Can You Shave with Vaseline? Vaseline is perhaps the most versatile product on the planet. From helping ease diaper rash, serving as a hair food product to moisturizing, lubricating, and easing stubborn razor burns, Vaseline has the answer to all your problems.
If you are the kind of person, who likes to experiment with different beauty products, Vaseline can be a great option. Remember the times when you used to put Vaseline on your eyelashes or lips before going to sleep? Well, if you have been tempted to try Vaseline as a shaving cream lately and are confused about it, you can relax!
Read on to know what Vaseline can and cannot do for you.
Can You Shave with Vaseline?
No, Vaseline is a heavy cream that will clog your razor blades, making it difficult to shave. Vaseline generally has a lubricating effect that makes it difficult to remove hair from the blade hence increasing the chances of clogging. Other than clogging the blades, this can also dull the tools rendering them useless for continued use.
Unlike other shaving creams, Vaseline does not contain dual lubrication properties that help keep the hairs soft, making it easier for the blade to cut through. Vaseline also does not foam up like other traditional shaving creams, and this makes it difficult for you to see where you are shaving, increasing the chances of hurting yourself. Vaseline is also not easy to wash off after the shave, and it does not offer a smooth application like other shaving creams that are water-soluble.
Using Vaseline to Heal Razor Burns
Although Vaseline is not good shaving cream, it can help heal and soothe the skin after the shaving process. Besides removing the unwanted hairs, shaving stresses the skin and removes its top layer. You can help the skin recover by applying a thin layer of Vaseline on top of it to moisturize, soothe and add an extra layer of protection to prevent further damage. For best results, ensure to apply the cream to damp clean skin, probably after a shower, for faster absorption and healing.
Shaving Creams to Use Instead Of Vaseline
Shaving cream is a must-have product in your shaving journey. Besides creating a hydrating barrier between the skin and the razor, these products help lubricate your skin surface, allowing the razor to glide easily. Shaving cream also helps overcome negative side effects such as razor burns, redness, and irritation.
It’s also worth mentioning that shaving creams help moisturize and soften your skin, making the shaving process faster and effortless. Now that Vaseline does not help with shaving, you should use the following alternatives instead;
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties to help soothe the irritation caused by shaving. This oil is, however, heavy and shouldn’t be used on sensitive skin parts such as the face as it may cause clogging.
Olive oil
Rich in skin-friendly nutrients such as Vitamin A, D, E, and K, olive oil can serve as an excellent shaving cream. This oil also has antibacterial and antioxidants properties to help soothe and replenish your skin during shaving.
CREMO Cooling Shave Cream
CREMO cooling shave cream has a thick texture that helps create a protective barrier between your skin and razor. This cream also contains menthol and peppermint ingredients that provide a cooling sensation helping ease post-shave irritation.
Pure Gillette Soothing Shave Cream with Aloe
If you possess sensitive skin, this is the cream for you. Packed with aloe pure Gillette soothing shave cream helps soothe and keep the skin moisturized during and after the shaving process.
Blu Atlas Shave Cream
Blue atlas shave cream contains Vitamin E that helps to rehydrate the skin and lock in moisture. This cream also contains coco-caprylate ingredients that help in skin cell regeneration and repair.
Primary Things to Consider When Choosing a Shaving Cream
There are thousands of shaving creams out there to choose from. Nevertheless, take note that not every shaving cream is perfect for the job. You should consider the following critical factors when choosing a shaving cream.
The Ingredients Contained In the Cream
The work of shaving cream is to moisturize and soothe the skin enabling faster and seamless shaving. Your preferred cream should therefore contain ingredients such as humectants that help in hydrating the skin and emollients that assist with conditioning and soothing the skin.
Knowing the ingredients contained in a given cream will also help you minimize potential breakout that may result from being allergic to a given composition.
Your Skin Type
Different shaving creams work for different skin types. If you, for instance, possess sensitive skin, try to look for a fragrance-free, soothing and non-comedogenic product that won’t irritate or clog your pores. If you possess dry skin, try to work with hydrating shaving cream to help moisturize and reduce irritation on your skin.
Where You Plan To Use the Shaving Cream
Different shaving creams work for different body parts. A cream that’s meant for a delicate body part such as armpits will contain gentle and soothing ingredients, unlike one meant for the legs. To ensure your preferred cream serves the intended purpose, ensure to use the right cream in the right body part.
How to make shaving easier when using a cream
The gate pass to making your shaving stress free is to use the right cream and pair of blades. The cream will help soften and hydrate the hairs giving the blade an easy time trespassing as it cuts off the unwanted hairs. To make your work easier, ensure you wet your skin first before applying the shaving cream.
You can opt to shave immediately after a shower when your skin is still moisturized and damp. Wetting the skin or shaving immediately after a shower will help open up your pores and soften your hairs, enabling easier shaving. Moreover, ensure to use sufficient amounts of the cream that’s not too much or too little. Using too much shaving cream can clog the pores and make shaving difficult.
At the same time, ensure to shave in the direction of your hair growth to minimize irritation afterward.
Conclusion
Shaving is one of the surest ways to keep glowing skin and maintain hygiene. Although Vaseline does not serve as a good shaving cream, there are many shaving products out there, such as those mentioned above, for your consideration.
When doing the shaving, ensure to use the right cream and blade for your skin and hair needs.
