The Theory Behind Pre-Shave Oil
Pre-shave oil (also called shave oil or shaving oil) is a product category that has been hotly debated over the course of the existence of wet shavers. It's thought that it works to reduce nicks and irritation by increasing the skin suppleness and pliability or by providing lubrication for the razor to glide more easily over the skin.
Let's Look At The Facts
The bottom line is this: Well-moisturized and supple skin does not cut or become irritated as easily as dry skin.
A pre-shave oil that PENETRATES the skin holds water in the skin, and the skin is better moisturized and very supple. When a blade drags across the well moisturized skin, the skin "gives" to the blade and will bend or conform significantly to the shape of the blade BEFORE it will be torn or cut by the blade. This is the property of being supple. On the other hand, if the skin is dry, it will not be very supple. When the blade drags across the skin, the skin will not give or conform to the blade but will instead instantly tear and/or become irritated.
So Should You Be Using Pre-Shave Oil?
We believe that you should, in fact, be using pre-shave oil as a part of your daily shaving regime. Why?
Two words: Razor burn.
Men know there's nothing worse than that annoyingly itchy, painfully uncomfortable feeling caused by razor burn.
More than just being unattractive, razor burn can effect the long term health of your skin, leaving unsightly red bumps on your face that itch, hurt, and often become a chronic problem. Razor bumps can even lead to acne and scarring, lowering confidence and effecting your personal appearance for the rest of your life.
If your goal is to completely eliminate all nicks, cuts, tugs and bumps, shaving cream alone won't cut it. You need to be using pre shave oil.
Pre shave oil helps protect against irritation and razor burn by creating an added layer of lubricating protection, conditioning your skin and softening the hairs to promote razor glide, resulting in the smoothest most comfortable shave of your life.
Choosing The Right Pre Shave Oil
Not all pre shave oils are created equal. With so many options out there, it can be hard to pick.
If there's only one piece of information you take away from guide, make it this: When you're shopping for the right pre shave oil for you or your loved one's needs, be sure you choose one with both light, fast absorbing oils and lubricating, slow absorbing oils.
Light, fast absorbing oils like grapeseed, coconut, argan, hempseed, and jojoba immediately start moisturizing, conditioning, and preparing the skin for shaving the minute they touch its surface. These oils are important because they quickly condition the skin and soften beard hair, making it easier for your razor to cut.
Lubricating, slow absorbing oils like olive, avocado, and sweet almond sit gently over top of the skin to provide a naturally protective barrier. These oils are important because they promote a smooth razor glide without leaving any oily residue, making shaving smooth and comfortable.
Additional Tip: When it comes to slow absorbing oils, we recommend steering away from castor oil.
Most pre shave oil brands out there use castor oil as the main ingredient in their pre shave oil. Although castor oil is a good lubricating oil, it is extremely thick and viscous, making it extremely greasy and hard to spread, causing it to ultimately clog both your razor and your pores. That's why we recommend sticking with olive, avocado, and sweet almond.
How to Use Pre Shave Oil
Pre shave oil application should go as follows:
(1) Prep with a steamy shower or hot towel to open pores.
(2) Shake bottle well to mix oils.
(3) Wet face with warm water.
(4) Work a dime-sized portion into skin until completely absorbed.
(5) Lather/superlather up with shaving cream and shave as usual.
(6) Take a selfie, you earned it.
Our Pre Shave Oil Recommendation
As we said before, with so many options for pre shave oil out there, it can be tough to choose the right one (especially if you're looking for a pre shave oil with all of the qualities mentioned above).
To make shopping easier, we created our own pre shave oil that includes every single one of the oils listed above: American Shaving Pre-Shave Oil
American Shaving's handcrafted pre shave oil uses only the highest quality base oils, complimented with jojoba, argan, sweet almond, hempseed, olive, and avocado oils to moisturize and condition your skin prior to shaving, preventing itching, irritation, and razor burn to leave your skin noticeably softer and healthier.
American Shaving Pre-Shave Oil was specially crafted to protect against all forms of skin irritation caused by razor burn.
By conditioning the skin and beard prior to shaving, our naturally formulated pre-shave oil will create a protective barrier over your skin that enhances razor glide and leaves your skin feeling softer and smoother to the touch. American Shaving Pre-Shave Oil has been uniquely tailored to suit all beard types.
If you'd like to try it risk-free, simply click here to check it out.
Conclusion
Pre-shave oils aren’t just another wet shaving product.
It’s one more tool in your grooming arsenal that will make your shaving routine more enjoyable with less - if any, irritation.
What's great about using oil before shaving is the fact that it is healthy, gentle on the skin and offers the easiest way to get a smooth shave. It won’t only help you get a nice close shave by softening your facial hair but it will also nourish your skin.
So what are your waiting for? Start using pre shave oil today and get one step closer to meeting the best shave you've ever had.