Opti ons, Options, Options.  Sometimes it seems as though  we have too many choices to make, too ma ny decisions on too many issues.  Being a wet shaver offers no respite.  Pre and post shave oils and lotion, type of razor, brand of blades and brush shaving accessories that all require some thought and scrutiny.  Probably one of the most important however is the source of the lather we apply to our face. Although there are a wide variety of brands there are only four basic mediums: Foams, Creams, Gels and Soaps.  Which to Choose? What are their differences? Advantages? Disadvantages?

We’ll not pass judgment on which is the best medium since it’s largely a personal preference issue.  We’ll simply provide some basic information and you can make up your own mind regarding which you prefer.  “One man’s preference, another man’s poison.”

Foams

For this exercise foams are defined as being can contained and aerosol activated. What 2/3 of the shaving population use every day.  Relatively new, they were first introduced in 1949.  Because of their primary advantage, convenience, they meshed well with emerging cultural trends of the 50’s and 60’s.  While canned foam certainly gets you out of the bathroom quickly, there are a couple of downside issues to consider.  Many brands contain significant levels of alcohol.   Alcohol tends to dry skin when is should be hydrated and conditioned. Additionally, the canned foam product contains a good deal of air which negatively  affects its’ ability to adequately suspend your facial hairs upright during the shave.  This ultimately decreases its’ softness and thoroughness and also increases the likelihood that the razor will drag across your skin and ‘burn’ it.

Gels

Gels come in a tube or aerosol can.  They are applied directly to the face and typically remain clear and don’t lather-up upon application.  Herein lays their principal advantage.  They can be useful for those who need to skillfully maneuver around the shave of thier goatee or mustache.  You’ll alwyas be abot to see the hair beneath and avoind trimming too far into your beard.  In addition, for those with easily irritated skin or “problem areas” (due to break-outs, etc.), the gel makes it easier to avoid cutting in affected areas.  Disadvantagre.  Many find them gunky, over reliant on chemicals and harsh on the skin.

Creams

Creams are cross between soaps and gels, and are available in a tube or jar. You can use your fingers to apply it directly to your face and lather up or in conjunction with a brush and/or mug.  They often contain glycerin which helps create a smooth and creamy lather that holds plenty of water and leaves the skin smooth and soft.  Since they need to be lathered, creams lack the convenience of Gels and Foams.

Soaps

Traditional soaps come in a cake form.  They produce a thick, whipped, creamy foam when lathered with a decent shaving brush.   They often contain oils, herbs and plant extracts that not only leave a pleasant fragrance but help hydrate and condition the skin, resulting in a smoother shave.  They may also help with some skin conditions.  Soaps, like creams, require a bit of time to work up lather, so they too rank a bit lower on convenience scale.

So there you have it.  If your shaving accessories preference is convenience the first two are for you.  If you’re looking for a bit more from you daily shave then creams and soaps are it.  Regardless which you chose be sure to look at the ingredient and avoid products that contain harsh chemicals or additives.

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