Taylor of Old Bond Street to irritating?

**chadb97** · 03-08-2010, 06:39 AM

I've only done 5 DE shaves now. I'm still very much learning the correct pressure and angles. Each day I get a little better in this respect, but I'm running in to some irritation issues. My first two shaves were with barbesol. Some nicks and razor burn with barbesol. The last three have been with TOBS Rose scent, and each day the redness on my face get's a little worse. The nicks and razor burn are disappearing because of my improving technique. The redness is like if you were out in the cold wind for a bit to long. This morning I could feel the shave cream starting to tingle on my face as I was brushing it on. Something in this shave cream is not agreeing with my skin...has anybody else had this problem?? Any suggestions on a very mild shave cream/soap?? I've used the likes of Edge and Barbesol with out any irritation problems.

**meathosxx** · 03-08-2010, 07:51 AM

I have been using TOBS sandalwood for some time now and I really love the cream. However, it is possible that you are getting a reaction to something in the shaving cream.
It could also be that you are not cleaning your face thoroughly and that there is some soap left over after you are done shaving. If lather is left on the face it can cause problems like yours.

**sombra** · 03-08-2010, 07:57 AM

Originally Posted by chadb97

I've only done 5 DE shaves now. I'm still very much learning the correct pressure and angles. Each day I get a little better in this respect, but I'm running in to some irritation issues. My first two shaves were with barbesol. Some nicks and razor burn with barbesol. The last three have been with TOBS Rose scent, and each day the redness on my face get's a little worse. The nicks and razor burn are disappearing because of my improving technique. The redness is like if you were out in the cold wind for a bit to long. This morning I could feel the shave cream starting to tingle on my face as I was brushing it on. Something in this shave cream is not agreeing with my skin...has anybody else had this problem?? Any suggestions on a very mild shave cream/soap?? I've used the likes of Edge and Barbesol with out any irritation problems.

Don't be too quick to identify the shave cream as the source of the problem. It could be. It's also possible that your skin just needs time to get used to the closeness of the DE shave. Can you skip a day between shaves? Not only is your technique improving, but your skin needs time to adjust to the closer shave. A day of rest between shaves may work wonders until you are further along in your technique development and your skin is used to it.

If you want to try a very mild shave cream/soap, try Pre de Provence soap or Provence Sante soap. Both have shea butter, so they should provide with extra moisturization and protection.

**drburt** · 03-08-2010, 08:27 AM

I have always had good luck with Taylor creams but you could be reacting badly to something in the cream. Clean up well after your shave. Try a different product.

What type of brush are you using? I have heard of guys getting badger burn from their brushes. I would assume that it is possible to have an allergy to either badger or boar.

Burt

**chadb97** · 03-08-2010, 08:37 AM

I'm using an Omega badger brush and lathering it on my face. Do you think lathering it in a bowl first would help? I haven't heard of the badger hair allergies before.

**rummwa** · 03-08-2010, 08:41 AM

If you have another soap try that, but it may be your skin is not yet conditioned for the DE razor.

PINAUD!

**marvelusjd** · 03-08-2010, 08:50 AM

It took me a few weeks to get used to the closeness of a DE shave, so hang in there before you give up the TOBS rose as that's a great cream. Like the others have said, you can try another soap or cream, watch your angle and the thing that I always have to remember, the pressure.

**JPM** · 03-08-2010, 08:52 AM

You might try the TOBS Jermyn St. I believe it is formulated for sensitive skin.

**Go West Young Man** · 03-08-2010, 09:02 AM

There's a slight chance that you're allergic to the essential oils in the cream, I had a hard time with a lot of lime shaving creams and had to give up on using them.

That being said, after only 5 shaves I can GUARANTEE you that it's you, not the cream :)

**Son** · 03-08-2010, 09:36 AM

My skin did not like TOBS Sandalwood cream face lathered, but does fine with it scuttle lathered.

Of course in your case, there are plenty of variables for me to guess...

**houlejames** · 03-08-2010, 09:57 AM

I just had the same thing happen to me with TOBS St James cream. I received a sample from a member and I noticed it tingling/burning the first time I lathered it on my face. Second pass it was real noticeable. Used it for 3 days with the same results. Since I have used MWF, Wars and Arko, all with none of the burning/tingling. Must be something in the TOBS, hopefully it is just the St James as I have a TOBS complete shaving cream sampler coming.

**Silverstar** · 03-08-2010, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by chadb97

I've only done 5 DE shaves now. I'm still very much learning the correct pressure and angles. Each day I get a little better in this respect, but I'm running in to some irritation issues. My first two shaves were with barbesol. Some nicks and razor burn with barbesol. The last three have been with TOBS Rose scent, and each day the redness on my face get's a little worse. The nicks and razor burn are disappearing because of my improving technique. The redness is like if you were out in the cold wind for a bit to long. This morning I could feel the shave cream starting to tingle on my face as I was brushing it on. Something in this shave cream is not agreeing with my skin...has anybody else had this problem?? Any suggestions on a very mild shave cream/soap?? I've used the likes of Edge and Barbesol with out any irritation problems.

I would try another blade. In the majority of cases the technique or the blade causes this problem. Furthermore, try a soap/cream with Aloe Vera, this is the best thing for sensitive skin. Mühle/Ewin Jägger are offering such soaps. Good luck.

