Thread: To Rinse or Not To Rinse- That is the Question.

Originally Posted by CrownCork

I always rinse. Above all else it is a soap, I don't use it for it's skin conditioning properties nor do I want any type of soap to reside on my face

Exactly. Soap by it's very nature is drying. I don't care what oils, fats, additives are added, when you're done it should be rinsed off.

I shower after I shave and will lather my arms and chest with the extra on the brush so I don't waste it.

For me it's all about the ritual:
-hot water rinse; I also clean off the blade and brush while I've got the hot water going
-cold water rinse. On a real hot summer day I might even get a few ice cubes to rub around my freshly-shaved skin
-post-shave stropping followed by whatever AS I'm using

edit: Oh, and I've tried a lot of Wholly Kay. In my experience, that moisturizing feeling is still there hours after I've rinsed it off...YMMV.

Originally Posted by ScoutHikerDad

For me it's all about the ritual:
-hot water rinse; I also clean off the blade and brush while I've got the hot water going
-cold water rinse. On a real hot summer day I might even get a few ice cubes to rub around my freshly-shaved skin
-post-shave stropping followed by whatever AS I'm using

edit: Oh, and I've tried a lot of Wholly Kay. In my experience, that moisturizing feeling is still there hours after I've rinsed it off...YMMV.

My mileage certainly didn’t vary. That stuff works.

I’m all about the ritual as well. After I finish my last pass:

- take remaining soap on face (some from the brush if need be) and massage it into shaved area

- rub alum over entire area

- cold facecloth to wipe it all off

- aftershave splash

- a little balm


I’m serious about my ritual! After years now, I’ve got it down perfectly for me.

The reason I rub the remaining soap over my face after my last pass is to condition it - mostly for the glycerin. The alum disinfects and tightens the pours. The cold water a little more so... and it just feels good. The splash seals it all in and balm is my long term protection. I need very little in the summer. I “cut” everything with water - hence the wet. It’s a freaking joy!

After the last pass I rinse with cold water then towel dry. Apply witch hazel and then clean up razor, brush, scuttle, sink. By that time the witch hazel has dried and I apply the after shave. I like this routine a lot.
Paul

I have never given it much thought but I rinse with hot hot water and then apply balm.
I love my balms , it's probably the part I look forward to the most

It's like that oft-quoted dictum: "Lather, rinse, repeat."

I always rinse even though the residual from my primary soap never seems to actually rinse off with water as it is so moisturizing. I have yet to find a soap that compares to it which is a great benefit for my skin.