Shaving Creams and Lotions
Shaving cream is a substance that is applied to the face or wherever else hair grows, to provide lubrication and avoid razor burns during shaving. Shaving cream is often bought in spray can but can also be purchased in tubs or tubes. Shaving cream in a can is commonly dispensed as a foam or a gel. Creams that are in tubes or tubs are commonly used with a shaving brush to product a rich lather (most often used in wet shaving).There are two types of shaving cream: Foam and gel.
1. Shaving foam (according to the dictionary) - Toiletry consisting of a liquid preparation containing many small bubbles that soften the beard before shaving.
2. Shaving Gel (according to the dictionary) - A colloid in which the disperse phase has combined with the dispersion medium to produce a semisolid material, such as a jelly.
Use a shaving cream that has a high concentration of lubricants (eg silicones) and moisturizers. The best shaving creams create a rich creamy lather and do not foam up like the cheaper drug store brands. The less "foaming" in the shave cream the better, as it is what is in contact with the skin and beard that matters - all else is wasted. Less resistance, less irritation and less nicks also mean a longer lasting blade! While the primary function of the shaving cream is to lubricate your face so that the razor will glide smoothly and effortlessly across the surface, it also serves to lock the moisture into the whiskers, keeping them soft and upright, primed for the cut. The ideal scenario is to leave the shaving cream on your face for at least a minute before you begin cutting, so that the beard is as soft and wet as possible. Using shaving cream is an easy way to upgrade your shaving comfort.
Using Shaving Cream And Lotions
Part of a comfortable shave is using shaving cream that treats you skin well. Once been the most commonly used product to shave with, today shaving cream is hard to find. The market seems to be dominated by shaving gels and foams. Not because they are any good, but because they are easy to find and use.
1. Amazing lubrication to protect the skin
A good quality shaving cream has a high fat concentration, mainly in the form of natural oils which do not penetrate the skin. These oils protect the skin in the form of lubrication, making it easier for the blade to glide along the skin surface to cut the hair without dragging the skin.
2. Moisturizing properties to soften the beard
A good shaving cream contains glycerine derived from natural oils. Glycerine has a humectant property. It locks the moisture to keep the skin hydrated and surrounds the hairs with a humid environment making them easier to cut.
3. Emolliating the skin, allowing it to recover
Most shaving products contain artificial colourings, preservatives and alcohol. These substances can irritate and dry out the skin. Good shaving creams do not contain any of these, or other substances (e.g Parabens and SLS) making them perfect emollients. They soften and sooth the skin, allowing it to recover after the shave.
Choose the Best Shaving Cream
Shaving cream comes in many different forms, ranging from creams and soaps to gels and lotions, all of which have certain advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the "best" type of shaving cream is largely based on personal preference, though an individual's skin type can also provide some direction. The best way to find the ideal type is to try out a variety of different options until one finds a product that provides a satisfactory shave without causing any excessive irritation or dryness to the skin. It is important to remember that both the shaving method and the type of razor used are also essential for shaving well, and that even the best shaving creams cannot compensate for a dull razor or a poor shaving technique.
An individual's skin type can provide some direction for picking the best type of shaving cream. An individual with normal skin that is neither excessively dry nor excessively oily should be fine with most options, but individuals with dry skin should be careful. Many forms of shaving cream contain alcohol or various scented components that can further dry out one's skin, leading to irritation and pain. Some types of shaving cream include aloe or other components specifically intended to soothe sensitive or dry skin in order to prevent irritation.
Generally speaking, the color and lather of different types of shaving cream, though highly visible and easily comparable, are not actually significant. Some types of shaving cream and oil do not actually produce any lather at all and may even be colorless. Only the part of the shaving lubricant that actually touches the hair to be shaved is actually important lather is irrelevant. When comparing different options, it is important to assess them only on the basis of how well they contribute to a good shave, not on other factors such as the visual qualities of the solutions themselves.
Although choice of shaving cream can contribute significantly to getting a good shave and minimizing irritation, the razor and technique used are also highly important. A dull, damaged, or improperly used razor will result in a poor shave regardless of the quality of the shaving lubricant. If, after trying a variety of different shaving lubricants, one fails to find one that leads to a satisfactory shave, it may be necessary to examine one's razor or method of shaving instead. Research and experimentation are the best ways to find a new razor and to improve one's shaving method.
