Improving shave little red marks

[iancevans]

A suggestion from an outlier. I have extremely sensitive skin (and I've been at this long enough to know) that cannot tolerate any vigorous shave brush action. I use the brush in a bowl to make lather, then apply it paint brush style, not using the brush to really massage the lather in or scrub the face. When I do use the brush to scrub (or in circular motion), I get the little red bumps you talk about without necessarily any razor burn type pain. When I use the brush my way (or go brushless), the problem disappears.

The phenomenon is worse with a badger brush than with a boar, as boar bristles are softer at the tips (when properly broken in, anyway).

This is not normal -- I don't recall any other member reporting the problem here. Nevertheless, it's very noticeable for me and it might be something for you to consider. It's a tradeoff, to be sure: the beard prep is not as good my way, so I have to be sure to shave after a shower.

Another point to consider: very thin DE blades can be irritating to some skin. My complexion has noticeably improved since switching to an injector with its thicker, sturdier blades (I noticed the same thing when I was routinely using straight razors).

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Ian

"Anything less than the best is a felony"
--Vanilla Ice

[Squire]

Ian, that may be the best diagnosis so far.

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Regards,
Squire

[CMur12]

Ian, I've been wondering what happened to you. It's good to see you here again.

Like Ian, I can't face lather because my skin simply doesn't tolerate it. I have always given up on the effort before getting to the point of doing any damage, but I think Ian's scenario is worth considering.

- Murray

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Give me Soap or give me death!

[brothers]

It sounds quite plausible. Especially because Ian has experienced the same thing and figured out what to do about it.

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Gary

[iancevans]

I had forgotten that you have a similar issue, Murray.

Yes, I haven't been around here much lately. I've sort of gone into hiding to get my dissertation into shape and am now applying for academic jobs (which are, as one might imagine, few in number at the moment). Hopefully, things will settle down for me soon and I'll be able to spend time here again.

(A guilty confession: I've been so busy these days that, more often than not, I just use a can of Foamy to expedite the shaving process. The results are actually quite good, but my brushes and soaps sure are looking lonely!)

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Ian

"Anything less than the best is a felony"
--Vanilla Ice

[rsp1202]

The thicker injector blades also work better for me. I can face lather, but now think the idea of bowl lathering and paint strokes needs to be revisited. And I've not yet found a brushless cream (or cream used without brush) that works. I appreciate the ideas expressed here, as they remind me (once again) that keeping irritation to a minimum is, for me, more important than a BBS shave. Unfortunately, my idea of concentrating in the future on shave sticks might have to be shelved in order to achieve this. Win some, lose some.

Welcome back, Ian, and good luck with the hunt.

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Ron

[mattyb240]

[mattyb240]

Just thought I would update, not working the brush so much on my skin seems to have made quite a difference the marks are reduced but still a little present. I'm without a computer so I can't post a picture!

[ShadowsDad]

I'm glad you're on the way to a solution.

Matty, I don't know if you're as guilty of this as I am, and I certainly am... I used some of my shave creams for months and then read the instructions printed on them. Kiss My Face and Bigelow are the ones I'm referring to. They specifically say to "lather" in the hand (it can't really be said to be lather) and apply to the face. One can't any more gentle than that.

Maybe you have those and can try it. By doing that one gives up some cushioning, but the lubrication is off the chart. It works great, but for different reasons than if one uses a brush for lather.