When I was a kid, my dad never really taught me about shaving, let alone anything about pre-shave oil. He would just grab the cheapest thing at the store and slap it on his face. In my adult life, I’ve discovered that this is a very effective way to ignore the possibility of razor burn and ingrown hairs (which we will get into later). However, if you are serious about your skin, there is more to the story.
I use a great shave soap, Pre-Shave is just a way to make more money!?
Many will say I already use shaving cream, why add the additional cost of a pre-shave oil? While a quality shave soap does help to protect the skin from a blade, for some people with sensitive skin, an added layer of a pre-shaving oil is the way to go. This thin layer helps to further protect the skin from the sharp edge, and also helps to provide for a closer shave. By softening the facial hairs and to lifting them into the cream or shave soap.
In addition, it also provides for added hydration before any shaving cream is applied. This can be especially helpful for those who have dry skin and are looking to add some extra moisture to avoid razor burn before any shaving cream is applied.
Almost every Pre-Shave I’ve seen has Olive Oil as the First Ingredient.
Still, others will read the ingredients of a few pre-shave oils and conclude why pay for an expensive oil when I can just get some olive oil at the grocery store. Sure olive oil off the shelf is better than nothing, but then you’re getting into another whole list of problems. Sure Olive oil is listed first in many shave oils and it is highly moisturizing. Yet it is also a highly comedogenic oil. Meaning it can lead to clogged pores and ingrown hairs.
While most any oil will create a slick barrier for your skin. When choosing a pre-shave oil, there are several things to consider: Does the oil contain preservatives? Is the oil vegetarian? Are the oils thick or thin? Will the oils used lead to breakouts?
Some oils that are low on the comedogenic scale to look for in a quality pre-shave oil include:
- Safflower
- Sunflower
- Argan
- Jojoba
- Grape Seed
- Hemp Seed
- & Rosehip
With sunflower oil being especially beneficial due to its high saturation of vitamin E.
So is Pre-Shave Oil mostly for People with Sensitive Skin?
Yet it isn’t only people with sensitive skin that can benefit from a pre-shave oil. Those with coarse beards will thoroughly enjoy a shave with pre-shave oil. The softening effect of the oil as it greatly reduces the pull on whiskers giving them a more comfortable shave.
Here again, you will be looking for oils that readily penetrate the hairs for their softening properties. Many of the oils listed above are great at penetrating the hair shaft in addition to coconut and olive oils.
Ok, just how is the best way to use a Pre-Shave Oil?
It is always best to open the pores when getting ready to shave. Either by washing your face with warm water or by using the tried a true barbershop move of the hot towel sitting on your face for a few minutes.Next, you add a few drops to your palm and rub your hands together to distribute the oil. This lets you apply the oil to your face evenly.After you have applied the oil to your face allow time for the oil to absorb into your face and hair before adding your shave soap or cream.Enjoy a close comfortable shave.
