Shaving for Men – What is best shaving cream, foam or gel
When it comes to shaving for men, if you are going for that nice smooth shave, then a long with the right razor and correct preparation, you need the right shaving cream. It is worth searching out for a shaving cream or gel that suits you. As we are all individuals, and certain applications work better with certain skin types.
At the basic level you are looking at a lubricant to help the razor glide smoothly over the face. This is the function of the shaving cream or gel. The smoother the shave, the less chance of causing razor burn, bumps or nicks. Also a good shaving cream or gel will help keep the skin moisturised, which is key, as shaving can dry out the skin.
So what are the options when it comes to shaving. Whether you shaving cream comes out of a can, a tub, or a tube, the quality and texture is key.
Shaving Gel
For a while shaving foam from a can was the main quick convenience source for shaving. It saved on having to work up a lather with a cream, and was easily dispensed for maximum convenience. The shaving gel is the new kid on the block, and a long with his even younger brother, the gel foam. Some of this maybe just marketing gumpf, but is a popular choice – and works on the basic principal of the convenience a can. Usually this comes out initially as a gel, and then works it self up into a creamy lather. Some gels remain clear and can be advantage if you are precision shaving a beard, as you can see where you are going through the gel.
I would avoid the aerosol can shaving foam, as this tends to make the skin very dry, and can clog up a razor very quickly, and doesn’t offer a smooth lubed shave. These also tend to be alcohol based, which drys out the skin, and full of nasty chemicals that are best not putting on the face everyday. It might be convenient, but in the long run it is not healthy for the complexion and drys out the skin. Ultimately this is not a true wet shave in the traditional sense. If you take your shaving seriously, you need to be moving on from the mass produced, all convenient shaving foam or gel in a can. You need a to be using something that gives you the necessary lubrication and moisturises the skin.
Shaving Cream
The shaving cream that you get from a tub or a tube, tend to not be alcohol based and their base is from a glycerin soap. These tend to be much easier on the skin, and help prepare the beard by softening up. This is what the true shaving for men expert needs to be looking for. Some can be applied straight to the skin, and some require working up more with the shaving brush. The fact that you use a shaving cream that needs to be used in conjunction with a brush is a good thing, as the brush has the added benefit of lightly exfoliating the skin and lifting the hairs. A proper moisturising shave cream will help protect the skin, and keep in the moisture. They tend to be good for all skin types as they do not contain some of the more harsh chemicals and alcohol that foam from a can does. A luxurious cream can give you that real gentleman’s barber feel, and make the skin feel soft, smooth and pampered after a shave. You will end up with a much closer shave and a lot less irritation.
Ultimately if you don’t have a shaving cream then a good quality facial soap can be used, and is still better than the stuff from a can. However, if you want to invest in your face, which after all is your main feature, then you want to be using a good quality shaving cream. So go a head and treat your face to a bit of luxury.
Some recommended shaving creams:
If you are new to proper wet shaving – then this is a great starter kit:
The Art of Shaving Sandalwood Shaving Starter Kit
For a bit of old school barber gentlemen’s luxury try:
