Benefits of Using a Shave Oil

Benefits of Using a Shave Oil

Introduction

We recently released our new line of all-natural shave oils and thought we’d take a few minutes to discuss the benefits of using a shave oil as part of your regular shaving routine.

What Is Shave Oil?

A shave oil, quite simply, is any oil that’s applied to the skin for the purpose of shaving with. Usually shave oils are made up of a combination of different non-comedogenic, plant based oils, each chosen for their benefits and feel on the skin. These ingredients nourish and hydrate your skin, soften stubble, and make it easier for your razor to glide effortlessly across your face or legs. Shave oils also add a layer of protection between the blade and skin so you can safely shave without too much friction and help ensure an extra close and comfortable shave (especially if you have dry or sensitive skin). Shave oils can be used alone, or in combination with a shave soap or shaving cream (our favorite way to us them).

Is Shave Oil the Same as Beard Oil?

Shave oils should not be confused with beard oil. A shave oil prepares your facial hair for shaving and is designed to be used alone or before you apply shave soap or shaving cream. On the other hand, beard oil works to condition your beard and the skin underneath it, moisturize it, and strengthen and improve hair growth. Beard oils also reduce itching, tame flyaways, and increase your facial hair’s durability.

Does Shave Oil Cause Acne?

This all comes down to the quality of shave oil that you use. Unfortunately, products with poor quality ingredients can be challenging to rinse off. This can clog pores and cause you to break out. The good news is that this can easily be avoided. By selecting a shave oil with all-natural, high quality ingredients, the oil will rinse effortlessly off your skin once you’re done shaving. If you stick to natural shave oils, they’ll not only create a more comfortable shave, they will also improve your complexion and the overall health of your skin.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Shave Oil?

Shave Oil is a Great Moisturizer

While shaving itself doesn’t dry out your skin, some of the products you use and the exposure of skin to the razor can leave your skin wanting for moisture. Using a shave oil made with plant-based oils (like almond, argan, grape seed, jojoba, sunflower, and castor oils) beforehand (along with an all-natural shave soap or alcohol-free shaving cream), can help hydrate your skin and prepare it for the shaving process. Shave oils are also rich in vitamins, providing even more nourishment for your skin. Also, many of the oils which are typically used in shave oils will actually continue to moisturize your skin after your shave is completed.

Shave Oil Softens the Hair and Skin

Shave oil softens your skin and hair follicles, reducing friction, and making it easier for your razor to glide smoothly over the surface. This can help to reduce irritation and razor burn, making for a more comfortable shaving experience.

Shave Oil Acts as a Lubricant

When used alone, or in combination with shave soap or shaving cream, a shave oil creates a lubricating barrier on the skin and helps provide a smooth glide for an even smoother shave. It effectively creates a buffer between your face and the razor, allowing the blade to pass over much more smoothly than it otherwise would. You’ll find that, rather than staying in the way of the blade and resisting its path, your skin will simply give way and allow it to pass over effortlessly.

Shave Oil Helps Prevent Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hairs are a common problem for many men and women, and they can be uncomfortable. Shave oil can help to prevent ingrown hairs by allowing your razor to glide smoothly over your skin, reducing the risk of hairs getting trapped underneath the surface.

Shave Oil Helps Eliminate Razor Burn, Redness, and Itching

Razor burn, redness, and itching from shaving is not only uncomfortable, but this common shaving issue is also unsightly and takes away from the look of your clean shave. Using a shave oil can actually help prevent things like razor burn by better prepping your skin, raising your hair, and creating a smoother shaving surface that can help prevent irritation.

Shave Oil Helps Protect Your Skin From Nicks and Cuts

Shave oil helps form a protective barrier on your skin and raises the hair, allowing you to shave more easily. This protects your skin from the razor, which, in turn, can help to reduce irritation and helps prevent nicks and cuts as you shave.

Shave Oil is Ideal for Dry and Sensitive Skin

If you have dry or sensitive skin, having shave oil is a must. The plant-based nutrients present in shave oil soothe inflammation and calm itchy or irritated skin. Also, because shave oils do not contain any artificial ingredients, they can moisturize and help repair the skin after each shave.

Shave Oil Smells Great

Many shave oils (like ours) have a pleasant, natural scent from essential oils that can help to freshen up your shaving routine. This is especially beneficial if you're someone who likes to start their day with a fresh, clean scent that isn't bad for you.

Shave Oil Offers a Natural Shave Solution

Sick of lathering up with harsh detergents and chemical-laden products? You should be. So many of the chemicals in commercial skincare products, from soap to shaving cream, are dehydrating, damaging to your skin, speed up the aging process, and are even potentially hazardous to your health.

When you use a natural shave oil, you’re choosing to care for your skin now and over the long term. A natural product will ensure a great shave today and keep your skin looking good for years to come.

How to Use Shave Oil?

To get the most out of your shave oil, it pays to prep yourself with either a hot shower, a warm towel, or a splash of warm water across your face or legs. The steam works to soften the hair and open your pores, which allows the shave oil to soak in and unlock its full potential.

Once you’ve prepped your face or legs, apply a few drops of shave oil to your palms and rub your hands together. This warms up the oil and ensures it’s ready to apply to your skin. Then massage the oil to your face or legs, making sure that you work into your skin in small, circular motions. By working it down into the skin, this helps to raise the hairs and provides optimal protection from razor burn. Spend a bit of time working the oil into your stubble and remember to apply to the whole area that you wish to shave. After applying the shave oil, give it a minute before shaving to be well absorbed by your skin and hair.

The next step is to lather a shave soap or shaving cream over the top of the oil (optional, but preferred), and shave as normal. You can also use the shave oil alone. If using alone, shave in the direction of hair growth, using short strokes and keeping the area wet. After shaving, rinse your face or legs and pat them dry. For best results, finish with a natural aftershave.

Conclusion

Adding a shave oil to your shaving routine is a great way to enhance your shaving experience, particularly if you have dry sensitive skin. It only takes a few second to apply and almost guarantees you come away with a closer and more comfortable shave.