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People also ask
Do you need shaving cream?
How to choose a good shaving cream?
Can You shave without shaving cream?
Should you use shaving cream if you have dry skin?
Should you use shaving soap or shaving cream?
May 27, 2020 · To get intel on the great debate of whether you do need shaving cream (or not), we've asked the experts for the low-down, once and for all.
- Rachel Lapidos
- 8 min
Learn why it’s so important to use shaving cream when you shave and the differences between shave gel and shaving foam.
- Overview
- Risks and side effects of shaving without shaving cream
- Alternatives to shaving cream or gel
- Can you shave with just water?
- How to shave without shaving cream
- Post-shave care
- Takeaway
Shaving without shaving cream or gel can increase your risk of cuts, but you may be able to use other household products, including aloe vera gel and conditioner.
Shaving cream is a cosmetic product that softens and lubricates your hair to make shaving easier. When you apply shaving cream to your skin, it creates a lather that serves as a protective, moisturizing barrier between the razor and your skin.
This is meant to lower the risk of cuts and nicks from your razor and to minimize scraping and damage to your skin. Shaving cream can also help you get a closer shave.
But what about when you need to shave but don’t have shaving cream available? If you find yourself in this position, you still have plenty of household options. In a pinch, it’s also possible to carefully shave without using any lubricant at all.
Nicks and cuts
Shaving without shaving cream may increase your risk for a shaving injury. When you shave without any lubrication (known as dry-shaving), there’s less protection on your skin when you shave.
Razor burn
Dry-shaving has the potential to scrape off skin cells, even if you don’t visibly nick or cut your skin. This can cause razor burn, itchy bumps, and redness after shaving.
Razor bumps
Shaving without shaving cream can cause razor bumps and ingrown hairs, also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae. Razor bumps can be itchy and pus-filled. They can also become infected.
Even if you don’t have shaving cream at your disposal, you can use some alternatives. People who are allergic to shaving cream, rejoice: There are plenty of other safe options for you.
Note that shaving with shower gels or soaps can coat your skin and make it slippery. That means they can dull your razor blade because they don’t rinse off of it as well. They can also make it more likely that you hurt yourself shaving.
Safer alternatives to shaving cream include:
•hair conditioner or cream rinse
•cream-based body lotion
•aloe vera gel
If you don’t have any options for a shaving cream alternative, you can shave with only water.
Steaming up your bathroom with a hot shower will help open up your pores and hair follicles. Then switch the stream to a warm (not hot) temperature before shaving carefully.
You shouldn’t make it a habit to shave without shaving cream because of the risks and side effects, but obviously, there isn’t always a choice. Sometimes, you just run out.
The key to shaving without shaving cream is to treat your skin even more gently than you would when you shave normally.
•If you don’t have shaving cream handy but you do have a brand new razor available, use it! A razor or blade cartridge fresh out of the package is less likely to spread bacteria if you do injure yourself shaving.
•Don’t push hard against dry skin with a razor, and shave with the grain of your hair (even though shaving against the grain is what gets you a slightly closer shave).
•It’s a good idea to use warm water or steam from a shower to open the hair follicles before you shave.
•Use a washcloth to cover the area you’re shaving with warm water as you shave. If you’re able to get a continuous stream of warm water via a showerhead, even better.
After you’ve dry-shaved or shaved with only water, take steps to take care of your skin to minimize side effects.
•Create a moisture barrier for your skin by using aloe, shea butter, coconut oil, or your lotion of choice.
•If you have some handy, use your favorite aftershave.
•Tend to any nicks or cuts to your body by using a healing ointment like bacitracin or neomycin (Neosporin) and covering with a protective bandage.
Shaving without shaving cream shouldn’t be your preferred option, but it’s possible to do it safely.
By following recommended practices, going gentle on your skin, and taking good care of your skin afterward, you can make the best of the situation. But do try to have shaving cream available for next time.
Mar 4, 2023 · See the differences between shaving cream vs soap, so you know what ingredients will work best for your skin and shaving style. Both shaving soaps and creams provide better lubrication so that your razor glides along your skin while delivering a close shave.
Aug 4, 2023 · Do you need to use shaving cream? Absolutely! According to dermatologists, you should always lather up with shaving cream before you start shaving. Dry shaving is a no-no. What Does Shaving Cream Do? Shaving cream functions as a protective layer between your razor and skin.
Sep 18, 2022 · Do You Really Need Shaving Cream? The natural texture of men’s facial hair is wiry and tough, however, the skin on your face is soft and supple. When you don’t use shaving cream to tackle these tough hairs when shaving, you are left to deal with itchy, red, and ingrown hairs.
Learn why it's so important to use shaving cream when you shave and the differences between shave gel and shaving foam. Get shaving tips from Gillette.
