Thread: Cream drying out

I know this is a silly question and has probably been answered a thousand times, but for some reason my lather is drying up on my face during the shave. Am I taking too long? Is my mug too hot? I've been mixing it this way for a while and never really had much of a problem, I would just add more lather to my face. It stays frothy in the mug throughout the shave, but once on my face it seems to dry up and flake off after a bit? It's strange and can't get uncomfortable... Any ideas?

Sound like you are making your lather too thick, add more water.. What soap are you using?

Originally Posted by Blix

Sound like you are making your lather too thick, add more water.. What soap are you using?

Using C.O. Bigelow (proraso) shave cream, it works well. I would say that the lather consistency is that of normal canned cream, so I figured that was right, have I been confused?

It's most likely a combination of lather that's too dry and taking a while to shave. The first issue is easy to solve, just add a bit more water while making your lather, just be sure to do it slowly so it doesn't become too wet. As for the second issue, shave faster.....

I've had best results by getting the cream to be a bit wetter than canned goo. Soft peaks, not stiff peaks like the goo

Originally Posted by Bronc

I've had best results by getting the cream to be a bit wetter than canned goo. Soft peaks, not stiff peaks like the goo

I will definitely try for softer peaks, maybe Ive been shaking out my brush more than usual. So am I looking for a frothy milk consistency as a guideline?

I haven't used Proraso in a while, but I remember it as being extremely forgiving with regards to the water to cream ratio. I would guess that you are currestly on the dryer side, and I'd agree with trying a bit more water. When you are making the lather, try adding in a few drops at a time, and stop if it gets too runny.

I also use the CO Biglow and have had this issue. Add a little bit more water, and try lathering your face in sections as you shave; IE right cheek as you shave right cheek, then left, chin, and so on and so forth. Just make sure as you do it to lather across the jaw line because when you stretch your skin you'll get fairly low on the neck. I do it this way so it doesn't dry out, since I take a very long time to shave.

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Devilpup

Originally Posted by Devilpup

I also use the CO Biglow and have had this issue. Add a little bit more water, and try lathering your face in sections as you shave; IE right cheek as you shave right cheek, then left, chin, and so on and so forth. Just make sure as you do it to lather across the jaw line because when you stretch your skin you'll get fairly low on the neck. I do it this way so it doesn't dry out, since I take a very long time to shave.


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Devilpup

thanks for the tip, i already lather in sections for this reason. I'm wondering if dry skin has anything to do with it as well. I'm currently stationed in the New Orleans area, working in the sun the majority of the time, so the dry skin is inevitable. I will definitely add more water this morning when i give it a shave, and i'll keep everyone updated as to the results.

I too made this mistake with my Proraso soap, not enough water. Today after reading this I added much more water and it made a big difference, much more lather and it didn't dry up as fast as it used to. Next step for me will be to figure out how it looks and behaves when I add too much water.