I have to admit that I hate shaving. It seems such a waste of time to me. Every morning I need to devote 10-15 minutes to scrape the dead wire-like hair off my face. Not only is it messy, but it hurts. I have tried an electric razor but it just doesn’t cut it. Only in recent years have I been able to shave with a blade razor. My facial skin has been too sensitive to cope with a razor blade. Any small cuts would turn into a pustule. Any small papule was in danger of being sliced open. The irritation from shaving certainly didn’t enhance the redness of my rosacea.
I have seen shaving oils talked about in the past. Surely they don’t work though right ? The best way to shave is to have a heap of creamy lather ? Well now I’m not sure. In fact I’m almost ready to discard shaving cream for good.
For the last 2 weeks I have been using Dermalogica Close Shave Oil. For the first time in as long as I can remember, I no longer cut myself during my early morning facial scraping. Not only do I emerge from the bathroom without several nicks (suggesting that I don’t know how to shave) I also have the closest and smoothest shave I can remember.
As the oil is clear and you apply so little, you can see exactly where you are shaving. Until you get used it actually working you won’t believe that something you can’t see actually does a good job.
The slight smell reminds me a bit of camphor oil, it is a little bit of an unusual smell, certainly not the perfume I used to.
The instructions say to shake a few drops into a wet palm and smooth over dampened area to be shaved. Rinse razor often. This last tip is important as the oil tends to cause the razor to become blocked with the accumulation of the stubble. If you don’t rinse often and vigorously, you will certainly clog the razor solid.
Afterwards I find that my usual cleanser – Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser doesn’t give a great feeling of washing off the oil. I moisturize anyway with Cetaphil Moisturizer and so far I haven’t noticed any bad reaction from the oil.
The price may seem a little steep for a small bottle, but 4 drops is enough for a strong beard. I expect my bottle to last several months at least. The oil is perfect for travelling, the bottle is so much smaller and lighter than a can of shaving foam.
Hey one last tip – it is great for shaving your legs too.
Official Product Description
“This slick oil is perfect for shaving goatees, moustaches and sideburns, or for those who prefer maximum visibility while shaving. Formulated with a rich blend of botanicals, Close Shave Oil comforts and soothes the skin while lifting the hairs for an irritation-free finish. Silicones allow the razor to glide evenly over the skin to minimize the risk of nicks, cuts and razor burn. Camphor diminishes irritation while thyme, clove, lavender and tea tree condition and soften the skin. Free of artificial colorants and fragrances, and suitable for shaving the head.”
Ingredients
The first ingredients give a clue to why to works so well – lubricants that help the razor smooth across the skin.
Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Amodimethicone, Dimethiconol, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citris Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Ocimum Basililicum (Basil) Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang-Ylang) Flower Oil, Pinus Palustris (Pine) Oil, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Oil, Eugenia Carypophyllus (Clove) Flower Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Cedrus Atlantica (Cedarwood) Bark Oil, Melaleuca Leucadendron Cajaput Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Camphor, Limonene, Linalool.
Final Remarks
OK, I don’t think I have raved about a product in this way for a long time. It is nice to find a product that you really like, one that works as it is advertised. I think this oil will remain in my box of toiletries.
If you find shaving is causing you irritation, please let us know if this product helps you.
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