Thread: Noxema

Originally Posted by cosperryan

I don't use noxema per say but I do using another facial cleanser as a pre shave. Probably the best thing I have discovered that has improved my shaves. I have a theory that facial cleansers like noxema and other facial cleansers with salicylic acid strip all the oil in the hairs and follicles and of course dirt and grime as well and thus allow more water to be absorbed by the follicles. Just a theory of course but it makes sense in my head.

I have the same theory. The cleaner the hair the more water absorbed and hence, the softer the hair. Works for me. YMMV

Dave

A question:

Do whiskers adsorb or absorb water?

Dave

Probably yes,maybe,indubitably.

I started using Noxema recently as a preshave in the morning. I'll put it on after the shower, or hot towel, and leave it on while I strop my razor. What I noticed about Noxema is that although it seems like it dries on your face, once you lather up, it transforms into a slick layer between your face and the shaving lather. The lather seems to prevent the Noxema from drying out again. The slight down side is this slick layer will gunk up your razor a bit. Usually it's not enough to rinse it off under tap water. You will need to wipe it off on your towel. Not an issue if you normally wipe your blade after you rinse it off. For me there is a distinct difference between using Noxema as a preshave, and using nothing. I've also used my own mix of Castor/Tea Tree oil, and product called something like African Black Soap Shaving lotion. Both worked fairly well, but out of the three, Noxema was superior. Until I stumble across something better, Noxema is my preshave.

Just a side benefit, that I haven't seen mentioned is, redness/irritation. If you have had a bad shave and it's caused a lot of irritation and redness, apply Noxzema it will reduce the redness.
I usually have trouble around my neck, and get a little OCD feeling for stubble and eliminating it. Four years into using a straight razor and my neck still pays for it, my answer Noxzema not to mention RazoRock is quite effective at killing the burn...

I discovered Noxzema cleansing cream soon after I started shaving with a D.E. Razor. I still use it in my S.R. Prep routine. Apply it with your whiskers wet. A little Noxzema goes a long way. Apply your shaving soap/cream directly over-top the Noxzema. Repeat before each razor pass.

Originally Posted by feltspanky

I discovered Noxzema cleansing cream soon after I started shaving with a D.E. Razor. I still use it in my S.R. Prep routine. Apply it with your whiskers wet. A little Noxzema goes a long way. Apply your shaving soap/cream directly over-top the Noxzema. Repeat before each razor pass.

I bought a tub last week and have been using it as a pre-shave. However, I rinsed it off before lathering. I will the Nowema on tomorrow and see what happens.

I've used Noxema years ago, but I never noticed any benefits for shaving. I've been trying Proraso's pre-shave cream this year, but that didn't do anything for me either.

Nowadays, I use a good face soap bar or Dr Bronner's soap to wash up before shaving.

I have been using it for five days now, i rub it in before i get in the shower and scrub it off before i get out. I haven't noticed any huge difference in my SR shave. I too bump up some on my neck area due to wanting the closest shave possible in that area. I use a Avon musk marine post-shave cream that works very well for me.

Use it like Proraso PRE and POST cream - I don' think you'll see any benefits if you put it on first and don't re- apply after other than a cleaner face. It's a cleanser it will lift dirt from your pores, like Witch Hazel BUT it also will add some lubricating properties as a pre shave if you leave it on. Definitely need to apply after shaving at the very least if you have irritation, it will calm the irritation and reduce or get rid of any red irritated looking skin that you went all OCD on to get BBS

The only other thing I've found that will only CALM shaving irritation and does it well is RazoRock AS wax.