Shaving cream, gel, foam or soap. Canned, in a tube or bar soap format. You have choices but what effect does shaving cream have on facial hair and does your choice or product really matter?
Let’s take a closer look at various forms of shaving creams and how they compare. Then we’ll take a different look at how shaving with cream vs dry shaving compares.
Shaving Cream, Gel, Foam And Soap Comparison
| Shaving Cream | Shaving Gel | Shaving Foam | Shaving Soap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benefits | Softens hair, lubricates skin, can contain moisturizing ingredients | Softens hair, lubricates skin, often clear for more precise shaving, can contain moisturizing ingredients | Softens hair, easy to apply, often less expensive | Traditional, natural ingredients, can be used with a brush for a luxurious lather |
| Pros | Offers a smooth, comfortable shave, ideal for those with sensitive skin, can be applied without water | Offers a smooth, comfortable shave, allows for precise shaving, ideal for those with thick or coarse hair | Provides a quick and easy shave, often less expensive than other options | Classic, traditional, and natural option, can create a luxurious lather with a brush |
| Cons | Can be more expensive, may clog razor blades if not rinsed properly | May not provide as much protection as cream or foam, can be sticky if overapplied | May not provide as much lubrication as other options, can dry out the skin | Can be time-consuming to use with a brush, may not provide as much lubrication as other options |
| Best for | Those with sensitive skin, those who want a close, comfortable shave | Those with thick or coarse hair, those who want a precise shave | Those who want a quick and easy shave, those who are on a budget | Those who want a traditional, luxurious shaving experience, those who enjoy using a brush |
| Format | Usually sold in a bowl that you lather up with a brush | Usually sold in a pressurized can | Usually sold in a pressurized can or tube | Usually sold in bar format that needs to be lathered |
Note that the benefits, pros, and cons listed above are generalizations, and may vary depending on the specific brand and formulation of each type of shaving product. Additionally, everyone’s skin and hair is unique, so what works
Shaving Cream Benefits Abound
Whichever you use, it has advantages that protects your skin over dry shaving. Dry shaving involves shaving without any water or shaving cream on a bare face. While dry shaving is fine and expected for an electric shaver – although wet shaver models now exist – dry shaving with a razor is not a good idea.
Dry shaving can lead to razor bumps and razor burn or otherwise irritated skin.
When you consider the cost of shaving cream, it really isn’t that much. Why would you skimp on this when it provides benefits to your skin and also making the shaving experience better?
What are those benefits that shaving cream offers?
The Effect Of Shaving Cream On Facial Hair And Skin
Softens skin and whiskers
When combined with a shower beforehand, the steam and warm water from the shower and shaving cream applied to your face softens the skin and whiskers and makes it easier to shave.
Reduces friction
Shaving cream provides lubrication and a barrier between the blade and your skin. When a razor blade scrapes along your skin, the drag and pulling of your whiskers can irritate skin. A good quality shaving cream reduces the friction and makes it less likely you will cut yourself or suffer from irritated skin afterwards.
Hydrates the skin
Shaving cream hydrates the skin especially better quality ones that include ingredients like shea butter, aloe or even essential oils to help soothe the skin.
Keeps track of your progress
Guys don’t think about this but applying shaving cream to your face gives you a goal. When you still have shaving cream on your skin, you haven’t shaved there yet. When your skin is clear of shaving cream, you know you’ve already covered that spot and don’t – and shouldn’t – shave it again.
Other benefits
Some shaving creams have awesome scents to choose from like Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Lime-Oil, Peppermint, Bergamot and Eucalyptus.
I use a cheap Palmolive shaving cream from a tube and it has a greasy feel to it that makes it go on my skin like slightly thick soap. It really coats the skin and while it shaves off easily, it doesn’t wipe off easily.
I also use shaving cream from a can and it works well for me as well. It wipes off easily – unlike the shaving cream from a tube – because the foam is just that: a puffy foam. Again, it works fine for me and keeps my skin from getting irritated.
And if you want to turn shaving into an experience, you can try a shaving soap in a bowl with a shaving brush.
If you find that you suffer from skin irritation or other skincare issues, try a new shaving cream. Or soap. Or gel. Better quality products might make the difference from a difficult shave to an easy one for you. And your skin will thank you.
Conclusion
- What effect does shaving cream have on facial hair? Shaving cream offers a number of benefits including softer skin and whiskers, less friction, hydrated skin, a path to follow while shaving and other benefits such as nice scents.
- Dry shaving – shaving without water or shaving cream – is not recommended as it increases the chance of skin irritation, ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
- If you find your shaving routine could use a change, consider switching your shaving cream. Try a different product or format ie. gel, soap, foam. You may notice a positive difference and a better shave.
- You might also consider a natural or organic shaving cream given the belief that some chemicals in mass-produced products may be harmful to men’s health over time.
What effect does shaving cream have on facial hair when you shave? Let us know in the comments below.