Help, I need a cream that will not burn my face!

[Flattop]

I have tried the GFT Violet and the TOBS Avacado. Now I am wanting to get rid of them because they are just irritating my skin something fierce.
My shave prep is, Kiehls face soap, then proraso preshave while in the shower. A well soaked Rooney Emillion, cream, bowl lather then a Blue tip SS with a Derby blade.
I think pretty gentle over all, but I will not allow myself to think the Emillion is to scrubby, the Blue Tip is too aggressive or the Proraso Preshave is to methol(-y).
Help!!!
I love creams and my emillion. Any recommendatons?

[Howard Newell]

Try skipping the Proraso Preshave and see if that makes any difference.

[Flattop]

that is my plan for tomorrow. The only thing that really made me thing it was the soap was my research on the forums and other comments made by newbies.
Recommendations on a good cream?

[atlguitfiddle]

You might want to try skipping the face wash as well...for some, the skin's natural oils (lessened by washing) provide protection during the shave.

I had a similar problem with irritation from creams, although my main issues were with heavily scented creams. Perhaps you should try a cream that is unscented? Kiss My Face has a really nice unscented cream that is hard to beat for the money.

The "scrubbiness" of your brush may be an issue, just make sure you aren't scrubbing too hard. :001_smile

You should also try a soap or too if you're still having a problem...I switched pretty exclusively to soaps about a month ago and most of my problems with irritation went straight out the window.

[Howard Newell]

I mostly use soaps, but Tom's of Maine's, Kiss My Face, and Saint Charles Shave creams have all been gentle on my face (Taylor's St. James is cologne scented and might irritate your skin). You can mosey on over to the review section and get a feel for what scent, performance and cost you're looking for in a cream.

[robertw]

I agree. Try skipping the face wash. It may or may not be the only problem, but I'm sure it's not helping. One thing you may want to try is an ASB like Nivea, or use Witch Hazel, or an Alum block. For me the witch hazel really tends to cool and sooth my face after a particularly "hot" shave.

[MikeLip]

I mostly use soaps, but Tom's of Maine's, Kiss My Face, and Saint Charles Shave creams have all been gentle on my face (Taylor's St. James is cologne scented and might irritate your skin). You can mosey on over to the review section and get a feel for what scent, performance and cost you're looking for in a cream.

+1 on the Kiss My Face. I have also found that Derby unscented works very well and doesn't bother me, and I have very sensitive skin. Palmolive also is good.

Mama Bear soap is fine too. The high end English creams seem to work without irritation. Cyril Salter lime was bad news, not sure what's in it.

[scoopster]

Quick question: Does the irritation start as soon as the shaving cream is applied or after the shave when it's rinsed off, or both?

I think the suggestion of skipping the use of products during pre-shave prep is a good idea to see if that has an effect.

Something else to think about is trying a different soap/cream during the actual shave. Truefit & Hill Ultimate Comfort is almost scentless and is supposed to be, well, the ultimate in comfort.

Good luck and post back to let us know how things are going.

[Flattop]

I think I am going to try the TH ultimate and the Floris JF. It has been recommended and I also have a huge SCAD problem. The irritation usually begins after the first pass. And by the time its time for the Alum, wow am I burnin.
I will keep you posted tomorrow.

[Mojo88]

T+H ultimate comfort does have a bit of a scent to it, I ordered from On-the fly and they mention this almost as a disclaimer. The one I think has no odor at all is the Art Of Shaving unscented cream.

[TX Shane]

I think I am going to try the TH ultimate and the Floris JF. It has been recommended and I also have a huge SCAD problem. The irritation usually begins after the first pass. And by the time its time for the Alum, wow am I burnin.
I will keep you posted tomorrow.

If your irritation begins on the first pass and you're a newbie, my guess is it's not your shaving cream or any of your other stuff -- it's your technique, also possibly combined with using a blade that doesn't agree with your face.

Try simplifying everything without using so many products and following this (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4018) advice on technique. I also highly recommend trying a sampler pack of blades from Westcoast Shaving (http://westcoastshaving.com/) to try out some of the milder blades, like Crystals.

If you still think your shaving products are the culprit, try applying a little to the inside of your wrist and see if you get a reaction. If you're truly allergic, you'll get the similar irritation you've been experiencing with your shaves.

When I first started with a DE, I experienced irritation that I never before experienced in all my shaving life. With adjustments to my technique and use of blades that were more forgiving, things improved almost immediately.

Hope this helps and good luck.

[bman40]

Try skipping the Proraso Preshave and see if that makes any difference.

+1 - could be the menthol, but there have been comments on the TOBS avocado irritating the face of a few other B&B members

[bman40]

If your irritation begins on the first pass and you're a newbie, my guess is it's not your shaving cream or any of your other stuff -- it's your technique, also possibly combined with using a blade that doesn't agree with your face.

Try simplifying everything without using so many products and following this (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4018) advice on technique. I also highly recommend trying a sampler pack of blades from Westcoast Shaving (http://westcoastshaving.com/) to try out some of the milder blades, like Crystals.

