Sensitive Skin Help

[samson722]

Hi Fellas,

So, I'm thinking about starting this whole wetshaving thing. Everyone says that wetshaving with a DE or a straight can lessen irritation, as opposed to shaving with a multiblade cartridge razor. My situation is slightly unique, and I would like some input from you folks. I've got some stubborn scar tissue on my neck that runs from slightly left of my throat straight across my neck. It's not like it's huge or disfiguring in any way, because it's more of a surgical line, but I notice that it does impede my ability to get a close shave on my neck. Might wetshaving help? Even if you say know, I'll probably try it anyway because I just can't stand that damn Mach 3 anymore...

TIA.

Samson

[Stuffy]

Welcome Samson!

I think if you choose a DE razor with a small and fairly precise head, like a Merkur #34C ("HD" or "Hefty Classic"), or a Gillette Super-Speed, with some practice you should get a better shave on your neck. The heads on the Mach3s are relatively bulky. Both of these razors are recommended here in the forums as a good first razor.

Good luck! Also, since you're nearby, next time you're looking for another shaving cream or soap stop into Colonial Drug in Harvard Square. They have a good selection of high-quality stuff and are nice and helpful.

[samson722]

Thank you kindly for the help, sir. I will most certainly be stopping by Colonial drug in the near future. On a side note, hae you seen Coates Tea Tree anywhere? I know they are out of the shaving business, but I'm really interested in finding a good quality tea tree shave cream.

Samson

Welcome Samson!

I think if you choose a DE razor with a small and fairly precise head, like a Merkur #34C ("HD" or "Hefty Classic"), or a Gillette Super-Speed, with some practice you should get a better shave on your neck. The heads on the Mach3s are relatively bulky. Both of these razors are recommended here in the forums as a good first razor.

Good luck! Also, since you're nearby, next time you're looking for another shaving cream or soap stop into Colonial Drug in Harvard Square. They have a good selection of high-quality stuff and are nice and helpful.

[Suzuki]

Sadly, the Coates line is no more and the tea tree was one of the first to get sold out.

Pasteurs in NY was rumoured to have some, but that was a while back.

Why are you specifically looking for a tea tree product?

I'm not sure if there's anyone making a tea tree shaving cream these days - Coates was unique in this regard.

If you can't find any, I might suggest buying an unscented cream and genltly stirring (to avoid lathering) in a few drops of tea tree oil as a possible alternative.

[samson722]

Well, I wanted to find a tea tree cream because in EO form, tea tree oil is amazing for your skin and hair. I figured it might help with the sensitive skin, maybe clear up some bumps, too.

I'm going to look at Colonial Drug tomorrow and see if they have anything in tea tree. Apparently this place is the New England Mecca of shaving products and hard to find fragrances. Thanks for the help thus far.

Cheers!

Sadly, the Coates line is no more and the tea tree was one of the first to get sold out.

Pasteurs in NY was rumoured to have some, but that was a while back.

Why are you specifically looking for a tea tree product?

I'm not sure if there's anyone making a tea tree shaving cream these days - Coates was unique in this regard.

If you can't find any, I might suggest buying an unscented cream and genltly stirring (to avoid lathering) in a few drops of tea tree oil as a possible alternative.

[glarmore]

+1 on one of the Merkur classics. I also have fairly sensitive skin. What works for me is to put Noxema on my face during a shower and rinse it off just before shaving. I use Proraso Green tube for a cream and my face loves it, YMMV. After shaving, I rewash my face with Noxema to remove any residues left by the shave cream.

I find that the less products that I apply on my face and leave, the less irritation there is.

Good Luck and welcome to the B&B.

Glen