Skin Food as a pre-shave is the real deal

**RueTheDay** · 10-14-2006, 06:40 PM

I read about it on here and decided to give it a go. I got the Coral (rose) version. 2-3 drops rubbed into my wet hands and then applied to my face before each pass. I got the smoothest, closest, most irritation free shave ever. It was like the blade was riding on rails.

**Steelforge** · 10-14-2006, 10:37 PM

I had a straight razor shaving lesson at Trumpers in London, and they recommended using the skin food as a pre-shave. It does work very well, but the cynic in me also wondered if it was a ploy to sell more skin food!

**TimmyBoston** · 10-14-2006, 11:06 PM

Leisureguy and DrMoss_ca (over SMF) have written about this in detail and the skin food is an excellent preshave, but they also found that using 100& glyercine available at drug stores for only a few dollars yields identical results.

**RueTheDay** · 10-15-2006, 05:11 AM

Originally Posted by TimmyBoston

Leisureguy and DrMoss_ca (over SMF) have written about this in detail and the skin food is an excellent preshave, but they also found that using 100& glyercine available at drug stores for only a few dollars yields identical results.

I've read that. I've also read that it's not recommended to apply pure glycerin to the face - it's hygroscopic properties cause it to dry out the skin. Also, skin food has a number of other ingredients besides glycerin - gum tragacanth (an emollient and demulcent), rosewater (a mild astringent), and a bunch of other stuff. It also has a very nice, light aroma.

**Scotto** · 10-15-2006, 06:06 AM

It is a YMMV thing. I tried it extensively, and it did nothing whatsoever for me.

**Leisureguy** · 10-15-2006, 09:45 AM

The glycerine I got says that it moisturizes the skin:

Vegetable Glycerine moisturizes and cleanses skin, has emolient and lubricating properties, is a humectant and has hygroscopic properties which means it actually attracts moisture from surrounding sources.

I've never noticed that it noticeably dries my skin, but YMMV. I do know that some say they find glycerin-based shaving soaps to be drying. Not me.

You can try it and see, of course.

**RueTheDay** · 10-15-2006, 12:57 PM

Originally Posted by Leisureguy

The glycerine I got says that it moisturizes the skin:

has hygroscopic properties which means it actually attracts moisture from surrounding sources

That's right, the glycerin will attract the moisture right out of your skin. Hence the drying. If you dilute the glycerin with water or apply it to a wet face, it shouldn't be an issue though.

Anyway, I still refuse to believe that a $3 bottle of glycerin is as good as a $28 bottle of Skin Food.

Can't be.

**TimmyBoston** · 10-15-2006, 02:26 PM

Originally Posted by RueTheDay

Anyway, I still refuse to believe that a $3 bottle of glycerin is as good as a $28 bottle of Skin Food.

Can't be.

Why not? It's not uncommon in the shaving world, a 15 cent DE blade is a lot better than a $4 Fusion cartridge. Many people believe Taylor's to be a better cream than Trumper's and it's half the cost. More money doesn't necessarily mean better products.

**peacefrog** · 10-15-2006, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by RueTheDay

That's right, the glycerin will attract the moisture right out of your skin. Hence the drying. If you dilute the glycerin with water or apply it to a wet face, it shouldn't be an issue though.

If this is true, then why is glycerin found in so many soaps and aftershaves?

**letterk** · 10-15-2006, 06:34 PM

Originally Posted by Scotto

It is a YMMV thing. I tried it extensively, and it did nothing whatsoever for me.

Ditto. I tried this over many days with different amounts and found no difference. YMMV.

**ouch** · 10-15-2006, 06:40 PM

Not a pre-shave guy.

**RueTheDay** · 10-16-2006, 06:48 PM

Originally Posted by TimmyBoston

Why not? It's not uncommon in the shaving world, a 15 cent DE blade is a lot better than a $4 Fusion cartridge. Many people believe Taylor's to be a better cream than Trumper's and it's half the cost. More money doesn't necessarily mean better products.

Did you miss the

? I was being sarcastic.

**RueTheDay** · 10-16-2006, 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by peacefrog

If this is true, then why is glycerin found in so many soaps and aftershaves?

Glycerin absorbs water. If you apply it undiluted to a dry face, it will suck the water out of your skin. If diluted/mixed with water first, it will carry the water into your skin. Works both ways.

**tjkirch** · 10-18-2006, 09:45 AM

I've found the opposite in practice - glycerin doesn't dry my skin at all. Are you speaking from practice or theory?

And now, back to the original topic... I've had good luck with CSF as a pre-pass treatment. I haven't tried it too many times, though, so I can't say for sure.