In harsh winter months, my skin takes a beating and my shaves suck!...not at all close and quite uncomfortable!
I usually use some pre shave oil that helps somewhat to make the skin supple and assist in improving the shave.
This year, I tried something different...I massaged a dab of cetaphil lotion as a pre shave.
My expectations were that it wouldn't do much and may even negatively impact the lather.
First success was that it didn't impact the lather at all (probably because I massaged it in really well) and second success was the big one...the shave was much more comfortable and smoother in the end!
I read somewhere in the past that pre shave is to condition the skin, not the stubble and I believe it! (It makes sense that with all the good soaps on the market, why in the world would we need to soften the hair beforehand or require more slickness?!!)
Whether it's pre shave oil or the cetaphil lotion, both these work best when my skin is in bad shape! In warmer months, the pre shave oil makes zero difference so I don't use it.
Pre- shave : Brush wash my face with CeraVe hand bar soap + a dollop of clear Aloe Vera gel on beard area.
I have been using this for years, a lot of cartridge razors have a lube strip with Aloe impregnated on it.
i also use cella preshave and baumbe preshave. both give me good results. but the Abbate Y La Mantia feels like its better. i just got this so i would need more shaves with it to be 100