Overkill Post Shave Routine?

[BayRhum]

So in terms of chemistry or ?, is the following post shave process OK or should I switch the order of things? This is for when I've had a very irritating shave. Procedure:

1. Cold water wash
2. One pass with Alum block over wet face, let sit a few minutes then wash off
3. Light application of witch hazel, let dry
4. Light application of RazoRock Problem Solver
5. Apply aftershave splash such as Cat-o-9-Tails after Problem Solver evaporates (may substitute a balm here such Nivea, Spieck or RazoRock wax)
6. Smile from the smell of Cat-o-9-Tails

 

[setldown]

Heck! I do that even if I have a good shave.......time permitting.

 

[u2u]

1, 5 (Co9T), 6, and I am good to go. No burn is an irritation free shave. Burn equals work on the technique. For a truly irritating shave I would rinse and go to D. R. Harris Pink or Portland General Store Whiskey. I have tried more steps with more products. The only benefit was to the seller of the extras consumed.

 

[Elevenn]

I usually follow the above order, except for the witch hazel application (which, however, I sometimes use on its own with no aftershave. Thayer's Lavender is very nice). A question though: should the alum always be washed off or do some of you fellows leave it on?

 

[DueceMcCracken]

Sounds good to me. I enjoy 5+6 everyday. Good choice. Now if only Co9t came in gallons...

 

[weizemanner]

So in terms of chemistry or ?, is the following post shave process OK or should I switch the order of things? This is for when I've had a very irritating shave. Procedure:

1. Cold water wash
2. One pass with Alum block over wet face, let sit a few minutes then wash off
3. Light application of witch hazel, let dry
4. Light application of RazoRock Problem Solver
5. Apply aftershave splash such as Cat-o-9-Tails after Problem Solver evaporates (may substitute a balm here such Nivea, Spieck or RazoRock wax)
6. Smile from the smell of Cat-o-9-Tails

1. closes pores
2. closes pores and burns small cuts closed with alum
3. closes pores using plant extract and alcohol
4. closes pores using plant and fruit extracts and acid
5. closes pores and burns small cuts closed with alcohol and plant extracts
6. 

Generally when I give a shave I finish with 5 things i want to accomplish.

1. remove soap with warm water
2. cool the skin and begin closing pores
3. kill bacteria and seal any cuts.
4. moisturize
5. keep the face feeling dry

with what you have I would warm water rinse, cold water rinse, Problem solver (which has ingredients to close pores, moisturize, and kill bacteria), Balm or lotion to protect the skin like nivea, then you can apply some aftershave to smell good, and some talc if you like to feel dry and reduce irritation around the collar.

 

[Darkbulb]

No burn is an irritation free shave. Burn equals work on the technique.

Is razor burn always because of technique or can it also be because of the blade? I had my 4th shave today. The first 3 w/ Derby and NO issues. Today w/ my first Astra blade and my face as burning up

 

[Patpug]

I rinse, Witch Hazel, aftershave, done.

Same

 

[u2u]

Is razor burn always because of technique or can it also be because of the blade? I had my 4th shave today. The first 3 w/ Derby and NO issues. Today w/ my first Astra blade and my face as burning up

For a DE user blade choice is important. As a straight user what counts is technique, be it in maintaining or applying the blade. I am almost exclusively a straight user.

I have had good results with Derby Extra blades in my DEs but many don't care for them. Until you find what works well for you, expect the occasional turkey. My favourite DE blades are Feather, but like the Derby, they get mixed reviews.

A good shave reduces the need for complex post shave routines. If you want a complex routine, that is simply a matter of choice.

 

[BigJim]

I rinse, Witch Hazel, aftershave, done.

+1

 

[lowjax]

I rinse, Witch Hazel, aftershave, done.

+1

 

[Ron Scott]

I rinse, Witch Hazel, aftershave, done.

This.

I used to start with the Alum bloc but didn't see the need so I cut it out for 90% of my shaves. Like that Dickinson's tho...

 

[Facial Blood Donor]

1) Warm rinse
2) Styptic(if I need it)
3) Run an ice cube over my face
4) Dry face and splash of AS(my favorite right now is just good ol' Mennen Skin Bracer. It's got a little menthol kick that I don't remember when I first started using it 35 years ago.