Im 18 and have been DE razor shaving for about 4 months now with: Merkur Futur Taylor of Old Bond Street - Sandalwood Vairous blades My problem is that after shaving, my face and neck feels so greasy even after washing that I have to apply some form of face cleaner in order to get the greasiness off. I dont actually have greasy skin, I just cant STAND the sensation of greasiness. Its actually to the point where if i wet my cheeks/neck, I can quite clearly see full drops of water running down it as if its almost oiled. Is there any other cream/soap etc I can use that wont leave this horrible oily/greasiness afterwards? At the moment I have a bath, get out and shave, then get back in to fully get rid of it Shaving normally again would be nice Thanks
I am no expert, but in your situation there are only a few things that could cause greasiness. I would rule out the razor and blades as they would more likely cause irritation that greasiness. Regarding TOBS, it is known to have very good moisturizing properties. It has been a great product for me. You may be finding it too moisturizing. What is your prep and finish like? Do you rinse your face briefly or wash it with a cleanser? Do you use an aftershave splash or balm after? There are lots of factors here to consider. Welcome to the Den btw. Make sure to enter your name in the september newbie monthly giveaway thread.
Prep is rinse face with warm water, lather up in a bowl then apply with brush. At the moment dont use anything after, but the greasiness is immediate so its like definitely coming from the lather, but thats not meant to be normal? EDIT: Im also in the UK so US only products wouldnt be that helpful
First off, Welcome to The Shave Den dogie! A great community of guys and gals that enjoy wet shaving, I hope you enjoy your stay! While its not required, how about you hop over to the Newbies Section and give yourself a proper introduction thread, I'm sure you'll receive many warm welcomes from the friendly folks of this community. Have a look at Mantic's latest video, while not exactly covering your problem, he does discuss and give ideas on cleaning the neck after a shave. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K58bekTP3nY
Your prep is to rinse your face, you say. Try using soap (wash your face) instead of just rinsing it. [Not sure if this is just a language difference.]
I would definitely try washing your face properly. A lot of times, I am shaving in the morning when oils on my face have built up over night. My skin always feels a lot better after a proper wash, especially if I am shaving right after. If that doesn't help, I would try another soap or cream. It doesn't have to be anything special. Rather, if you try something new, get something inexpensive like VDH that doesn't have the super moisturizing property of TOBS. You could also try using a proper aftershave to firm and tone the skin after a shave. I hope your shaving improves. Let us know how it turns out.
Welcome to TSD! This is the best wet shave board on the planet! I have not tried TOBS (yet) but it is possible that it is too moisturizing for your face as has been stated earlier. Perhaps you should try a shave stick like Arko? How about an alum block finish?
Thanks for the help guys. Going to try and get hold of some arko, is this the right one? Oops can't post links till after 5 posts Safetyrazors co uk, then product id 358 [just click on any product then change the number int he link to 358]. Also Ive not heard reference to an aluminium block yet so not sure what that is. Adam
Yep! That is the Arko stick! The alum block is product ID# 118. Some people use alum, others do not. You wet the block and rub it on your face and then wash it off. Alum may sting like an alcohol aftershave, it just depends on the shave and your skin sensitivity. Alum closes pores, tightens the skin, and has astringent and flocculant properties.
I like Thayers Medicated but any Toner with some alcohol content + a cotton ball will fix your problem.
Kind of been mentioned already, but I'll reiterate. Most of the soaps, creams, aftershaves and so on used in wetshaving are full of moisturizing and hydrating properties. Things such as glycerin, tallow or vegetable oils. Your face is meant to feel kind of moist and supple after shaving this way...if that's what you mean by "greasiness" it's normal and desired.
Thanks guys. Im pretty sure now actually that it is the TOBS cause I tested by applying it to my chest [similar area to my face and neck but easier to clean], washed it off like i would after shaving, and got in the bath. Drained the bath and the walls [and also me] were coated in oil :/ Well not oil oil, but enough to make the water sit in full drops like it does on oil. Will try with the Arko and alum only, then if im still not happy will try some toner too RE Eagle: It feels fine on my face, but during the day with washing and rain etc it moves down onto my chest, and I think it is just me but i have an extremely sensitive chest and can't stand the sensation.
Huh. I've never heard this complaint before. But if it bugs you then try the other products mentioned and see what it does for you. Maybe scrub the face real good after the shave and then apply some witchhazel. Thayers has some nice scents or unscented if you prefer. Dries almost instantly with no residue that I can tell. Good luck.
Have you tried washing off the soap residue with another soap? Like a gentle hand soap or cleanser? I know Neutragena "deep-clean" is very cleansing... seems like an elaborate ritual but you'll only have to do it till you run out of the TOBS. After drying out your skin with the cleanser/soap you can add whatever moisturizer you can tolerate. Dehydration may not be an issue if you're a little grease-monkey teenager, so who knows? :happy102
I literally have to, but even then they'res so much of these 'moisturises' I have to do it 2-3 times to be fully clean or just leave it. Dryness isn't a problem, nor is being a little grease-monkey, accuntane took care of that
Update: Tried the new stick, seems very efficient in the amount required for a shave! Also there's definitely a lot less of the stuff left over at the end, there is some but its tolerable with just a water rinse. Maybe my razor still has some of the old soap on it/the brush so it may get better. But alum'ing it up made it all disappear yaaay for alum blocks
