Can You Use Shaving Cream With An Electric Razor? (Detailed Explanation)

Can you use shaving cream with an electric razor? Keep reading; this article will provide you answers and valuable pieces of advice.

Powered by motors and an advanced cutting mechanism, an electric razor is undoubtedly one of the most effective tools for a smooth shaving experience.

Noteworthy, most electric razors are specifically designed for dry skin, so there’s no need to use shaving cream.

However, in cases of wet shaving, you’ll probably need some form of shaving cream to create lather, making your beard softer and easier to cut.

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Can You Use Shaving Cream With An Electric Razor?

Yes, you can use shaving cream with an electric razor, depending on the type and model. However, it’s not vital to apply shaving cream when using electric razors since most are designed primarily for dry shaving.

Hence, the design is not dedicated to dealing with moisture, so they are prone to causing mechanical and electrical problems.

Nowadays, with the advancement of technology, modern electric razors appear for either dry and wet shaving.

In most cases, these razors are safe to use with shaving cream; however, it is advisable to follow specific instructions of a given product to avoid possible dangers.

The following paragraphs will provide more valuable information regarding this topic, so continue reading before making up your mind!

Why Don’t You Need Shaving Cream With An Electric Razor?

As a moisturizing agent, shaving cream is an essential product that softens and lubricates your hair to ensure less friction. It is often used to keep the hairs upright, separate each and allow the razor to produce a slider shave.

Furthermore, it helps to protect your skin from sharp blades, thereby minimizing possible injuries. On top of that, shaving cream is a wonderful and effective solution in wet shaving, which gives you a closer and smoother shave. Hence, it comes as no surprise that shaving cream is applied in most manual shaves.

However, it is not the case for some electric razors. Noticeably, electric razors are designed with a hair manipulator, so they don’t need shaving cream to get the hairs standing up.

Instead, a manipulator in a shaving head can move the hair in place while the blade passes over it in the vertical direction.

Additionally, shaving cream can affect the razor’s performance, thereby causing an unpleasant experience.

Here’s why shaving cream is not suitable for an electric razor.

Affect razor’s performance

As said, a typical electric razor is designed to be used on dry skin, so it can’t function effectively with shaving cream.

Additionally, a thick layer of shaving cream tends to clog your electric razor, resulting in an unpleasant shave.

Mechanical or electrical problems

As some electric razors are not compatible with water or shaving cream, they’re likely to pose mechanical or electrical problems such as damage or electric shock.

Reduce battery life

Additionally, performing wet shaving with a shaving cream uses more energy, thus reducing the device’s battery life.

Therefore, avoid using shaving cream with these devices at any cost to ensure your razors’ longevity.

When To Use Shaving Cream?

For anyone who has sensitive skin, it’s advisable to use shaving cream because it provides a rich, creamy lather to nourish the skin and reduce skin irritation and bumps.

However, in case you have an electric razor particularly designed for wet shaving, you’ll need shaving cream for a close shave without irritation.

To do this, here are few basics you need to keep in mind:

Check carefully if your razor is compatible with water or any lubrication before using it.
When applying shaving cream, make sure the lather is thin to avoid clogging and damaging the razor.
Invest in high-quality shaving cream that contains natural ingredients to ensure a low risk of razor burn.

How To Close Shave With An Electric Razor? (Without Shaving Cream)

There are certain measures you can try to achieve a close shave without using shaving cream. Follow the following steps below for the best result.

Prepare

Before shaving, make sure to spend a little time preparing your face.

Wash your face with warm water and cleanser to remove excess oils, dirt residue and to soften your hairs.
Rinse off the cleanser and dry your face with a towel.
Exfoliate properly over the area to remove dead skin and prevent razor burn.
Apply a pre-shave lotion or gel for use with electric razors and allow the products to set for 2-3 minutes on your skin. These products help to soften up hairs further and avoid irritation as well.
Make sure your electric razor is fully charged and ready to use.
Use a paper towel to clean the blades.
Lubricate all edges of the razor with a few drops of light oil or a spray lubricant to ensure a smooth shave and effective cuts.

Prepare — A close shave requires thorough shaving techniques.

