Found a great shaving routine for sensitive skin - Page 2

I have sensitive skin and hadn't used aftershave since I was a teen because I figured it would kill my face.

On a whim a couple of months ago I used some Polo Double Black aftershave that I had from a gift set and was shocked at how good it made my raw face feel. It doesn't SEEM like it would feel good...I mean whenever I get alcohol on a cut it hurts, but...

Anyhow, I still mostly use after shave gel and balm, but once in awhile I splash on some aftershave.

YMMV

I've had the same problem where I would have cuts and or small pimples on my neck from shaving. One thing I found is if you shave once every 2 days (or for the hair to grow out) it works a lot better. at the same time I've had this revelation, i started using soap and a badger brush, so i'm not sure which one is working. Although the smell of the soap is pretty unbeatable compared to that foamy crap.

I have really sensitive skin and the routine I follow is the following: Two days a week exfoliate skin. Wash skin with a soap specifically for the face. Then use Kiehl's or Jack Black shaving cream. Shave carefully with extra hot water. Use an aftershave and then a moisturizing cream.

The burn isn't so bad once you get used to it. I use it as kind of a gauge to see how well I shaved. Most days I feel little, if any burn from the A/S at all. Some days, I get sloppy with my technique and feel that burn. The more razor burned you are, the more the alcohol splash will burn...but also that means the more it will give you relief once it subsides.

+1

Also surprisingly good at softening chapped lips.

What blades do you suggest?

Go to shavemyface.com or badgerandblade.com, find the forum goer there who sells sampler packs. No one can recommend you a blade because your face is different from everyone else's.

Trial and error is the only way, and the cheapest way to do that is buy a sampler pack.

So far I've liked Zorrik blades, Shark, Red Personna, Astra is decent (longevity) but not my faves. I like Zorriks a lot but nobody ever mentions them, so it might just be me. Haven't had much luck with Merkurs, Derby, Feathers (too thin IMO), or Lords. I'm gonna' try Wilkinsons Sword.

But yeah, just pick up some sampler packs. Different sellers offer different blades usually.

Also, I honestly beleive Derby shaves the worst out of everything I've used in a Merkur. I don't know why people like em' but I can't even get through a single pass and I've tried multiple times.

West Coast Shaving also sells a good sample pack, but I too found someone on Badger & Blade (very friendly guys there) for a sample pack since I am cheap.

I personally like Feathers; finding them both sharp and smooth.

The right routine is essential to a good shave

good thread.. For several years I mostly just trimmed my facial hair but on occasion would give myself a Mach3 shave (ultimately settling into a mode of applying "sensitive skin" shaving cream in progression, so that it wouldn't have as long to irritate my face, and changing the blade every 1 or 2 shaves). Then last year I decided to try the top of the line Braun electric shaver and have been very happy with the results. It is self cleaning, causes minimal irritation, and provides quite a close shave. Basically this was first time I found a way to maintain a shaved face in spite of sensitive skin.

This brings me to my question.. Why do you guys with sensitive skin prefer an old-fashioned shave? I've heard about things like 'electric razors cause bumps on your skin' but I personally haven't noticed any downside to going electric.

Are you guys with sensitive skin washing your face with soap prior to shaving? Those of you who are having issues with cutting, I mean?

My understanding is that this is bad, as the soap (unless it's a moisturizing soap) will dry the cuticle of the hair, making it harder to cut, AND will also remove any natural oils on the skin that might help the razor glide over the skin.

Seems like the best bet might be to simply use a hot towel for a minute or two before shaving (to soften the hairs), then apply lather and shave as normal.

Generally, a shave cream that lathers is soap-based. Some of the best shaving products don't foam up. All of the foam that stands away from the skin does nothing for your shave. Only the product that sits on your skin serves to soften the facial hairs.

Hot shower. Oil. Gel. Go!

http://www.trumpers.com/shaving.cfm

Last year I discovered CLARINS for men. They have some awesome shaving oils that can be used with shaving gel for a close shave that does not irritate the skin. I currently use the whole line of products as I find them excellent.