Thread: Irritation

So every soap I have used so far (Taylor of old bond, mamma bear's, and art of shaving cream) works great at first then after about a month starts irritating the hell out of my face. Any clues as to what might be causing this?

Are you using a pre-shave routine? What is it?
There is a common denominator somewhere it sounds like.
Tell us more about your shave routine.

I generally just fill up the sink with hot water to soak my brush then hop in the shower. When I get out I lather up and shave. I have tried bowl lathering and face lathering, but generally just face lather. I seem to be able to dial in each soap, then after a month or so of the routine, irritation comes. I do not use pre-shave oils or anything like that, though I have in the past.

Could it be something in the sink, since you are using it to soak your brush?
I soap my brush in a cup, only use it for the brush.
Designate a cup or bowl just for your brush & lathering for a while.
What type of brush,,,ie. badger, boar, synthetic, horse, do you have?

happens if I soak in a bowl as well. It is a pure badger brush. The irritation is only on my face. I have tried lathering on my arms and never had the same reaction.

If it were me, I would grab a cheap boar brush from target, a different soap, lather in a bowl, then give it the same amount of time. If this changes things, then rotate in "1" item at a time and watch for the change.

What is your razor & stropping technique?

Originally Posted by Ecdycis

happens if I soak in a bowl as well. It is a pure badger brush. The irritation is only on my face. I have tried lathering on my arms and never had the same reaction.

You probably haven't been shaving your arms. Are you shaving every day? Do you give your face a rest once the irritation starts before trying another soap? I would try shaving every other day if so and see if there is a change.