How is shaving gel different from foam, and which one is better to choose?
Many men shave regularly to look neat and tidy. The shaving process should bring only positive emotions, so it is worth choosing the right tools and means. In this article, we will take a closer look at how shaving foam differs from a gel, and also list the nuances of choice.
The main differences
In times past, men only used soap to remove or wash their stubble. Today the assortment of the men's cosmetic line is much larger. Nowadays, it is quite difficult to choose the perfect shaving product, as modern manufacturers offer a great variety of different lotions, foams, gels and soaps. Usually men cannot decide between foam and shaving gel.
Important: attention should be paid to the composition of the product. It should contain useful ingredients, herbal extracts, means to soothe and moisturize the skin. But there should be a minimum amount of chemical compounds. Only in this case will the product have a positive effect and help to simplify the shaving process. Shaving gels and foams have a lot in common, but still have some differences.
By composition
Shaving foams usually contain ingredients such as:
- glycerin and other ingredients to moisturize the skin and hair;
- aromatic fragrances that impart aroma;
- alcohol that disinfects while shaving.
If it is necessary to use a hypoallergenic foam, then it does not contain alcohol and its derivatives, since they dry the skin. Natural ingredients with a tonic effect are an excellent addition. Basically, shaving foams have almost the same composition, while the variety of shaving gels is simply mesmerizing. Of course, the base of gels and shaving foams is the same. It contains active and alcoholic components, which provide softening and disinfection of the skin during the process.
If you need a hypoallergenic shaving gel, then there will be no alcohol component, but a natural antiseptic will be added additionally.
It is worth noting the following elements that are present exclusively in shaving gels:
- water;
- chamomile extract;
- silicone;
- vegetable oils;
- menthol;
- allantoin;
- aloe juice.
Important: Shaving foam is usually white, while gels come in a variety of colors. It is the other color that signals that the dye is included in the gel.
By properties
Shaving gel and foam also differ in properties. So, shaving gel is a polymer frame that holds a stable shape. The composition is quite flexible. It can be simply divided into portions, easily spread over the skin, while walking even over difficult areas of the face. If the gel is in the bottle, then you can get a small amount of the product. When shaving gel comes into contact with water, then outwardly it practically does not differ from foam, which provides softening of hairs, and also qualitatively simplifies the shaving process itself.
If we talk about shaving gels, then the following advantages should be noted:
- the razor glides easily and smoothly;
- you can see unshaved stripes due to the transparency of the composition;
- the components are absolutely harmless, so the gels are used by men who are prone to skin irritation;
- the expense of funds is relatively economical;
- some gels contain moisturizing oils.
The difference between shaving gel and foam lies mainly in the disadvantages, namely:
- high price;
- drying the skin of the face;
- some products do not adhere well to the skin, slipping during the shaving procedure;
- the transparency of the composition for some is a significant disadvantage, since you can shave the same area twice, and this will lead to skin irritation.
If we consider in more detail the shaving foam, then it is worth noting that it is a dispersed mass containing air cavities. The main advantage is that the foam can be easily applied to any area of the skin. Of course, the foam is very large, but it can disappear quite quickly. It is worth noting that shaving should be done fairly quickly, since the hardened composition requires efforts to thoroughly remove it, which is not the case with shaving gel.
Since previously men used exclusively soap suds, modern foam is in demand due to the fact that people are already accustomed to such a consistency.
Noting the benefits of shaving foam, it is worth mentioning the following:
- affordable cost;
- thanks to the dispenser, there is an economical consumption of funds;
- second foaming;
- white color signals, helps to understand which areas have already been shaved;
- the composition can be distributed over both wet and dry skin;
- there is a huge selection, so each buyer will be able to find a solution depending on his skin type.
But this cosmetic product also has disadvantages, namely:
- fast consumption;
- dry skin loses its elasticity even more;
- when a thick layer is applied, the foam creeps;
- not every manufacturer can note the convenience of dispensing the agent when squeezing out.
What's better?
So, by comparing the composition and properties of both products, you can choose the right product depending on the type and characteristics of facial skin. The foam is characterized by an airy consistency... Its main purpose is to help ease the process of shaving off the bristles, while the shaving gel not only helps to shave off the hairs with ease, but also provides moisturizing and soothing to the skin.
If you are prone to allergic reactions, skin irritation, it is better to give preference to shaving gel. But it is worth noting that foam is cheaper, but here it is also worth looking at from both sides, because cheaper does not always mean more profitable. The nuance lies in the fact that the consumption of foam is much greater, it ends faster. But the gel is more expensive, but it can be used for much longer.
Specialist recommendations
It is worth following a few tips from experts.
- Before you go shopping for shaving products, it is very important to decide what type of skin you have. It can be oily, normal, dry, or sensitive. It is this factor that will be the main one when choosing a product.
- You should carefully read the composition of the foam or gel. It is worth giving preference to those products where natural ingredients are more represented and, to a lesser extent, aggressive elements. Products from companies such as L'Oreal, Arko, Nivea, Gillette and Yves Rocher are very popular.
- For shaving off thick and short bristles, a gel is ideal, but foam will help to cope with long hair on large areas of the body.
- The way of using these tools also differs. So, the foam is immediately ready for use. It is enough to apply it to the desired area - and you can proceed to the process itself. But the gel must first be foamed independently, applied to the skin, wait for its absorption, only then proceed to the shaving process.
For what is better, gel or shaving foam, see the next video.