Thread: Is There any value in Pre-Shave Oil?

You can also try some of the Pre shave soaps out there. I use the Confianca "O Melhor" Pre shave soap and it seems to work alot better than the oils. Musgo Real has a Lime scented Pre shave soap that works pretty good also. You can get the Confianca soap at Vintage Scent.

I started about 2 years ago using pre shave oils. I have skin cancer and have had several radical resections leaving my face with a severe neuropathy that makes is pretty darn hard to shave anyway. Yet, I find shaving with a straight razor, "gently", the most comfortable.

I think my face is a good test ground as the sensation has been hightened, as if you turn the sensory nerves on with a switch but can't turn them off.

Anyway, I notice a fair difference with preshave oils, some much better than others, especially, as it has been said, if I don't properly prepare my beard and face before hand (I.E. take a shower and or use some hot towels) But, even aftrt I have medically retired, I don't always feel like or have the time to prepare like I should, so, the preshave oils can help. Both is best of course.

I have used, paraso, AOS, Maca Root by Body Shop, Origins line of Mens products makes a great one, Almond Oil, Baby Oil, Castor and Olive Oil, Jojoba, Sesame Seed, Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Grape Seed Oil mixed in various combinations with different essential oils like sandalwood (my favorite), lavender, chamomile, rosemary, tea tree, and glycerine. My wife makes candles and the products even bees wax are similar. They all work for me, its a matter of degrees and I'm hunting for the perfect combination. When and if I find it I'll be happy to share.

I'm currently mixing a new concoction of oils after my order comes in. If you want to try something simple without ordering anything (many ebay stores offer essential oils, absolute oils, carrier oils, bees wax and glycerine for very little). Then try Olive Oil mixed with 50 to 70 percent castor oil. Probaly as good as AOS without the scents. I like my preshave oil a little thicker at times like AOS. You can always add a scent later, lavender is nice and very available at any craft store.

I found an inexpensive shaving cream, "Cremo" that doesn't lather much, hardly at all, (seven dollars at Walgreens) and I have recently been using it as a preshave under AOS sandalwood lather. I like AOS scent but never thought it had much cushion. This is much better. The Cremo adds cushion and glyde, it is very slippery.

In my opinion.. the straight does give a smoother shave. For my skin type and many others, a straight razor is a great, and I mean the best exfoliator. Most men don't take the time to use one on their skin like their wifes or girlfriends. The other razors with 6 blades do not exfoliate. They are so gentle to the skin that they fail to remove this layer of dead skin that accumulates, like the straight or old Double Edge Safety Razors. My skin produces too much of the dead cells from sun damage and the straight removes this dead layer of skin very adequately and gently. I can tell quite a difference in the smootheness of my skin from straight razor shaving. I think that is why it has been said that straight razor shaving provides such a smooth shave. Not as much for the removal of the facial hair, which they all do,after a lot of practice, but because of the effectiveness as an exfoliant.

wow, I haven't been on here for a year or so.. guess I had a lot to say.

Have a great day. Keep your chins up! Maq