You might want to add a hot towel to the prep cycle. Say just before the lathering step. Best guess is to do that for at least 2 minutes.
As an example, I set the brush to soak in hot water, and put a little hot water on my soap, at the same time I've got a towel in the sink soaking in the hot water. I grab the towel, wring it out so that it isn't dripping, go to my easy chair in the living room kick back for five to ten minutes with the towel wrapped around my face, just like at the barbershop.
Is there an AD for towels?
When performing the professional shaves i use a steam towel the apply shave oil(american crew makes a very good one, so does T&H) Then i do what is called a double steam which is apply steam towel as described above then remove add shave cream then wet a new towel , apply it over facial hair area then grab the previous hot towel and put it over that one. Press down a little using your hands over the facial hair areas that have most resistance. after that shave cream again and shave. Apply an after shave milk for your skin/hair coarseness type.
It works like a charm in the shop on sensative tree beard types