Can I shave my face without using shaving cream or is dry shaving bad for my skin?
Shaving bare skin with a razor without use of shaving cream – also called dry shaving – is not advisable especially if you have coarse beard hair or sensitive skin. The purpose of a shaving cream, soap or gel is to lubricate the skin and soften the hairs while also protecting against friction from the razor. Excess irritation of the skin can lead to razor burn which is a rash that typically occurs after shaving typically due to not using shaving cream or using a dull razor.
The razor blade(s) glides more easily across your skin while it cuts your hair when it has a medium like a shaving cream to work on. Shaving bare skin hurts, causes irritation and can lead to cuts, ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
And with the average brand name razors having 2-7 blades these days, that means more sharp metal blades scraping against your skin with protection.
It isn’t the same with an electric shaver, in case you’re wondering. While many electric shavers now come with a wet/dry option, traditional electric shavers can be used on a bare face with no shaving cream. That’s because electric shavers use reciprocating or rotating blades that sit underneath a protective foil or cover and aren’t touching the skin. Unlike a razor blade which is literally swiping your skin and cutting the hairs directly.
Dry Shaving vs Wet Shaving
Here’s a comparison of what you experience with both dry shaving and wet shaving.
Skin irritation and tugging on the skin. My few experiences with dry shaving as a kid weren’t great which is why I don’t do it anymore. I felt the razor dragging on my skin, pulling on the facial hairs and it irritated my face and made parts of it red. And I’d shaved the day before so the hairs were short. I can’t imagine the discomfort if I’d have skipped a day shaving and then tried dry shaving. When you use shaving cream as part of a wet shave, the razor glides and the cream protects your skin.
Uneven shave. I found that dry shaving doesn’t do much as far as a great shave goes, unsurprisingly. I found myself trying to shave the same areas repeatedly because the hair wasn’t cut uniformly. This took more time and added to my skin irritation. When you use shaving cream, it tends to result in a more even shave and less if any need to go over the same area more than once.
Cut and nicks tend to increase. With a dry shave, you will most likely find yourself over shaving, and will shave the same area repeatedly until you clear all the hairs as mentioned above. You will also tend to overcompensate by holding the shaver harder against your skin combined with the extra friction may lead to cuts and nicks. Shaving cream lubricates the skin and acts as a barrier between the razor and your skin.
Skin dryness. Some men have dry skin to begin with. Irritating your skin with a dry shave can further dry out your skin. Shaving creams tend to have additives including moisturizers and ingredients that help to soothe and keep the skin hydrated like aloe vera.
Is Dry Shaving Bad For Your Face And Skin?
Yes.
It certainly doesn’t help your skin, that’s for sure.
When you’re in a pinch and have no access to shaving cream, try using soap or body wash if you have some handy. It’s better than nothing. I tried dry shaving a few times when I was younger when I had run out of shaving cream and gave up pretty quickly. While not exactly like sandpaper to the face, the tugging and friction from the razor on my skin didn’t feel great.
I’ve shaved my head and face a few times using soap and although I wouldn’t make a habit of it, it turned out fine. I’d either forgotten shaving cream or had run out of it. It was preferable to dry shaving anyways.
Conclusion
- Dry shaving is not a great idea as it irritates the skin, doesn’t produce a great shave and leads to more cuts and nicks.
- Shaving creams tend to have additives that help to soothe the skin such as aloe vera. Dry shaving on the other hand can further dry out and irritate your skin.
- If you have to dry shave, I wouldn’t make a habit of it. Try to use soap or face wash on your face in place of shaving cream.
- Electric shavers are fine for dry shaving because they are designed that way. Having said that, wet/dry electric shavers are now widely available which you can use with shaving cream and often in the shower.