Thread: Some pre shave questions.

Pre-shave objectives include soften whiskers and slicken the skin. I achieve these with exposure to hot water and time (shower or hot wash cloth), stearic acid for 5-10 minutes, and lots of pure glycerin applied directly to the face. I use a variety of cheap, unscented stearic acid sources for my pre shave like Barbasol. I apply to my face right after the shower, and leave it on for about 10 minutes while preparing my creamy uberlather. I order the glycerin by the gallon, and consider it to be superior to oils because it is water soluble. I apply liberally before every pass. The result is ZERO razor burn.

Originally Posted by lcgraham

Occasionally, after the shower, I will apply a little coating of "Noxema" skin cream (contains camphor and eucalyptus oils) to my face as a pre-shave prep before applying the shaving lather. I seem to get a smoother shave with it than without. I think Proraso pre-shave prep uses the same formulation as Noxema as they smell similar.

I tried it and I like it. Can't tell any difference between Noxema and Proraso preshave cream.

My pre-shave routine is quite simple. I wash my face with cold water, usually no soap, but sometimes I will use a face scrub like Lucky Tiger. Then I use cold water and shave soap, spending the time face lathering and really working the lather into the whiskers. Then shave, usually one or two passes.

I just wash my face with an exfoliating scrub, and thats really it, i used to find a bit of vitamin e cream was good, or proraso green but i wasnt big on the scent.
I would think your skin type would come into play here too, but i am no expert.

I tried various pre shave routines but found they did nothing for me. I use no prep now other that wetting my face with cold water and then face lather. You just have to try various things to see what may or may not work for you.

Bob

Thx Obie, you answered my question on a different thread

Gammaray and I have the same mindset on this one. I begin by washing my face with a good moisturizing cleanser. Then apply a pre-shave moisturizer and let it soak in while I brush up my lather.
I lather on top of the moisturizer which gives an excellent glide. Another point I follow as many have stated, I never shave unprotected skin. Touch ups include brushing first.

Originally Posted by RandyIdaho

I find "Shave Secret" (available at WallyMart, at least here) helps (it smells a bit like cloves to me). It is an oil, you only use several drops (5-6). For pre-shave, I rub it in pretty well. For shaving using only this oil (what its advertised for - have done it a lot with cart razors, once with DE), more smear it around and leave a film on the surface.

Unless in a big hurry, I shower, put on a hot towel for ~30 sec., rub the oil in/on, and then face lather (dry method, using Trumper Coconut Cream right now). Shaving with a DE. I expect this would work fine with a Str8 as well.

~~~
Forgot to mention - The Trumper Cream seems to lather real well over the Shave Secret if you rub it in a bit. I have some type of Glycerin Soap from WalMart (VDH?) - it is not as friendly on top of the Shave Secret. I have a puck of Williams, but haven't tried that over it.

I also have some pre-shave oil (brand? round dark glass bottle abt 1½" dia x 2" tall, black plastic screw cap). Quite a bit more viscous than the Shave secret. Tends to be less lather friendly than the Shave Secret.

I also use Shave Secret, but I rub several drops all over my beard and then cover with a hot towel for a bit. I then face lather, then shave. I still use a safety razor but I am in the process of getting a straight razor and learning as much as I can.