Thread: Baby oil for pre shave

Yeah, its been a few hours since I applied it and my face still feels like it did just after I applied it.

Found the trick for the Lansinoh, if you're interested:
Place just a smear on your hands 1/2 the size of a small pea. Rub your hands to spread it into the thinnest layer possible and heat it up. Rub it in thoroughly. Just did it and there is no trace of oiliness or anything, just very soft and supple skin. Ended up doing it twice once the first layer absorbed. Still going to try the liquid lanolin tho, if it is affordable.

I use a cheap baby oil with aloe and vitamin E that I got from a local grocery store. I put a little bit in my hand, rub it up vigorously (like Skinny Chef had said) to warm and spread it, then rub it into my face and beard. I do it as soon as I step out of the shower, so it has enough time to soak all the way into my skin. Otherwise it leaves a slight oily sheen that kind of reduces the lather. Assuming I do my part to NOT hack my skin to ribbons, I wind up with a pretty smooth finish.

Just received the grape seed oil. I think I like it a little better than the jojoba oil. Still waiting for the liquid lanolin. I guess the it works better after 2 weeks or so is the fact that the oil starts to permeate your skin leaving it soft, smooth and moisturized. I almost don't feel like I need any aftershave balm anymore, where as when I started I really felt like I needed it.

Liquid Lanolin is on the way and I have also tried EVOO, Shave Secret, and Pacific Shave Oil.



--Shoki

Originally Posted by SkinnyChef

you are absolutely right, sodium and such can be, and mostly are, natural or at least naturally-derived. However, that does NOT make it good for your skin. Most serve as preservatives which tend to dry your skin out, not heal it. The soap may feel nice and soft, but petroleum jelly is nice and soft too. However, anything petroleum is not good for your skin, especially around your face. (just and example).
lanolin is a terrific thing, but since it is almost a pure animal-derived fat, it is prone to going rancid, and fast. Olive oil (and grapeseed oil as well) are more stable, don't need preservatives, and are excellent. Both for moisturizing and for nourishing delicate skin. Makes it strong, soft, and supple.
I used to use "lanolin" for moisturizing and for chapped lips. Nothing compared. The difference was that I rendered the lamb fat myself and there were no chemicals to interfere with what God put there to begin with. I tell you now, no other "lanolin" has compared. Expense and convenience become an issue, however.
I know everyone says don't trust a skinny chef, and I am a noob. But, trust me on this nutrition-related question, use the evoo. You will thank me later. Promise or I'm buying.

Two questions:

1. "petrolatum ointment" has been used for baby's bums for a long time. It's petroleum-based; doesn't seem to do the kids any harm. It's really protective against urine-caused rashes.

2. "Rendering" lanolin? It's from sheep _wool_, not sheep _insides_. What were you using?

Charles

I personally avoid using any "petro" products.
I've been blending my own pre-shaving oil for a while now; and my skin just keeps getting softer, smoother and some of the starting wrinkles are at bay.
Try Jojoba, castor and and essential oil of your choice.
Personal ratios: 67% Jojoba, 33% Castor and Lavender E.O. to desired saturation. These help feed and aide in cell communication and repair.
Cheers.

Originally Posted by cpcohen1945

Two questions:

1. "petrolatum ointment" has been used for baby's bums for a long time. It's petroleum-based; doesn't seem to do the kids any harm. It's really protective against urine-caused rashes.

2. "Rendering" lanolin? It's from sheep _wool_, not sheep _insides_. What were you using?

Charles

1. Petrolatum has been used for so long because when it was created it was technologically a wonder skin softener. And it does soften skin. I have a cousin that used it on her eyes for a long time. But repeated exposure to anything petroleum based actually breaks down the skin cells, which causes the softening. This needs quotation, but I can't remember when that research was done. It was a while ago. Modern petrolatum has gotten better, and now I avoid it for a host of reasons, not just skin concerns. Also, prolonged use actually makes your skin drier, which requires you to use the product and say, "wow, this stuff really softens my skin!" Just not a moisturizer and that's the important part.

2. Yes, lanolin is ALSO found in the wool. Lanolin is produced in oil/fat glands found in the skin and certain other parts of the "fatty bits." This oil/fat is secreted into the wool, just like our own hair/oil glands, to protect the wool/hair from the elements. Not all of the fat in the lamb contains significant amounts of lanolin, but rendering the skin and some of the creamier fats results in excellent product. How did you think the manufacturers were obtaining significant amounts of lanolin? Some can be gotten from the wool (maybe quite a bit), but you get much more by doing a low-temp rendering. Try it sometime. Awesome stuff.

Haven't tried the castor oil yet. I thought that was something you forced kids to eat in the 30's. What are the properties of castor oil?

Thank you,
--Shoki

Originally Posted by Shoki

Haven't tried the castor oil yet. I thought that was something you forced kids to eat in the 30's. What are the properties of castor oil?

Castor oil is a vegetable oil derived from the castor bean. Seems like a pretty decent fat with a high linoleic content. It also has pretty good lubrication qualities from what I've read. I have never tried it, though, so I can't help you with the other features, but it is reported to absorb very readily into the skin. Try the link below for a little info. Not science-based, but may give you some insight.
Castor Oil for Skin Problems - Benefits of Castor Oil - Healing Properties of Castor Oil - How to Use Castor Oil as a Beauty Aid | Home Remedies - Natural Remedies

If you want the science pov, try this link: Castor Oil - Natural Protection from Deadly Viruses

hope this helps?

I was a convert to using pre-shave oil long before I started using a straight razor. The oil made the shave smoother and helped reduce irritation to the skin.

I went with expensive oils to start with, Truefitt & Hill, Gessato, and others. One day, I was out, needed to shave, and decided to try some baby oil. Ended up going through the entire bottle before ordering some more T&H - the baby oil works just as well, but T&H does have much nicer aromatics!