Thread: Newb Skin Problems/Questions

Three questions:

1) Firebox has graciously let me try some Proraso shaving soap. After my third shave I was finally able to make a great lather, but some reason I feel like the razor is sticking to my skin. Not "pulling" (it's definitely sharp) but like the razor is suction-cupped to my cheek. This I've read means it's not "slick" enough? How can I improve that?

2) It seems like the closer the shave I get (especially after the ATG pass) the more blemishes I get on my cheeks. Not cuts, and not ingrown hairs, but just, well, blemishes. Like a break-out, but less pimple like, and more red-irritation like. They itch a bit, and if I scratch at them too much they get worse and worse, so I'm doing the best I can to not touch my face. This would happen occasionally when I used a Mach3, but not often. It didn't happen on my first straight shave, it happened a bit on my second, and my third was a bit worse. What can I do to reduce this?

I have a feeling that both of these have to do with dryness of my skin, and that the Proraso is drying me out. Perhaps because I'm not used to scrubbing my face so thoroughly (now that I have a brush), maybe I'm removing too many oils?

3) If anyone else has these problems, what products do you use to fix this?

Thanks! You guys have been a great help so far, and I'm enjoying my stay here at SRP!

Edit: This is what I've been doing for a preshave: Steaming hot shower to soften the beard, wet my face with hot water at the sink right before hand, then applied the lather.