If you still think your shaving products are the culprit, try applying a little to the inside of your wrist and see if you get a reaction. If you're truly allergic, you'll get the similar irritation you've been experiencing with your shaves.

When I first started with a DE, I experienced irritation that I never before experienced in all my shaving life. With adjustments to my technique and use of blades that were more forgiving, things improved almost immediately.

Hope this helps and good luck.

I found that with a Feather I was SOOO irritated and red - switched to Derby Extras and the irritation was gone in two days.

For a less scented cream that works well, try KMF unscented or the body shop - the body shop cream IS scented, but mildly so, and its a good cream

Barry

[scoopster]

TX, Given your response that the irritation is happening after the first pass I would concur that you might want to refocus back on your technique and also try different blades to see is there is a different one that agrees with your face more.

While you are working on technique and blades try to keep everything else the same so as not to effect your evaluation.

[JayKay]

The TOBS Avocado burnt the hell out of my face as well. I felt uncomfortable as soon as I put it on and it only got worse with each pass as more skin comes off. If your looking for a great soothing cream I'd try GFT Coconut. I love that stuff.

[TX Shane]

Thinking again about your plight, I second the recommendation to drop the Proraso, esp. if you're leaving it on for the duration of your shower. That's pretty strong stuff (offensively strong to me) and the menthol could be the burning you're feeling.

If you're skin is really irritated, maybe give it a break for a day or two to recover. Then try shaving without using so many products...just a good soaking and your cream, no pre-shave before or alum afterwards. Take your time and let the weight of the razor do the cutting for you - no pressure.

For a mild cream, maybe try Nancy Boy Replenishing (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?ltr=N&t=11816).

[Flattop]

I did just as many of you suggested. I went ahead and ditched the preshave and went just with Kiehls face wash and used my hard ol' castle forbes lavender. (still finding it hard to get a dense "proraso green" like lather) With my blue tip and a Crystal blade. Alum and thayers.. followed with my coral skin food.
Much better, no burning. I was pretty gentle in my passes just because my face had kinda scarred up, (thick top layer of skin) due to the severe irritation from this passed week of TOBS Avacado and I believe the Proraso Preshave.
I think I am going to leave out the preshave alltogether.
Now if I can get a couple days of rest on shaving, my face will be back to normal and I can get back to enjoying my usual blissful shave experence.

[Edcculus]

If you can get your hands on some, I highly suggest Florena. You might have to talk to one of our friends from the Great White North though. Get them to send down a couple of two fours of Elsinore beer too. :biggrin:

I think you have gotten good suggestions. Skip the pre shave. A bit of lather and a hot towel do wonders.

[JayKay]

You may want to try some GFT Skin food for pre shave. I use it and love the store. Its a great pre/post shave liquid. But its very viscous liquid, almost like a gel, but not. The lime smells amazing.

[TX Shane]

I notice there's another thread here (http://www.badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=42727) that supports your experience with the TOBS.

+1 on the Skin Food.

I ordered some of the NB Replenishing for myself after recommending it. I'll let you know how it goes. If it's at all like the NB Signature, it should be good stuff.

[Aevum]

lets not discart the basics, have you visited an allergist ? you might have a skin allergy to one of the components, happens to me with QED violeta, with the 2nd pass, i feel a slight burn and all tingly, shame, i love that soap,

[guitarslinger]

You might want to try skipping the face wash as well...for some, the skin's natural oils (lessened by washing) provide protection during the shave.

I had a similar problem with irritation from creams, although my main issues were with heavily scented creams.

+1000.

My shaves improved 1000% when I dropped clearasil daily face wash from my routine.

I guess I'm getting old for zits.

[TX Shane]

So I received my Nancy Boy Replenishing and it is indeed good stuff. It lathers up just like NB Signature but is loaded with cucumber and lots of other good stuff that should be easy on sensitive skin. I followed it up with NB Replenishing face cream and feel like I have a pretty darn healthy face this morning. Although I didn't experience any irritation, the NB Replenishing does have some avocado oil in it, so if you think that's the offending ingredient your getting from your TOBS Avocado, then maybe try something else. Otherwise, I highly recommend the NB creams.

[lowhawk]

T+H ultimate comfort does have a bit of a scent to it, I ordered from On-the fly and they mention this almost as a disclaimer. The one I think has no odor at all is the Art Of Shaving unscented cream.
This is true. T&H ultimate comfort does have a light lavender scent. Unfortunately many people think "unscented" means no scent at all. It just means nothing is added strictly to make it smell. The T&H UC cream is excellent. Another good cream that I use that is face friendly is C&E sweet almond oil. Of course it is important to find out what kind of essential oils don't agree with you because pretty much all of this shaving stuff uses them. Good luck with your problem.

[AustinC9]

+1 Kiss My Face, very soothing

[kestrel]

Flattop

Depending on where your rock is located, you might have a look around for some Kappus shave cream. It's very mild, lathers well and smells of aloe vera.
Here in Ontario, you can find it in any Dominion grocery store.

Best Regards

Graham