neck may also help when you are learning.
I hope this helps
Crom
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+1 on olive oil... Every now and again I wash with KMF olive oil soap and its great stuff, and I wouldn't hesitate to use real olive oil on my face. I don't need preshave though.
Something I just learned this weekend is full-blown face lathering, and it may help/eliminate your preshave oil. Rub the bar of shave soap directly on your beard as if washing your face. Once you have a good amount on, wet your brush and lather up. I saw this done with what is called a "shaving stick" but I bet you could use any puck soap or thick cream.