Last Updated on October 27, 2021 by
When you told Josh that you had never used shaving cream, he was astonished. He kept saying that you should try it, but he did not explain much. Now, you are rubbing your chin and seeking answers, and you will find them here.
Shaving cream makes your hair slippery and soft, thus easing the process. Once you rub some of it on your skin, the blade or trimmer runs smoothly without scarring your face. So, when you use shaving cream:
1. You lower the risk of razor cuts.
2. You minimize skin scrapping.
3. You get a closer, cleaner shave.
Simply put, shaving cream is an efficient add-on to your grooming.
For anyone looking for an alternative to soap, look no further.
In this article, we will discover the ins and outs of shaving cream. You will know if you really need it and how you can work with and without it. Also, you’ll see if water and lotion are perfect replacements, and before you exit, you’ll see why shaving cream is bad.
Keep reading to see that and more!
Do You Need To Use Shaving Cream?

No, but shaving cream makes the experience better.
Let’s see why you may need it and how to shave without it.
Why You Need The Cream
It is possible to shave creamless and do it safely and carefully. But, remember that dragging a sharp surface over soft, sensitive skin can quickly turn into a disaster.
1. Shaving cream highly reduces your risk of injury during grooming. Minus the product, cutting hair with no lube is like working through a risky job; you could hurt yourself.
2. Also, the cream prevents you from picking up itchy bumps, redness, and razor burns. Those conditions happen when you scrape off skin cells with dry shaving, so use a lubricant when you can.
3. Finally, shaving cream saves you from developing pus-filled bumps, which can spoil your overall look.
What if your shaving cream is out of reach or is expensive? Well, here are some tips on how to work without it:
Shaving Without Cream
Follow these steps, and your dry shaving will be excellent:
1. Always use a new or clean blade whenever you are shaving. If the blade is coming right out of its package, it’s already been sterilized and protected. That way, it will not spread bacteria even if you nip your skin.
2. Put only a little pressure when running the razor, especially if you want a slightly closer shave. That way, the blade will not have a lot of contact with the skin, rendering you safe from possible cuts.
3. Before you shave, use warm water or take a steam bath. That way, you will open up your hair follicles.
If you can, shower under running warm water. That way, the continuous stream will help in lubricating the shaven areas.
Once you finish the dry shaving:
1. Use a lotion of your choice to create a barrier for skin moistening.
2. If you cut or nick yourself, apply antibacterial ointments like neomycin and bacitracin. Those help to stop any infection from ravaging and destroying your skin cells.
Some Creams Products You Can Try Out
If you’re game, here’s a list of shaving creams that can meet your buzzing needs:
1. Solimo 2-In-1 Shave Cream, Fragrance-Free
2. Gillette Pure Soothing Shave Cream with Aloe
3. The Art of Shaving Sandalwood Shaving Cream for Men
4. Edge Shave Gel for Sensitive Skin
MenNStuff 101: Our editor has carefully looked at each listed product, so don’t hesitate to click away and buy.
Do You Need Shaving Cream To Shave Your Pubes?

No.
But, it will be better if you partner with a creamy product.
1. If you decide to go shopping, pick a cream that does not have any fragrance. If you do, you may irritate your skin. Talk about all the scratching that comes after that!
2. After shaving, do not apply any baby or talc-based powder.
MenNStuff 101: Unlike other areas, the pubic region has sensitive skin. Have that in mind as you go down there.
What Are Some Alternatives To Shaving Cream?
So, are you out of cream, and you still want to buzz yourself away? Here are some options you can look at:
1. Body lotion (cream-based)
2. Cream rinse or hair conditioner
3. Gel (Aloe Vera etc.)
4. Water
Can I Shave With Just Water?
Yes.
Water is the best, least-expensive shaving partner. When it runs over your skin, it opens up the pores and relaxes the follicles.
If you are shaving with water, ensure you start it off warm. Once you complete, lock in the moisture by running cold water. After toweling, apply some lotion to finish off the job.
Can I Shave With Lotion?
Yes.
Cream-based lotions are the best because they mimic shaving creams. These skincare products create the much-needed layer of protection between the blade and razor. That way, you save your skin from dry-shave stress.
MenNStuff 101: If your lotion is too oily, you may get your razor all sticky and greased up. That reduces the blade’s lifetime, so be careful with this lotion option.
Do You Shave Up Or Down?

Down
To protect your skin from ingrown hairs and razor burns, always shave going downwards.
MenNStuff 101: Shaving downwards is also known as shaving with the grain. On the other hand, shaving upwards is shaving against the grain.
Let’s look at each type briefly.
Shaving Upwards
Pros
1. You get a closer shave.
2. Shaving is faster.
Cons
1. Damage to hair follicles
2. More razor burns and ingrown hair
Shaving Downwards
Pros
1. Best for sensitive skin
2. Little to no ingrown hair and razor burns
3. Effortless
4. Pain-free
Cons
1. You won’t get a close shave
Depending on your shaving needs, you know which option to go for.
Why Is Shaving Cream Bad?
With all that said, it is time to look at the flipside of shaving cream. Here are the top reasons why you should toss away that product:
1. Some of the creams contain harmful chemicals.
2. Others have ingredients that affect your skin’s hydration.
3. Some contain mineral oils, which increase skin irritation by clogging the pores.
MenNStuff 101: For more on that subject, here is a well-done post about the cons of shaving cream.
Conclusion
Shaving cream does much more than wet your skin. It keeps you safe, and some like the King of Shaves Antibacterial Shaving Gel help prevent infections. Although other alternatives exist, you should use a cream whenever you get the chance.
If you are on a budget, though, water can help you through your shave. Others like lotion are good candidates, but they will reduce your razor’s efficiency. Using lotion over time will make you replace your blade sooner than you expect.
To be safe, ensure you study all the ingredients in a shaving cream can. That way, you will avoid risky products. That said, we’ve made your work easy by highlighting a list of the best natural shaving creams:
1. Shaving Cream for Men by Bevel (Vitamin E & Aloe-Vera-Based)
2. Cremo Barber (Grade Sage & Citrus) Shave Cream
3. DR. TUSK 3-in-1 Shaving Cream with Aloe, Caffeine, Hempseed Oil, and Dragons Blood
4. Pacific Natural Shave Cream - with Plant-Derived Ingredients
5. Majestic (Pure Sandalwood) Shaving Cream for Men & Women
And that’s all there is!
If you found any value, be sure to share the link to this post. It will go a long way to informing more people about personal care and this brand.
And before you exit, check out these related other articles:
1. Can I Shave My Mustache? When You Should Shave To Boost Your Personal Looking
2. Can You Shave With A Pocket Knife? Make Your Shaving Easy Anytime & Anywhere
3. What Is Army Shaving Profile | Details Of Each Profile
Thanks for reading, and see you in the next one!
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API