Beard prep/scrub ?

[DavidSeattleWA]

How many of you guys use a pre-shave scrub to soften your beard before you lather up? Just curious. I've been doing it for a while and it seems to make a signifigant difference for me. I think it's because my beard is heavy and course and it needs all the softening it can get to make my shave smoother. Doesn't seem like it would be as crucial for someone with a lighter beard. I suppose I could give that up all together and simply rely on a hot washcloth soak or just copious amounts of hot water massaged into my beard.

Any thoughts?

[mastermute]

Well, I don't use a scrub, but Proraso Pre/After shave cream. Maybe not so much to soften my beard, it's soft to begin with, but to soften the skin. It's part of my daily routine, I can't see myself not doing it ;)

[JayKay]

I've been washing my face with a cleansor in the shower and than throwing on some GFT skin food in the shower and letting it sit untill I go shave. I have been thinking of just rubbing some c.o. bigelow proraso shave cream on my face while in the shower and letting it sit. I've been finding that the T&H preshave oil works better than putting coral skin food on first. Both together work reasonably well.

[soulshine]

I have been using Baxter's scrub on my beard area for the last 2 years with great success. I had extreme problems when using a mach3 and canned goo many years back. I stumbled upon the website Menessentials during a search to help me with skincare problems, I thought it was acne related. I had moderate success with Jack Black's shave conditioner and a bit more success when I added the scrub into the routine. I had won a Merkur Futur in a give away there and that was the solution to my skin issues. I ultimately ditched the Futur and went with the HD exclusively.

s~s

[JayKay]

From what I hear, you should use a scrub daily. It is just to harsh for the face. I've read from dermatologists that scrub should only be used 1-2 times a week and cleansors should be used the other days. But as always, YMMV.

[Reformation Student]

From what I hear, you should use a scrub daily. It is just to harsh for the face. I've read from dermatologists that scrub should only be used 1-2 times a week and cleansors should be used the other days. But as always, YMMV.

I've read similar suggestions. My own experience backs that up. I stopped using a daily scrub as it was removing too many oils and the shaves were getting rough, even with a great shave cream

[qhsdoitall]

My Method:

Mild facial cleanser at the very beginning of the shower. The last thing in the shower is 45-60 seconds of as much as I can stand hot water on my face and neck. Just before lather building, I'll rehydrate the beard with splashes of hot water for 20-30 seconds.

[tjgriffin]

I've been washing my face with a cleansor in the shower and than throwing on some GFT skin food in the shower and letting it sit untill I go shave. I have been thinking of just rubbing some c.o. bigelow proraso shave cream on my face while in the shower and letting it sit. I've been finding that the T&H preshave oil works better than putting coral skin food on first. Both together work reasonably well.

I like to water down my lather after I'm done shaving and apply it to my face. I let it sit while I clean up. It makes my face nice and soft.

A couple of times, I applied dilute lather BEFORE I shaved and let it sit. Both times my face got pretty bad razor burn; red, sensitive, slightly puffy feeling. The first time, I thought it was the blade. But now I think the prep made my skin so soft, the razor just peeled off a couple layers too many.

I believe that while it can be good to soften one's skin a bit before shaving, softening the hair is more important, and over softening the skin can be dangerous. Proceed with caution...

[rick]

Ive been using a scrub in the shower for the past cuppa months......
Shaves seem to be better.
Go figure :confused:

[Sailinblues]

I only do the scrubby thing once a week and can only use a "gentle" cream afterwards. I thought I was having a reaction to some FO's in JoAnna's soaps, (Blueberry and Polynesian Red) but it turned out that both times I tried those soaps was after using a scrub. No scrub=No problems (Great soaps BTW!)

[VetsJetsnGuns]

I always use a scrub. Even without the shaving, it really helps.

[Scorpio]

no scrub, nada. Hot shower, towel and splash. That's how I roll:cool:

Raf

[Queen of Blades]

I thought I was having a reaction to some FO's in JoAnna's soaps, (Blueberry and Polynesian Red) but it turned out that both times I tried those soaps was after using a scrub. No scrub=No problems (Great soaps BTW!)

:scared011

Had me worried there for a minute. :ashamed001

I'm glad you figured that dilemma out! :signs107

:thanks

[Cutthroat_trout]

Well, I don't use a scrub, but Proraso Pre/After shave cream. Maybe not so much to soften my beard, it's soft to begin with, but to soften the skin. It's part of my daily routine, I can't see myself not doing it ;)

I'm with Johan - I just can't be bothered with that ;)

[Soto]

I heard urth makes a pretty good one but I have not tried it.

[rick]

Ive been using a combo of Mary Kay Body Buffing cream and Noxzema cold cream and am very happy with the results.
A side bennie is the back of my neck and forehead gets exfoliated as well.