Pre-shave products are classic YMMV.
For me, based upon empirical evidence, they improve my shaving experience. I should point out that I have coarse tough bristles; not just my opinion but also that of my Barber.
I always start with application of hot water to my face - maybe 20-30 seconds.
After trying many options, I have settled on Valobra Glyerlanolina soap to cleanse my skin and further soften my bristles.
I have tried many pre-shave lotions and gels, including Antica Barbieria Colla Almond Oil cream, Geo. F Trumper Skin Food, Castle Forbes Pre-shave gel, Proraso Green Pre-shave cream, and Baum.be Pre-Shave gel.
The two products that work best for me when prepping my face just prior to lathering are Alt Innsbruck Emulsion and Myrsol Emulsion. Both contain lanolin, which seems to work really well for me.
If I miss any steps of my pre-shave (and this happens occasionally if my mind is on other matters), I pick this up early on in the first pass. The most common sensation is a reduction is razor glide, and sometimes minor tugging, even if I am using a fresh sharp blade.
As I say, YMMV, so I can understand why some folks find pre-shave products unneccessary.
Folks are entitled to their opinions on pre-shave products, and some have done so by saying that they are a scam or a bunch of hooey. However, I note that many other members in this thread, including myself, have affirmed that pre-shave products are an important part of their routine.
For me, based upon empirical evidence, they improve my shaving experience. I should point out that I have coarse tough bristles; not just my opinion but also that of my Barber.
I always start with application of hot water to my face - maybe 20-30 seconds.
After trying many options, I have settled on Valobra Glyerlanolina soap to cleanse my skin and further soften my bristles.
I have tried many pre-shave lotions and gels, including Antica Barbieria Colla Almond Oil cream, Geo. F Trumper Skin Food, Castle Forbes Pre-shave gel, Proraso Green Pre-shave cream, and Baum.be Pre-Shave gel.
The two products that work best for me when prepping my face just prior to lathering are Alt Innsbruck Emulsion and Myrsol Emulsion. Both contain lanolin, which seems to work really well for me.
If I miss any steps of my pre-shave (and this happens occasionally if my mind is on other matters), I pick this up early on in the first pass. The most common sensation is a reduction is razor glide, and sometimes minor tugging, even if I am using a fresh sharp blade.
As I say, YMMV, so I can understand why some folks find pre-shave products unneccessary.
Folks are entitled to their opinions on pre-shave products, and some have done so by saying that they are a scam or a bunch of hooey. However, I note that many other members in this thread, including myself, have affirmed that pre-shave products are an important part of their routine.