Thread: Alkalinity

I'm getting a light burning sensation from the SRD soap (unscented), that I also got using Williams, but not when using VanDerHusen. I don't want to go back to the VDH soap since the SRD soap gives much more glide when I shave, and the lather stays wet much longer. I've tried adding a little more water to the SRD lather, and didn't notice any difference. Any suggestions ?

Also, for those with similarly sensitive skin: Do you get any less (or more) burning with the Mama Bear, TABAC and Poraso soaps compare to the SRD soap ?

Thanks.

Very often the burning sensation you describe can be traced to 3 things: 1) Your lather is too dry so the chemicals are applied to the skin at a higher concentration that intended; 2) the pH is in fact high; and 3) you are allergic to something in the soap, like the scent. Since the soap is unscented, that simplifies the problem slightly. I do not think that the pH is an issue with your soap but I would be happy to test it for you if you send me a small sample. You may want to check with your dermatologist to rule out things like contact dermatitis or other skin allergies. This is not to say that the soap is bad but that your skin reacts negatively to something in the formulation. This is a common problem for some people. You may be allergic to one or more of the ingredients.

I used to have a similar problem when I restarted using traditional lather. Every soap or cream I tried, including Tabac and Proraso, made my skin feel like a freshly tuned drum, I started making my own soap/cream to minimize this problem. However, along the way, my lathering skills improved and I was able to trace the problem to excessively dry lather. I can now use commercial soaps without issues for most of the year (except for the winter)and have become an advocate for good lathering skills ;-). Perhaps your lather is still dry after your attempt to hydrate it.

Some people find that Mitchell's Wool Fat gives them enough skin conditioning, something else to try. The point is that there are products that are better skin conditioners than Tabac or Proraso.

Al raz.

Originally Posted by JohnG10

I'm getting a light burning sensation from the SRD soap (unscented), that I also got using Williams, but not when using VanDerHusen. I don't want to go back to the VDH soap since the SRD soap gives much more glide when I shave, and the lather stays wet much longer. I've tried adding a little more water to the SRD lather, and didn't notice any difference. Any suggestions ?

Also, for those with similarly sensitive skin: Do you get any less (or more) burning with the Mama Bear, TABAC and Poraso soaps compare to the SRD soap ?

Thanks.

Originally Posted by JohnG10

I'm getting a light burning sensation from the SRD soap (unscented), that I also got using Williams, but not when using VanDerHusen. I don't want to go back to the VDH soap since the SRD soap gives much more glide when I shave, and the lather stays wet much longer. I've tried adding a little more water to the SRD lather, and didn't notice any difference. Any suggestions ?

Also, for those with similarly sensitive skin: Do you get any less (or more) burning with the Mama Bear, TABAC and Poraso soaps compare to the SRD soap ?

Thanks.

First advice:
Try adding more water to the VDH, because I find it to be an outstanding performer for the price, and if it doesn't hurt you it's a good idea to practice it. Personally, VDH Deluxe is a real favorite.

I have random skin burn--Musgo Real, Institut Karite, Pre de Provence, and now Castle Forbes cream have all burned me...no idea why, and it is frustrating. As advised, MWF is always a good one to try if you have skin trouble.