Thread: putting my skin through too much

James,

Exactly, let the lather set under the towel. I've done it numerous times, and am doing it more and more. Seems to moisturize the face a bit more.

RT

I have the same problem. My face was getting tore up something fierce. I finally sent my blade to Lynn for a good sharp honing. I'm hoping that solves the problem.

Jason

James,

I think you answered your own question in the first post. Razor not sharp enough and you are trying to get a baby butt smooth shave with it. The prep makes a difference but not as much as razor sharpness as long as you do have some prep.

My first shave would be the same had I tried more than 2 passes with my not shave ready razor. Even after 2 passes my face felt raw. Honing the razor made an enourmous improvement in the next shave. The prep was not much different.

I do prefer the hot towel followed by hot towel over lather but when in a rush I just hot water soak the face. The shave is not as smooth but no serious irritation either.

As you gain experience the shaves will improve as will your expectations from your razor. I thought my second shave was just awesome. Now, if any razor shaves as well as the one used for my second shave I grab the next one in my rotation and take the culprit back to the hones for a little touch up.

Get the razor shave sharp. It will make a ton of difference.

James, I'll tell you with all this talk of this test and that test we all know that shaving is the ultimate test. For me if a razor is properly sharp I know it with the first stroke. All it takes is that first verticle stroke on the side of your face. If the razor glides down smoothly almost like you feel nothing and there is no lingering irritation your razor is probably sharp enough. Certainly the prep is vital also but if your worried about razor sharpness I'd go by that.

Well, if you have sensitive skin you're going to have issues regardless until your face adjusts. Have you tried shaving with the grain only and pulling the skin tight? keep that close angle 20 to 30 degrees from the face to the spine of the blade. you'd be surprised how easy it is to lose the angle.

After the hot shower I take, I splash more hot water then I apply 7 drops of pre-shave oil (Zirh) all over my face and neck, then lather up with my brush
I find that with my mach3, I reduced the irritation by 99%. it seems to glide much more smoother for me .I was planning to use this method when switching over to the straight. is this wrong? I tried doing a search and could not find pre-shave oil users. After the shave I once tried an alum block running it under cold water then rubbing it all over my face
(never again) my face tightened up and I did not like the slight smell or sting, I use the alum only for nicks, which is rare (now). I then follow with "Sooth" by Zirh,then "correct" and finished with "protect" before I leave. the reason i started using these prducts several months ago is that living here in Miami
the sun takes a toll on you in the summer , my brother-in-law does very well financially and owns a great place in the keys with a boat (38ft Intrepid).so we spend alot of time there fishing and boating. my face is taking a toll
so i had decided to take care of my face. it feels much better, but Iam looking for other products to try...so is pre-shave oil any good???

I use T&H pre-shave oil. I can't say that I can really notice the difference with or without it. I do kinda like the smell of it though, so I'll continue to use it. I think I've read other posts from people who say that they can't notice the difference with or without it.

I knew an old farmer that used to use cow dung pre shave. I finally got the courage to ask why and he said "if it grows healthier corn it should go healthier skin". After that I kinda take any conditioners or oils with a grain of salt, if they're lucky

I started using Vaseline Renew & Protect lotion that my girlfriend had. It has no petroleum by-products in it, unlike other Vaseline products. I cannot believe how incredible it makes my face feel. I usually put it on after the aftershave dries. One drawback, however, well maybe not, is that my girlfriend is always rubbing my face now...

Mark.

Originally Posted by rtaylor61

... or some type of quality moisturizer to our face. Even Corn Huskers Lotion might be helpful.

RT

James,

Another thought, while we are bombarding you with info...make sure that the water and towels you are using are not too hot. You may be, in effect, burning your skin. There is a thread at SMF about this same thing, but I'm at work and don't have time to look it up at the moment. Send me a pm as a reminder and I'll check it out once I am home.

RT