Thread: Some pre shave questions.

My pre shave routine basically consists of washing my face with soap, or showering before lathering up. But i have read here on the forum that many consider a pre shave treatment really important to the whole process of shaving.
But there are cleansers, oils, balms, all types of things, and it's hard to get a grip on what is really needed, and what the purpose of all of it is.
So I thought I would give you an idea of what I'm looking for in a pre shave treatment, as I see it, and get some feedback from those more experienced than I.
Right now my main focus is to reduce the possibility of razor burn or rash post shave. I think that probably starts way before the razor hits my face, no?
So I guess that I'm looking for a routine that will basically help the razor glide along the skin, without reducing the quality of the lather, which isn't the greatest at this time, since I'm still learning. But since I don't know what i don't know, any insight will be helpful, I think.

Originally Posted by SRNewb

My pre shave routine basically consists of washing my face with soap, or showering before lathering up. But i have read here on the forum that many consider a pre shave treatment really important to the whole process of shaving.
But there are cleansers, oils, balms, all types of things, and it's hard to get a grip on what is really needed, and what the purpose of all of it is.
So I thought I would give you an idea of what I'm looking for in a pre shave treatment, as I see it, and get some feedback from those more experienced than I.
Right now my main focus is to reduce the possibility of razor burn or rash post shave. I think that probably starts way before the razor hits my face, no?
So I guess that I'm looking for a routine that will basically help the razor glide along the skin, without reducing the quality of the lather, which isn't the greatest at this time, since I'm still learning. But since I don't know what i don't know, any insight will be helpful, I think.

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.

After washing my face, while still damp, I like to rub in a light oil or oil-based moisturizer, in order to replenish the oils stripped by washing. The idea is to reduce nicks and abrasion by making the skin supple. I blot my face fully dry so I don't still have lather-killing oil on it, then lather right away.

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.

This. While a long shower always seems best, some Proraso seems to improve my shaves. Must try Noxema when the Proraso jar is empty.

SRNewb,
I have used Castle Forbes pre-shave for a number of years, after trying a wide variety of products from Proraso to Truefitt & Hill. Because of a heavy beard and extremely sensitive skin, pre-shave gives me added protection. Castle Forbes is water soluble and will give your skin protection. It's pricey, but I find it useful.

I have oily skin so most pre shaves don't work for me, the one exception is 3P and use it if I'm trying new razor or blades, I do use a quality face scrub and really work it in and rinse with hot water works for me. The 3P rinses easily but provides extra glide.

Originally Posted by RVShave

I have oily skin so most pre shaves don't work for me, the one exception is 3P and use it if I'm trying new razor or blades, I do use a quality face scrub and really work it in and rinse with hot water works for me. The 3P rinses easily but provides extra glide.

When you say they "don't work for you", what do you mean?
I have tried things like baby oil as a preshave oil. All it did was make the razor grab and skip. The opposite of what I gather a preshave oil should do. Ditto with a generic Noxzema. Tried both twice, got the same results, and went back to my hot towel regimen. I have oily skin as well, and was just wondering if this has been your experience.

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.

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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.

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.

Agree. I use it too.

I find Proraso pre/Post (green for me) works really well Great smell to.