It seems to me that slow shaving (or traditional shaving with a mug and brush) is a health issue in at least two ways:
First, wet shaving is inherently hazardous. Granted, few these days use that ancient weapon of choice, the cut throat razor although some choose to - and more power to them! Nor do fears of anthrax spores on shaving brushes populate the modern masculine mindscape. Even so when you put something sharp near the face, you are taking a risk, however small.
Second, soaps and cremes themselves can pose a health risk when put on the face. They can dry skin, promote razor burn or cause allergic reactions. Ironic, because they are meant to reduce the risk of nicks (so called "weepers"). But they can dry out skin and cause rashes as often as not. And just because it is an old-fashion shaving soap does not mean it is free of potentially harsh petro-chemicals and detergents.
The moral? Choose the razor that's right for you. Investigate ingredients of the various soaps and cremes, educate yourself about their properties then read the label and choose something that's face friendly. For you. That's what I did, and now I'm formulating my own shaving soaps. Because more than anything I want to enjoy taking the time to shave. But before I can relax into that, I need to set the risks aside.
From time to time, I'll return here with more information on the specific aspects of some of the issues I raised in this post. Shave slowly - and shave in good health!
It seems to me that slow shaving (or traditional shaving with a mug and brush) is a health issue in at least two ways:
First, wet shaving is inherently hazardous. Granted, few these days use that ancient weapon of choice, the cut throat razor although some choose to - and more power to them! Nor do fears of anthrax spores on shaving brushes populate the modern masculine mindscape. Even so when you put something sharp near the face, you are taking a risk, however small.
Second, soaps and cremes themselves can pose a health risk when put on the face. They can dry skin, promote razor burn or cause allergic reactions. Ironic, because they are meant to reduce the risk of nicks (so called "weepers"). But they can dry out skin and cause rashes as often as not. And just because it is an old-fashion shaving soap does not mean it is free of potentially harsh petro-chemicals and detergents.
The moral? Choose the razor that's right for you. Investigate ingredients of the various soaps and cremes, educate yourself about their properties then read the label and choose something that's face friendly. For you. That's what I did, and now I'm formulating my own shaving soaps. Because more than anything I want to enjoy taking the time to shave. But before I can relax into that, I need to set the risks aside.
From time to time, I'll return here with more information on the specific aspects of some of the issues I raised in this post. Shave slowly - and shave in good health!