Thread: Does the slicker the soap/cream equal a better shave for sensitive skin/trouble spot?

Since the new methods I have learned to achieve ATG success I still have a question and I am thinking this may improve my shave or maybe not. Does the slicker the soap/cream mean a less irritated shave for sensitive skin/trouble spots? Should I be seeking the slickest? What soap would you recommend?

I have one spot on my left side of my neck that is usually irritated and sensitive when shaving. The rest of my face and neck is like leather no problems there. Now I am using a pre shave (Noxzema cream) every time which really does help.

Current soaps/creams list. Proraso co bigalow, AOS ocean kelp cream(which burns/tingles a bit), Prospector co. brummel cream, AOS lavender soap(which burns/tingles a bit)

Again thanks to everyone for the help in my last post, so far 2 days in a row closest and comfortable shave yet. feltspanky,RedGladiator,IndependenceRazor1, KindestCutOfAll, Bentlink,deepweeds,yohannrjm,sharptonn

I'm not familiar with the soaps you've mentioned with the exception of Proraso. I used to use a dollop of that with MWF to make uber lather. Slick and cushioning are adjectives that are given to 'good' soaps. I like a soap or cream that has that + some staying power.

I would think some of those you've mentioned have some ingredient that is disagreeable to your skin because of the burn/tingle. I've noticed some glycerine based soaps that have that effect on some people.

If I have a sensitive spot, which I may get from time to time, it is usually because I applied too much pressure at that spot. I have to baby it the next couple shaves. Maybe skip a day. My 2 bits.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I'm not familiar with the soaps you've mentioned with the exception of Proraso. I used to use a dollop of that with MWF to make uber lather. Slick and cushioning are adjectives that are given to 'good' soaps. I like a soap or cream that has that + some staying power.

I would think some of those you've mentioned have some ingredient that is disagreeable to your skin because of the burn/tingle. I've noticed some glycerine based soaps that have that effect on some people.

If I have a sensitive spot, which I may get from time to time, it is usually because I applied too much pressure at that spot. I have to baby it the next couple shaves. Maybe skip a day. My 2 bits.

Thank you for your two bits, yeah there is something in that Art of shaving stuff that irritates my skin. I have not tried MWF yet? There are so many soaps and creams out there and $20 to $30 a pop I don't believe I will be trying even a small list of them. Does super slick vs average slick make that bit of a difference?

Originally Posted by dshaves

Thank you for your two bits, yeah there is something in that Art of shaving stuff that irritates my skin. I have not tried MWF yet? There are so many soaps and creams out there and $20 to $30 a pop I don't believe I will be trying even a small list of them. Does super slick vs average slick make that bit of a difference?

Well honestly I don't know, but I'd rather have it slick than not. I'm really not 'that' experienced with a wide assortment of soaps and creams. I'm too cheap to spend the $ TBH. Here is one thread that may give you something to go with started by a confirmed expert on the topic ...... http://straightrazorpalace.com/soaps...n-wonders.html

I think slick is slick. There is no magic in a tin of soap, any soap. If your shaving skills are good you can get a great shave with just about anything.

If you have a nick or a sore area just leaving that area alone a couple days is the best remedy. If you have sensitive skin unless you know exactly what ingredient can cause problems you have to experiment and read the ingredients. If you just have generally sensitive skin I'd go by the recommendations of the members.

Take my word for it...I have at least 20 soaps and creams...try MWF, I love it and you will too. I can't believe I waited 18 months to try it!

Originally Posted by dshaves

Thank you for your two bits, yeah there is something in that Art of shaving stuff that irritates my skin. I have not tried MWF yet? There are so many soaps and creams out there and $20 to $30 a pop I don't believe I will be trying even a small list of them. Does super slick vs average slick make that bit of a difference?

Another good one is Mama Bear's. Inexpensive, lots of lather, slick that stays and 4 pucks for the same as 1 of the others you mentioned.
Dump the burning/tingling stuff and go light like jimmy said. Pay attention when your shaving. You will be surprised what you do to yourself trying to dig those tough spots out. :<0)

If the irritation is localised to a small (problem) area it may not be the soap/cream - but too much "attention"
Either multiple passes or too much pressure/angle trying to clear that last problem area...

Maybe back off, let it heal and change the stretch and pass pattern...
When a soap/cream and I don't get along I look like I have been bobbing for French Fries...it's all over...

To Smoother Shaving....

Originally Posted by Haroldg48

Take my word for it...I have at least 20 soaps and creams...try MWF, I love it and you will too. I can't believe I waited 18 months to try it!

Ok MWF it is thank you!

I dumped the AoS soaps for the same reason, especially the lavender.

I find slickness matters for preventing irritation. When a lather is dryish and tacky, the blade can stick and skip, meaning nicks and irritation. If it's airy and lacks cushion, it's hard to get that "wiping the lather off" tactile feedback, and I press too hard; again, irritation. Slick and wet saves the day.