First and foremost, you obviously don't have to do anything, but we would like to convince you from our own experiences to evaluate your current shaving routine. Perhaps you've been using a preshave for years and your skin embraces its very comfortable effect, but if that's not the case yet, it's definitely worth considering using a good preshave before you take the razor in hand.
In fact, a good pre shave is actually a pure necessity to shave comfortably and without cuts. You apply a pre shave under the shaving soap. As an ultimate lubricant. And if you're going to get started, you naturally prefer to use a high-quality pre shave from, for example, Saponificio Varesino. Pure Italian indulgence.
Why do you need a Pre Shave?
That's basically quite simple. When you shave, it's an assault on the skin. Additionally, the skin loses a lot of moisture during such a shaving session. Moreover, your facial skin is much more sensitive than the rest of your skin. Unless your crown jewels are subjected to a sharp cross-examination. Speaking of which, it's useful to read how you can best shave your balls. The skin there is even more sensitive, and a pre shave certainly wouldn't hurt.
It's essential to prepare your skin excellently, and by incorporating a good pre shave into your shaving routine, you'll definitely succeed. A good pre shave ensures that the skin becomes softer so that the razor blade glides smoothly over the skin without aggressively tackling the hairs and skin.
By first warming your skin well with warm water, drying it, and applying a good pre shave, the pores open, and it increases the skin's elasticity. When the hair follicles are open, shaving becomes much more comfortable. Additionally, a good pre shave provides perfect hydration.
Tip: try the excellent French Pre Shave from Martin de Candre. The Huile Végétale from Martin de Candre is a multifunctional, caring, and nourishing oil. The oil is a purely natural product made from coconut oil, chamomile oil, and lemon oil.
With a pre shave as a base and a good shaving soap as the next layer, you can make shaving as effective and comfortable as possible without irritations, redness, shaving cuts, or dry skin. You can read all about preventing shaving cuts in our article ' How to prevent the most common shaving mistakes'.
How to use a Pre Shave?
Incorporating a good pre shave into your routine is a breeze. Let's go through it step by step.
- First of all, a warm shower is the best preparation. Or at least warming up your facial skin well. That's crucial. Pre-warming can also be done with a damp warm towel. Like at the barber.
- After the skin is preheated and before you start shaving, apply a few drops or a small amount of pre shave oil, balm, gel, or cream over the cleansed face and neck. Do this as evenly as possible.
- Let the product absorb for 1 to 2 minutes
- Use a brush to apply a good shaving soap on the face and your shave can begin!
Tip: Always read the product description. Some pre shaves require the skin to be dry, while others need a moist base. Check our 10 best preshave of the moment.
What are the benefits of a Pre Shave?
Believe us, there are quite a few. If you add a good pre shave to your shaving routine, your skin will benefit so much that you won't want anything else. Let's list the benefits of using a good pre shave for you:
- Softens beard hair
- Reduces skin irritation
- Hydrates the skin
- Ensures a very smooth shave
- Prevents ingrown hairs
- Prevents razor burn
- Prevents acne
In short, a perfect protection.
Tip: Always use a high-quality shaving soap alongside a pre shave. Take a look at our 10 best shaving soap that we have compiled for you.
Which type of skin uses which type of Pre Shave?
Of course, there is a wide choice of pre shaves, each with their own lubricating properties. Especially pre shaves with carrier oils are very popular. The natural oil is usually obtained from seeds and nuts, to which natural oils with vitamins are added. An oil as a pre shave is super nice because it hydrates excellently and is very beneficial for sensitive skin. But there is also a pre shave cream, gel, and butter available.
Sensitive & dry skin
The best option is to have a pre shave with natural ingredients on the shelf. These are gentler on the skin and you have much less trouble with any irritation. Therefore, we recommend pre shave with natural oils. Including Coconut, Jojoba, Grape Seed, Argan, Castor, or Castor Oil. Also known as carrier oils. These hydrate excellently and offer perfect protection.
These types of carrier oils also come with essential oils as an addition, such as vitamins or essences (fragrance components). There is a chance that if you have sensitive skin, this may cause irritation. Additions with sandalwood, lavender, or incense can then provide a solution. Always test on the inside of your wrist!
Our tip: Try this refined and affordable Pre Shave from Osma.
Oily skin
For oily skin, a pre shave oil can be just too much. It becomes too oily and greasy, which results in an uncomfortable feeling. Additional oil can only make the skin even oilier. Then there are other options such as a good pre shave gel or preshave cream . This excellently hydrates and cares for the skin without enhancing the oily skin. Give it a try!
Normal skin
If you are blessed with normal skin, you can actually use any good pre-shave we have on the shelves. All pre-shaves will perfectly hydrate normal skin and provide the best protection. It's purely about trying which product works most comfortably. Some swear by a pure pre-shave oil, while others always have a good pre-shave cream in the bathroom. The point is to make the pre-shave a regular part of a super comfortable shave.
Last tip: After the shaving, use a good aftershave balm. Aftershave Balm soothes, cares, restores, and works anti-inflammatory. Try one of our 10 best aftershave balm that we have ready for you.
Of course, we hope to help you on your way to a very comfortable shave. If you still have questions, we would love to hear from you. You know where to find us.
Happy shaving & regards!
Your friends, The Alpha Men.