Choose the Best Shaving Lotion
Choosing the best shaving lotion is typically determined by a person's skin sensitivity, whether the shaving lotion is to be used on the legs or the face, and whether it is being used by men or women. People with sensitive skin may choose a hypoallergenic or fragrance-free shaving lotion, while people without sensitivities may enjoy one with a hint of fragrance in it. In addition, people who use shaving lotion to shave their legs may prefer to use a formulation that is slightly water resistant so it can be used in the shower.
Some people prefer shaving lotion that contains aloe or another moisturizing agent. Shaving can be drying and irritating to the skin, so moisturizers can help counteract dryness and skin irritation. Women's shaving lotions should be mild and gentle to sensitive skin. This is especially important when shaving the bikini area. Because this is such a sensitive area, mild, hypoallergenic shaving lotions may be the best choice.
Aftershave lotions, not to be confused with other types of shaving lotions, are a type of cologne with astringent properties that are typically used after shaving the face. In addition, aftershave lotions freshen and tighten pores, while leaving a fresh, clean scent behind. It is important to note, however, that people who have sensitive skin may find that aftershaves are too irritating to freshly shaved skin, because, like traditional colognes, many of them contain alcohol.
Typically, men's shaving lotions are similar in scent to men's colognes, while women's shaving lotions resemble women's colognes. Although men's and women's colognes can be purchased at department store cosmetic counters, shaving lotion is generally not available at cosmetic counters. It is usually sold at drugstores, as are men's and women's colognes. Unlike colognes, where prices vary from inexpensive to very pricey, shaving lotion is almost always moderately priced.
If a person is sensitive to fragrance, he may prefer a shaving lotion that is fragrance free. It may, however, be challenging to find fragrance-free shaving lotions because the majority of them have at least a slight scent to them. Products that are labeled as no-fragrance-added are not necessarily completely fragrance free, so it is important to read the labels.
Before Shaving Tips:
1. Wet your beard thoroughly. The wetter, the better because well-soaked hair is much weaker and that makes it much easier to cut.
2. Cleanse face properly using warm/hot water, splash some hot water. It will soften beard and help open up the pores. Healthy dose of moisturizer before shave is also good idea.
3. Use gentle, creamy shaving lotion as it softens hair and makes shaving easy. Cooling aloe vera shaving cream contains unique combination of natural ingredients to soothe & calm skin before and after shaving.
4. Massage shaving cream or oil into area to be shaved. Shaving oil or cream will give best results.
5. Do not use gels, foams and products that contain chemicals such as benzocaine or menthol. They give great lather but can really dry and irritate skin, close pores and stiffen the beard.
While Shaving Tips:
1. Use hot water while shaving. Hot water helps to open pores, soften the beard, and cleanse skin.
2. Use sharp razor as old, blunt blades spoil shave. They drag skin and do not give clean shave. Heavy razor handle helps in better shaving control.
3. Must shave in same direction as hair growth, this prevents in growth to large extent. Then, leather and shave slightly against direction of hair growth for closer shave.
4. Short strokes are better option as they give a cleaner shave.
5. Do not apply too much pressure on shaving razor because this will cause skin burns & irritations. Instead glide it gently across face.
6. Rinse razor in the hot water.
After Shaving Tips:
1. Finish by rinsing off face with cool water. It will close skin pores.Then afterwards, use skin toner to remove any residue, close the pores and refresh the skin.
2. For cuts, use moistened alum block to stop bleeding.
3. Apply moisturizing aftershave lotion on shaved areas. Avoid alcohol based lotions as they make skin dry.
4. At last, use moisturizer over face and neck to keep skin firm and supple. Or one can apply after shave cream to keep skin moist and fresh with UV protection.
Tackling the Problem Of Ingrowing Hair:
1. Neck area skin surface lying close to jaw line is susceptible to in growing hair. Dark skin is more prone to this problem.
2. Shaving in direction of hair growth tackles problem of in growing hair. Use of face scrub on regular basis, also helps in arresting growth of in growing hair and dead skin is sloughed off by scrub.
3. If the part of hair is still lodged in skin, it is best to let bump heal itself & then pull it out after day or so.
Myotcstore Related Products:
Neutrogena Men Razor Defense Shave Gel - 7 oz.
Pure Silk Moisturizing Shave Cream for Women - 8 oz
Nivea for Men After Shave Balm, Mild - 3.3 Oz
Pacific Shaving Company all natural shaving cream - 3 oz
Skintimate Shave Cream for Sensitive Skin - 10 OZ