Shaving Cream

English priests used to shave off their facial hair using a mixture of vegetable fat and water. We have come a long way in terms of the quality and variety of shaving products available to us today. Shaving without a lubricant can be a very bad experience given the heightened irritation and susceptibility to nicks. A lubricant is useful in softening and lifting of hair to enable a closer and more comfortable shave. Softened hair ensure a smooth, frictionless and painless glide of the razor blade. Lubricants provide protection from razor burn, dry skin and chafing. Shaving creams are the most popular lubricants, preferred by the majority over shaving oils and gels. Shaving oils, though, are more effective than shaving creams have a negative relating to blockage of pores of the skin.

Shaving creams today include natural plant extracts to cut down on chemicals and to enhance the softness of the skin. Many people avoid soaps and surfactants that may be in shaving cream, as those ingredients can dehydrate skin and cause irritation. Natural ingredients such as French sea weed algae extract, Aloe Vera and essential oils are preferred over chemicals, as the latter can be absorbed into the body through pores, the effects of which may not be desirable. The following chemicals are to be especially avoided – Parabens, harsh preservatives, artificial colors and fragrances, propylene glycol and petroleum based ingredients. However, not all chemicals are “bad” — Beta Glucan is a useful chemical that helps in quicker healing of skin, and thus, is not something to avoid.

Ideally, before applying a shaving cream, the face ought to be rinsed with hot water; preferably washed with a face wash of your choice. The shaving cream should then be massaged in for a minimum of ten seconds, and then followed by the shave itself with occasional rinsing of the razor in hot water. One should never use topical acne medication during or immediately after a shave as this can cause severe irritation and development of rashes.

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