**Geordon** · 03-08-2010, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by chadb97

This morning I could feel the shave cream starting to tingle on my face as I was brushing it on.

This is not a positive sign. However, a few things to check before you swear off of the TOBS cream. Are you having any razor irritation after you are complete with your shave? If so, lay off of shaving a day or two in order to let your skin heal. Second, make sure that you're not scrubbing hard when applying the lather. If you *are* scrubbing hard, that could be your problem right there.

To see if it is in fact the cream that you're using, try this: After your face has recovered from whatever irritation you are suffering, take a bit of cream out of the tub with your finger and gently spread it on part of your face. IF you feel tingling after a few minutes, then this cream is definitely NOT for you. If it doesn't tingle on your skin, then it points to something that you are actively doing incorrectly. The only cure for that is practice and experience.

Good luck! IF you want to get rid of the cream, I'd be more than happy to take it off your hands.

**infotech** · 03-08-2010, 01:34 PM

Yes, I have serious problems with Taylor's - and it's the new formulation they released that is paraben free that bothers me. I have a tub of Almond that I simply can't use because it causes my face to turn beat red and burns a bit. That said, my wife can use it on her legs without a problem. I also have a tub of Taylor's Lavender and St. James both from the previous formula which contains parabens - that doesn't give me any problems.

I bought the almond tub because I'd had a sample of it that was great - but it was a batch from Scotto's samples and of the original stuff, not the new paraben free offering. The thing is the new stuff lathers wonderfully and shaves like you'd expect, but something in it is causing me problems.

I'm hoping that it's only the almond flavor of the cream that bothers me because the lavender is one of my favorites... but since I have used almond without problems in the past I'm a little more worried.

**DESkydiver** · 03-08-2010, 01:45 PM

It could be the ingredients or it could be the need to become adjusted to DE shaving. I have a similar issue with Proaso products as my skin turns red, like a sunburn and break out in small pimples. I too thought it might be getting adjusted to DE, but with me it only happens using Proaso, no others (that I have tried so far).
I tested over a few weeks using different products, razors and blades. My worst combination was Lord blades and Proaso from the tube; not only was I cut up, but the break out was much worse. For me the constant contributing factor was the Proaso... for you it may be TOBS.

**xillion** · 03-08-2010, 02:12 PM

+1 Jermyn Street sensitive is my favorite TOBS cream. Great lather, great scent, and no irritation. The ASB is great as well.

Chadb97, if you would like to try TOBS Jermyn Street PM me and I will send you a sample.

Originally Posted by JPM

You might try the TOBS Jermyn St. I believe it is formulated for sensitive skin.

**Sueto** · 03-08-2010, 02:17 PM

chadb97,

I have had a similar reaction to what you are describing with the TOBS Rose, except I had a problem with the Almond scented cream. I really liked the scent but my face would be irritated and tingly before I even put a razor to my face. I was able to narrow it down to one ingredient. Perhaps you will be able to do the same.

I have since tried two other TOBS. St. James and Jermyn street. Both of which I really like. Jermyn Street probably is my favorite, with St. James in a close second.

**cvac** · 03-08-2010, 03:59 PM

+1 on this. You need to let your face heal before you know if it is the cream for sure. The reason is a rough DE shave can cause irritation that will persist for days. If your skin is raw from bad technique, applying just about any decent cream to your skin will burn. Let your face heal, then try it again. If you end up being allergic to it, it doesn't necessarily mean that other TOBS scents won't work for you. Again, it's probably the fragrance if you are allergic so maybe another TOBS cream would be okay.

Originally Posted by Geordon

To see if it is in fact the cream that you're using, try this: After your face has recovered from whatever irritation you are suffering, take a bit of cream out of the tub with your finger and gently spread it on part of your face. IF you feel tingling after a few minutes, then this cream is definitely NOT for you. If it doesn't tingle on your skin, then it points to something that you are actively doing incorrectly. The only cure for that is practice and experience.

**Warrior372** · 03-08-2010, 08:25 PM

My vote is that it is either the essential oils in their cream, too much will irritate anyones skin as EOs are alcohol based, or the fact that TOBS puts Benzyl Alcohol in their creams. Sensitive faces do not like alcohol touching them.

What kind of aftershave do you use? That in addition with the fact you just started DE shaving might not be helping the problem. If you are using something that is alcohol based, try something with aloe and witch hazel in it, or just mix the aloe and witch hazel yourself. Just make sure you use more aloe than which hazel. The combo will act as a moisturizing astringent, helping to close your pores and hydrate your face at the same time. I have pretty sensitive skin and this works really well for me.

Another suggestion would be pre-shave oil for a few reasons. One is the natural anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal of many oils. Oils such as olive, sunflower, safflower, etc.,help create a protective barrier on the face. A number of oils act as facial lubricant resulting in helping to lessen overall irritation. Also each oil will have a slightly different impact on the lather of your shaving soap / cream, with some lending positive effects and some a little more neutral.

I hope some of this helps! There is nothing worse than a face full of razor burn! I wish I knew all of the above as a teenager. . . it would have helped me avoid a few really bad episodes.

**houlejames** · 03-09-2010, 08:41 AM

I did two passes this morning with my sample of TOBS Avocado and no burn. In a few days I will try the St James again and see if it does it again. So far it looks like the scent in St James is the culprit. I have never had this before so it isn't like my skin is sensitive to anything.