Thread: Soap vs. Cream

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

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

+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.