There has a great deal of discussion about pre-shave oil/creams. I know there are two camps of thoughts on this. Those that use a pre-shave and those that do not. I currently do not use one, have used Baby Oil in the past. I stopped using it did not see any benefit from it. Why are you guys using a pre-shave is for to make the lather slicker or another reason. Is not your lather supposed to provide the slick factor and moisturizing factor. Does it really make your shave better?
I use TSD ISZ PSB on the weekends for my Saturday str8 and Sunday SE shaves. I put it on, let it sit for about 30 minutes (the reason I only use it on the weekends), then shower it off. For me, SE (remember, str8s are a single edge, too!!) shaves are just a tad rougher than DE shaves. The pre-shave balm seems to help by softening my beard. Does it really? Can't hurt, might help. Besides, I like the menthol tingle.
I've only used a hot shower. I find face lathering does a great job keeping me moisturized due to spending a good minute or two working lather up on my face.
When I began DE shaving, I used olive oil or pure glycerin as a pre-shave. I have learned through trial and error, that prepping the skin is equally important as prepping the beard, especially with a STR8 razor. That is why I now shave after a hot shower. It moisturizes the face and softens the beard. I used to shave in the a.m. without moisturizing the skin and relying on the oil to lubricate the skin. I feel that the soap or cream should supply the slickness for lubrication. Some do more so than others. That is the main reason that I don't rely on Williams soap anymore. It lathered well enough, but didn't supply the slickness or moisturizing quality that my other soap (VDH deluxe) or my creams provide. Hope this helps.
I've been looking at TSD's Pre-Shave Balm ingredient list today and it reads like a list for an upscale post shave balm. Lots of good stuff in it. I use it because after my shower my skin gets dry very fast. I believe the text book answer to your question is pre-shave softens the whiskers and soap lather lubricates.
I've tried a lot of pre-shave stuff but found that once I started getting a really good lather that my pre-shave prep was able to be condensed. My pre-shave now consists of a hot shower, face wash using a tallow based bar (currently Yardley), and then I face lather and leave the initial lather on a little longer. I also spend more time than needed while making the lather for the first pass on my face to allow more time for the hairs to soften. My post-shave regimen that now keeps my face hydrated is actually the first thing I'm doing as prep for my next day's shave.
I've tried a few pre-shave products (not including TSD, though). The only one that has done anything for me is T&H. It makes shaves noticeably smoother and easier with a variety of razors, blades and soaps/creams. The light aroma is also nice. It's pricey, but I use so little that it can't cost more than a few cents per shave if that.
I hot shower, and sometimes use proraso pre shave (it feels very nice not sure if my shaves are any better when I use it)
I have always used, and most likely will continue to use, Proraso Pre/Post Shave with every shave. While it may not do anything to get a closer shave, the few times I have forgotten about it, or have run out and not replenished, my face has felt very irritated afterwards, especially in very warm or very cold weather. As I live in Indiana, that is pretty much all the time. Also, I found that Proraso helps to heal up any small nicks that may occur while shaving, and helps to soften everything up. Hope this helps, and happy shaving!
My husband & I both like using pre-shave oils. Currently, he uses jojoba oil, with a little Lavender EO for scent. (I mix it for him). I am using an olive oil/castor oil blend-25% castor oil. We are still experimenting with blends, but so far, we both find pre-shave oils to be helpful.
I currently use Proraso, but would like to try something different. Has anyone used Crema 3P.....and if so what is it like?
I gave a sample of my 75% Jojoba/25% castor blend (scented with lavender, eucalyptus & spearmint EO's) to a colleague. He tried it & liked the results too. I think I will stick with that ratio. BTW, I also scented some of that blend with a Bay Rum FO for my husband. He likes that scent too.
