Thread: Skin Irritation From Brush

If you take a look at the description of a Pure badger knot here Understanding Hair Grades of Badger Brushes it could easily be a combination of the pure badgers blunt scratchy tips and too much pressure face lathering. I have given myself skin irritation from a new brush that was not broken in yet and too mush pressure.

You say bowl lathering with painting strokes on your face works for you with no irritation so why not do that for a month to let the brush break in. That way if you still get irritation while bowl lathering and using painting strokes you might consider something in the soap is causing it. Once the brush is broken in you could try face lathering with it's circular strokes and light pressure to build lather and see if that still gives you irritation.

Bob

I have the AOS sandalwood cream,
and if my blade needs a touch up or technique is less than spot on I will know when I apply the soap/cream for the second pass.
I will also have some redness and irritation post shave.
This holds true for a few soaps and creams with me.
I have sensitive skin, keep in mind you are exfoliating when you shave with a straight.

Originally Posted by BobH

...
You say bowl lathering with painting strokes on your face works for you with no irritation so why not do that for a month to let the brush break in...

Bob

Yes, my "pure badger" brush would be brutal for face lathering, but it does a great job in the bowl. Relax, no one every got good at SR shaving the first week. I didn't get comfortable with it until about 1 year, and then it started getting way easier/better.

Originally Posted by WadePatton

Yes, my "pure badger" brush would be brutal for face lathering, but it does a great job in the bowl. Relax, no one every got good at SR shaving the first week. I didn't get comfortable with it until about 1 year, and then it started getting way easier/better.

My other issue at the moment is that like last time when my face got irritated like this, just putting aloe Vera or any moisturizer would make it red again. I guess I'll wait till its COMPLETELY healed before experimenting with the brush and soap.

Letting it first completely heal is a very good idea and the only way to go. Keep us posted on progress once it has healed.

Bob

Based on your OP, I would say it's the brush that is causing the irritation. As was pointed out by other posters, you didn't get redness when you bowl lathered, only when face lathering. The variable clearly shows the application method is the main cause.

However, I will say that many soaps with heavy essential oils will cause a burning sensation. Search AOS sandalwood and see what other people's reactions/reviews of this soap might indicate. I can't remember my tub of that particular scent giving me burning issues like that.

I cant face lather with any of my brushes - i get far too much irritattion and redness. I bowl lather. Your location woudl help asotehrs mntioned, to help find a cheap local source of decent gentle, soaps and creams.

Originally Posted by WadePatton

Yes, my "pure badger" brush would be brutal for face lathering, but it does a great job in the bowl. Relax, no one every got good at SR shaving the first week. I didn't get comfortable with it until about 1 year, and then it started getting way easier/better.

Thank you so much for mention the 1 year time frame. Now I know I am not the only one some others have called a "slow learner".

Bob