While shaving

Use your free hand to stretch the skin as you shave, so the hairs stand upright for a cleaner cut.
Tackle sensitive areas such as the neck first as an electric razor generates heat and tends to be too hot for sensitive skin.
Slowly move the electric razor at a right angle (90°) over the area to ensure maximum skin contact. Remember to shave with the direction of hair growth, allowing a closer shave and reducing the risk of irritation.
Don’t go to the same areas over and over to achieve the best possible shave.

Aftershave

After use, clean your razor carefully to ensure its efficiency and long-lasting usage.
Consider applying aftershave products such as gels or lotions to hydrate and soothe your skin to avoid irritation. Remember to select particular products for your skin types.

Note: It’s advisable by most brands to replace foils and blades every 12-18 months to ensure the performance of your electric razor. You should probably consider changing foils and blades earlier than the recommended period if you often shave.

FAQs

How often should I shave?

There’s no exact answer on how often you should shave. It’s your personal decision and depends on other factors, such as your hair growth rate or its length.

However, if you want to keep a smooth face, you should shave once every 2-3 days.

What should I do to treat and prevent razor burn?

Though safer compared to other pieces of shaving equipment, unfortunately, electric razors still can cause razor burn.

Razor burn is a common skin condition caused by the interaction of the skin with the razor’s cutter in dry shaving. Its symptoms may include redness, burning, soreness, and itching.

Although razor burn is usually temporary and goes away with time, its symptoms often make you feel discomfort.

If you experience shaving razor burn, try these treatment tips below:

Avoid shaving or touching the affected area until it heals.
Apply a cool washcloth to the affected area to calm your skin.
Apply a thin layer of organic coconut oil to the inflamed area. Aloe vera, tea tree oil are other safe options.
Use some ice or a cool pack to lessen the swelling and discomfort.
Apply a moisturizer to soften and promote skin repair.

Hence, it’s essential to practice proper shaving techniques to prevent razor burn in the future.

If you’re prone to irritation, shave when your skin is clean and dry because moist skin can restrict the smooth movement of the electric razor on the face, thus causing more irritation.
Invest in the right razor and use it correctly. Notably, some electric razors provide a sensitive setting to minimize shaving irritation and boost a gentle shaving experience.
Keep your razors clean every time you use them.
Don’t shave against the grain. It’s tempting for a closer shave but also a shortcut to irritation and ingrown hairs.
Store your razor in a dry area to prevent bacteria.

What should I do to treat razor nicks and cuts?

Nicks and cuts are also pretty much common for anyone who has ever shaved. But, like irritation, they can be super annoying, hurt, or even bleed like crazy.

Here are a few basics on how to treat razor nicks and cuts:

Wrap an ice cube in a cloth, apply it on the nicks, and cut it for 15-30 seconds to stop the bleeding and reduce inflammation.
Styptic pencils and small sticks made with mineral astringents are excellent for nick and cut treatments. To use, wet the tip and press it against your nicks and cuts until the bleeding stops.
Alum block, a mineral block made of potassium alum, is also popular to effectively treat nicks and cuts, especially in large areas. Simply wet it with cold water and rub it on your nicks and cuts to soothe skin.
Lip balm works surprisingly well on soothing the wound and preventing it from bleeding and scabbing, so surely you can take a try.

To prevent potential nicks and cuts in the future, here’re fundamentals to follow:

Don’t shave when your face is wet. Instead, let it dry completely to start shaving with an electric razor.
Try to shave with the grain to reduce the risk of shaving cuts and ingrown hairs.
Make gentle, light pressure with your razor and allow the razor’s weight to do the work.
Start with the sensitive areas first because the razor is getting hotter while you shave, possibly causing nicks and cuts.
Follow the cleaning and maintenance routine thoroughly to ensure your razor’s performance.

Final Thoughts

So, you’ve reached the end of the article. Hopefully, you have an answer to the question “Can you use shaving cream with an electric razor?”.

Although shaving cream is acceptable for an electric razor in some cases, it should be used with careful instructions and advice to lower some potential risks of razor damage or skin irritation.

Additionally, follow shaving techniques thoroughly to avoid possible injuries such as razor burn, nicks, and cuts.

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