Someone may have taught you how to shave when you were younger, but they probably didn’t tell you exactly why shaving cream is so important. Sure, you see men apply shaving cream in commercials before enjoying a smooth, refreshing shave, but you may not know what it really does for your face. And this is nothing to be ashamed of! The fact is that most men don’t really understand much about shaving cream, including what it does and why it’s such an important part of the shaving process.
So, what does shaving cream do? Is it possible to shave without shaving cream? What are the steps to follow when using shaving cream? Finally, where can you find the best shaving cream for men?
In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, so let’s get started!
What Does Shaving Cream Do?
Shaving cream fulfills a number of important functions before and during the shaving process. Here are just a few of the primary benefits of using shaving cream:
- Lubrication - If you’ve ever accidentally nicked yourself while shaving, you know that your skin doesn’t always get along well with your razor. This is why shaving cream can be a great tool to improve your shaving experience. Essentially, shaving cream works as a lubricating barrier between the razor and your skin. This helps reduce friction and prevents the razor from pulling at your facial hairs.
- Moisturization - Shaving cream can help soften the skin, which in turn softens the hair, making it easier to cut. This hydration also extends to the individual hair follicles. When hair follicles absorb moisture, they swell and become more visible and easier to shave. Not only does this improve your shaving experience by allowing a closer cut, but it also helps make your skin feel refreshed and hydrated once you’re finished.
- Visibility - If you’re not paying close attention, you may lose track of which areas of your face you’ve shaved and which ones you’ve missed. Using shaving cream largely prevents this issue by allowing you to cover the exact areas you want to shave, and showing you which areas you still have left.
- Cooling - While each shaving cream is different, many contain ingredients that provide a natural cooling and soothing effect on the skin. This may not make the quality of the shave any better, but it can certainly make the experience more enjoyable!
- Fragrance - Plenty of men turn to aftershave to give their face a pleasant aroma after a shave. But if you don’t have the time or the inclination to add aftershave to your shaving regimen, you can still get a nice fragrance and aroma from your shaving cream.
Can You Shave Without Shaving Cream?
Yes, you can shave without shaving cream, but depending on how you do it, the quality of the results may vary. If you intend on using a standard razor, shaving without cream could increase the risk of cuts and razor burns. It can also make it more difficult to know exactly which parts of your face still require shaving. Without cream, you’re at greater risk of walking out the door with a small patch of fuzz on your face!
Whether or not you use shaving cream, shaving with a standard razor is traditionally known as “wet shaving.” This is generally because you will use shaving cream and/or water to reduce irritation and ensure a cleaner cut. Alternatively, you may choose to use an electric razor, which does not require shaving cream or water. Thus, this method is known as “dry shaving.” Dry shaving is typically best if you’re short on time or you want to be able to shave in any direction without causing skin irritation. However, it’s important to note that dry shaving typically does not provide as close of a cut as wet shaving, and you’re still at a slightly greater risk of experiencing some kind of skin irritation.
How To Use Shaving Cream
Using shaving cream is pretty straightforward, but if you’re just starting out or unsure if you’re doing things correctly, it’s always best to double-check. Here are a few steps you can follow to get the most out of your shaving cream:
- Wash your face with a facial cleanser
- Keep your face damp using warm water
- Put a dollop of shaving cream on your hand and apply it evenly across the bottom half of your face (cover all areas that you want to shave)
- Shave using a standard or straight razor
- Rinse off any hair trimmings and excess shaving cream
- Follow up with an aftershave balm or moisturizer
Is It Best To Shave Before Cleansing Or After?
While you have the freedom to cleanse after shaving, we always recommend doing it beforehand. Why? Because a clean face almost always results in a closer, more comfortable shave. The cleansing process helps remove dead skin, soften the hairs, and open the pores. All of these results can reduce the risk of ingrown hairs and any other kind of irritation. And while bacterial infection is uncommon, it’s still an important factor to consider. If you cleanse your face first, a nick or scratch caused by shaving is far less likely to become infected later on.
Pre-Shave Routine
We’ve already covered the basics of shaving in the previous section, but it’s also good to be aware of the steps you can take to prep your face for a good shave. Though every man’s pre-shave routine will look a little different, here are a few good steps and products to consider:
- Dampen your face with warm water
- Apply a high-quality cleanser, like Anthony’s Glycolic Facial Cleanser
- Rub the cleanser into the skin using circular motions
- Rinse off the cleanser with warm water
- Apply Anthony’s Conditioning Beard Wash or Pre-Shave + Conditioning Beard Oil to further prepare the hair follicles
Post-Shave Routine
There’s a little less uniformity in the post-shave routine, as it will largely depend on the unique needs of your skin. That said, it is often best to pat your skin dry after you shave and apply a good facial moisturizer or aftershave balm. Alternatively, if you want to prevent or treat ingrown hairs, you should consider Anthony’s Ingrown Hair Treatment.
The Best Shaving Cream For Men
A truly great shaving cream must do three things. It must cleanse the area, lubricate the face, and relax the skin. Fortunately, Anthony’s Shave Cream does all three. Thanks to its naturally antiseptic ingredients (eucalyptus and rosemary extract), Anthony’s Shave Cream keeps your shave hygienic and prevents infections, even if you accidentally nick yourself. Plus, the Squalene gives Anthony’s Shave Cream an edge over alternatives, providing enhanced lubrication for the cleanest shave possible. Finally, Anthony’s unique blend of hops provides a cooling and refreshing sensation before, during, and after you shave.
And that’s not all. Anthony’s Shave Cream also provides maximum hydration so that your skin will feel smooth and your hair follicles will become larger and easier to cut. Once you’re done shaving, Anthony’s proprietary shaving cream will leave behind a pleasant and alluring fragrance that you can enjoy for the rest of your day. In short, if you’re looking for the best possible shaving cream for men, you can’t go wrong with Anthony’s Shave Cream!
Want to learn even more about shaving cream for men? If so, be sure to check out the great products and solutions available at Anthony today!
