Printable View
I've read of using oil, and how soaps and creams can make the blade move more smoothly over the face. What about using lotion? It softens the skin, and softens the hair. Has anyone considered using lotion instead of shaving cream or shaving soap?
I make my own lotion, it creates a smooth gliding sensation over my face, and seems to give a slightly better shave. GRANTED, I'm new to shaving, and it's hard to judge if I'm just getting better at shaving or if the lotion helps.
I used lotion twice when I first started, and wasn't impressed with the slickness or the burn on my face.
i should try again now though that i have a little more experience in straight razor shaving
what do you put in your lotion?
I use jojoba, avocado and grapeseed oils. Each for their own properties. Grapeseed absorbs into the skin readily. The other two are great at promoting healthy skin.
I still can't make a lotion like the chemical crap my wife buys. But they help clear up her face some how....I added some tea tree oil to help the face. It dramatically helped, but still wasn't quite right.
You should try your wifes hair conditioner for pre shave to soften the whiskers
and give a nice glide. Just make sure your hands are dry before picking up the razor.
IIRC Noxemia is a non-soap substance to soften hairs. Unfortunately its stench was obnoxious, so it might just as well be called Obnoxemia.
My wife mentioned the hair conditioner. I might give that a shot. I might also end up going back to soap once I stop cutting myself. :) I think my wife was expecting miraculous results instantaneously. This is not the case. I don't think I'm doing that bad for about 3 weeks. Though I learned Sunday, that I can't look at my daughter while shaving. Neck wounds bleed as good as lip wounds.
I've heard people using the Nivea lotion before - it is an old time standby IIRC.
Mark
to be honest, I'm surprised I haven't gotten any flack for suggesting not using soaps or creams.
Nivea Creme: Here's the first three ingredients. Triple Purified Water, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum
I read that as, nasty oil your face can't absorb, vaseline that your face can't absorb. Might be a nice slick feeling, but I woudn't put it on my face.
I'm a bit of a nut, trying to figure out how to do things on my own. Thus making lotion, and learning how to hone my own straight.
Jojoba oil: Simondsia chinensis is a thick, liquid wax extracted from the large, vanilla- shaped beans of a bush that grows in the arid climates of Arizona, southern California, and New Mexico. Jojoba oil is strikingly similar to human sebum and is able to effectively penetrate the skin. It is a natural cellular renewal ingredient as well as an excellent moisturizer. Is an antioxidant and is good for treating acne and dry skin, as well as eczema and psoriasis.
Grapeseed oil: Ultrafine oil expressed from grape seeds commonly used as a carrier oil in aromatherapy products and as a base for moisturizers. Light and odourless. Mildly astringent; good for acne and oily skin. Contains Vitamin E and linoleic acid. Good for massage and facial oils.
Avocado oil: Natural oil from avocados that is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. An excellent skin conditioner and moisturizer that readily penetrates the skin; nonocclusive. High in vitamins A, D &E, excellent for mature, cracked skin, revitalizing, healing, regenerates cells.
Before I was straight shaving, if I had a really tough beard with a lot of growth, I would shave with the gillette after shave gel instead of cream. It worked pretty well.