Thread: Oil

I used to use it (pre-wetshaving) and found it made my skin more prone to zits. I tried it after taking up wetshaving under the lather and didn't notice any difference between lather without the oil or lather with the oil. I use hair conditioner on my bristles (rinsing it off before I lather up, of course!) rather than oil now, and have found it gives a good prep, moisturises my skin slightly, and is cheap.

I've never understood the concept behind shave oil.
Why would you want to mat down the hair cuticle with oil ? I would imagine that makes for a less close shave but I guess if you have sensitive skin a less close shave is more desirable. Horses for courses maybe.

I have found that some pre made oil interfere with the lather of some of the soaps i have used, but olive oil vitamin e oil 75/25 works great and is very cheap to make. This does not seem to interfere with the lather and the razor glides easy across the face. Try it its cheap and available at any discount store.

Crom

I have sensitive skin as well. I use Art of Shaving pre-shave oil. I find it definitely improves the smoothness and quality of my shave, regardless of which shaving soap I use. When I forget to apply it, I notice! I only apply it once before lathering up -- not again after my first pass.