What's out there for very sensitive skin? I have a friend starting DE shaving, but he has very sensitive skin. I was thinking Proraso with Aloe or Muhle-Pinsel with Aloe. What are you guys with sensitive skin using? Thanks for your help.
My skin is not as sensitive as some other gents out there, but the best / most conditioning soap I have tried to date is Institut Karite Shave Soap......for me it works great and provides the most moisturizing shave from a shave soap. It doesn't work well for everyone........ and I know some folks, downright hated it....I love it but "Your Friends Mileage May Vary" Taylors Avocado or C&E Sweet Almond Oil Creams for me are quite gentle......Trumpers Coconut isn't bad either and is very lightly scented. Maybe ask Soulshine, I know he has tried a lot of products and has somewhat sensitive skin
The AOS unscented or lavender is great for sensitive skin. However, they are quite costly, but effective. Best, Marion
Let me recommend De Vergulde Hand shaving soap, or Erasmic. Both these brands lather beautifully, with good skincare. The Proraso Aloe soap is also an excellent choice.
Looking over some old threads and reviews on other boards, I see that everyday VDH is supposed to be absolutely great stuff. Could it be that something that costs about $2 works that well? If so, why isn't everyone using it?
I use it quite often. I love to mix it with Kiss My Face creams or The Real Shaving Company sensitive skin cream.
I dislike VDH. I dont think its anything to write home about. Theyre are tons of cream and soaps on the market, might as well use something you love. Its worth a few extra dollars because the stuff lasts for months. Try some GFT Coconut.
I know Soulshine can't use anything with lavender in it, but I don't think he has sensitive skin. I could be wrong.
I do have sensitive skin. I have Rosacea. I avoid any product with alcohol or mineral oil. TSD Lavender and/or Tea Oil is good. VDH in any form - glycerin, select, deluxe, is good.
ARKO! ...please don't shoot me.... :signs120 Seriously though, the smell is off putting, but it lathers real well. I'm sure Joanna could accomodate an unscented version of her soaps? (not sure if there is one)
As with everythinhg, these are just my findings with what works for me... ANYTHING with lavender EO makes my face red for about an hour. Others that have caused issues as well: QED - maybe too much EO used? Institute Karite Mama Bear - FO burned, EO was fair. TGQ - I experienced the worst burning sensation of all time with the tobacco scented product. Nice scent however.... I have tried all the triple milled soaps and they didn't work well for me. Perhaps I had lather issues but I just don't get a good shave from them. If your buddy is into creams, I might suggest Trumper's coconut oil. I would probably stay away from a lavender soap...maybe go with some EO samples from JoAnna. I have a black pepper EO soap from TSD that one would think burns like mad but my skin reacts perfectly to it. EDIT - Get some of JoAnna's aftershaves for your friend - those are without a doubt simply outstanding!
For soaps, I would recommend: Joris Trumpers Coconut, Rose Mitchells Woolfat D.R. Harris Almond Institute Karite Creams: C&E Sweet Almond Oil Coates Almond Nancy Boy Proraso Red
What has worked very well for my sensitive skin: Harris Arlington soap T+H Luxury soap L'occitane Cade soap De Vergulde Hand soap Erasmic soap Palmolive cream Florena cream Fraser cream (standard, not polar ice) What has not worked so well: GFT soaps Anything with menthol Anything with lemon Regards. J
Let me throw my hat in the ring here! Col Conks Almond is nice! My face gets a burning sensation from most soaps, but not this one! Mitchells wool fat soap is a good one too!
+1 on C&E sweet almond cream. I used soaps almost exclusively before I tried it, and I find it's much more gently and protective than any soap. For soaps, I agree with the VDH suggestion. The only drawback is that the scent's not so great. You might also look into some of the online sellers (Susie's Bubbles, The Shaving Den, Em's Place, etc...). They might be able to mix a variety of bases to make something very sensitive skin friendly.
Trumpers Violet hardsoap doesn't seem to get much attention. I found it to be pretty good for sensitive skin. However, it is quite fragrant. Best, Marion
