Sensitive Skin

[newb&b]

Hi-

Have recently joined B&B and was hoping to get some information from some of the veterans that frequent this site. I spent a number of years using a Gillete Fusion with Art of Shave Lavender Pre-Shave, Shave Cream, and After Shave Balm. The result left much to be desired, but did not know what else to do. Have recently switched to a Merkur Hefty Classic with Merkur Platinum Blades. Have experimented with various shave creams, none of which I found to be impressive. I have recently purchased T&H UC Shave Cream and John Allan's Shave(and Slick) to try. I have also ordered a sampler of blades to try (feather, gillette, crystal, dorco, and derby). Before just randomly trying more and more options, I was hoping to get some input. My skin is very sensitive and more towards oily than dry. Have not had good results with pre-shave oils, and have been been advised against by my dermatologist. I shave with the grain and often after a shower/steam. I use a badger brush, though less lately as its not convenient for me to take with me to the health club(where i often shave). My beard is fairly light and soft- but the shaving is causing irritation under my jaw/throat area. I've tried to provide a number of specifics to hopefully elicit some helpful hints/tips to experience a closer/less irritating shave. Any help is appreciated. many thanks,

[FLTiger]

Welcome to B&B!

I'm not sure how well AoS shave cream performs brushless, but if that is how you are shaving most often, it might be worth considering a shave cream that is really designed for that purpose. Cremo has been suggested as a very good brushless shaving cream. I've not used it because I like using the brush to make my own, so you have to take this suggestion with a large grain of salt. Hopefully some more knowledgeable folks will chime in shortly.

[BigRich]

If you have sensitive skin then you need to spent some time (either yourself or with your dermatologist/allergist) to understand what you're sensitive to. If it's fragrance components then a good inexpensive option could be Kiss My Face Unscented. But if you have allergies to a lot of organic plant compounds (like my wife) KMF won't work and I'd suggest Taylor's Sensitive Skin SC. The Taylors is pretty solid no matter what the issue so you may want to try it first.

[newb&b]

In continuing to search the forum for information regarding my issues, i have seen some references to the Merkur SS Platinum blades as being quite aggressive for a beginner. If I have the following blades, is there an appropriate progression if I'm looking to find something more gentle on my skin??
# Feather New Hi-Stainless Platinum
# Crystal or "Israeli"
# Derby Extra
# Gillette Platinum
# DORCO Platinum
# Merkur Platinum

Many thanks,

[pal]

Hello, Get rid of the merkur blades, they are not good at all. Great Razor, bad blades. This may sound backwards but IMHO, what you need is a sharp blade if you have sensitive skin. The idea is a sharp blade and light pressure will do the trick. I would suggest Feathers or Crystals. You may want to buy the Sampler Pak at West Coast Shaving that many recomend. That way you can test a great number of blades until you find the one that is right for you. Good Luck and I hope this may sense.

[newb&b]

Would like to start by thanking all who contributed by posting replies to my original posts. I had tonight one of the best shaves of my life. While it certainly was not BBS, it was more than close enough for what I need. That I was able to accomplish this with no cuts, nicks, or irritation makes me particularly thrilled. It was my first time using the T&H UC shave cream i had recently ordered- and i must say I am sold(though obviously i will see how things progress after many more shaves). I cannot even equate the AOS shave cream I used to use with the T&H cream I used tonight- but for my fellow NY'ers, it's something akin to comparing a steak @ applebee's and one @ peter luger's. I focused tonight on 2 primary areas of shaving- 1)preparing the lather and adequately applying to face with brush and 2)using as little pressure as possible while still accomplishing the shave. I did only 2 passes, both North to South- but with my very sensitive skin it seems to be a good start. I am considering getting the T&H UC after shave balm- does anyone have any experience with this? Will continue to post as I pursue the perfect shave in due time. best,