Has anybody ever used baby oil as a pre shave oil? How well does it work?
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Has anybody ever used baby oil as a pre shave oil? How well does it work?
i have on several occasions and it works quite well... of all the different oils i have tried.. baby oil is the best value..
i don't have the desire to spend tons on a small vile of oil i'll never use anyway.
Baby Oil will work for sure. The key like with any pre-shave oil is to just use a little bit and rub it in well. The results really are noticeable in a couple weeks.
Have fun,
Lynn
Yup, like Lynn said, You get better results with continued use. I wanted to add that almost any oil will do, Olive oil, Sunflower oil...etc...You get the idea.
I am curious why it takes a couple of weeks to notice the results?
Thank you,
--Shoki
I think they may have been referring to facial as opposed to actual shaving results, but I'd like to know too.
In order to reap the full benefits from pre shave oil, it takes a few weeks of regular use. Call it a skin/beard conditioning period. I know, if you just use it once in a while, it doesn't work as well as it does when you use it all the time..
Just to make sure I understand, are you saying that it takes time for oil to soften hair for cutting, not just a single shave or two?
i have also always wondered why it took weeks to reap the benefits of shave oil..
not being the complete genius i constantly pose to be.. i'm assuming it has to do with "ph balance" or something.. it must take a while to let your skin and body acclimate to the idea of shave oil..
i've toyed with shave oil in the past and overall just "gave up on the idea"...
however.. in my testing.. babyoil works wonderfully.
You know, when guys start using Pre Shave Oils, You hear, "It didn't work", or "I didn't notice a difference". That's why we always say, give it a week or two, and Yes, The oil will soften your beard the first time you use it. It's just gets better with each use, I don't know why. Maybe someone with technical data will chime in. I believe it has Accumulative effects on your beard and skin. The more you use it, the better it gets. I've been using it for years, trust me on this one...
I've been using baby oil for a week now and it does seem to help a bit. Hopefully there will be a big difference next week when I hit the 2 week mark.
I either ran out or the wife set my usual bottle of oil somewhere I have yet to find, so in a pinch one day I grabbed and used her bottle of "kama Sutra" almond massage oil....
Haven't thought to go looking for my old one in the weeks since. I really like the massage oil and the fragrance is good too.
I will try to keep this short....
The beard hairs are protected by a waxy layer that is designed to protect the hair from unwanted intrusion. We do alot to remove this layer so that water will penetrate and soften the beard, but oil works differently.
Oil and water don't mix, and since there is a LOT of water in your hair and skin (from a science pov), it takes longer and repeated exposure to absorb this rather foreign material. Once the hair follicle and the skin have reached a "saturation level" that is higher than normal with these oils, you have continued softness from the follicle itself, resulting in softer hair and skin. And no, I am not a biologist, but food science and chemistry explain the same principles (try butchering a pig - you learn the value of an oil soak real quick).
That being said, I highly recommend extra-virgin olive oil. Use the cheapest one you can find, just make sure it's extra-virgin. The fats present are beneficial to skin and hair (just ask the ancient romans & greeks). And it takes very little. If you like scent, add a couple drops of a very pure essential oil (alcohol-free) of your choice and mix with your fingers.
The main problem with Baby oil is that it is a mineral oil, which isn't terrible for your skin, but EVOO is by far superior.
Hope this answered some questions.....?
And, by the way, try heating the oil to a comfortable level first and apply to a warm, clean face. Far superior absorption.
I was using Jojoba oil for a while, which does work pretty well and I would recommend it over baby oil. You can get it at GNC and it isn't too expensive.
I ultimately stopped using oils simply because it was annoying to try to wash all that oily stuff off my hands while I was trying to prep for a shave.
I just use Proraso now, but if you are looking to try an oil I would recommend the Jojoba.
+1 on the jojoba oil! Its what I use, and while I don't think I notice a difference in shave quality, I do notice a difference in shave comfort. And, the skin feels soft afterwards. I barely use 4-5 drops of oil, rub it onto wet beard, splash water on the face again, then lather.
Thanks closer. I was wondering if you lather up after applying the oil. You answered that question. Will have to give it a try.
I wonder if Mitchell's Wool Fat, which has lots of lanolin in it, has the same effect.
Here is the ingredient list. The recipe is over 100 years old, so I doubt it uses any of the modern "moisturizing" chemicals.
Sodium Tallowate,
Potassium Stearate,
Sodium Cocoate,
Sodium Stearate,
Aqua,
Potassium Cocoate,
Glycerin,
Parfum
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone,
Hexyl Cinnamal
Limonene
Linalool,
Hydroxycitronellal
Lanolin
Titanium Dioxide,
Sodium Choloride,
Sodium Gluconate,
SOdium Silicate,
Tetrasodium EDTA,
Magnesium Sulphate,
Tetrasodium Etidronate
It concerns me that lanolin is WAY down on the list, and the rest are unnatural chemicals that can be especially harmful to your face (see all the different sodiums, I could list others). My guess is that you could do some research (if I get time I will do it and post it here), but the end result will be an expensive, albeit heavenly, product. Trust me on this economical tip: use extra-virgin olive oil daily, even if you don't shave. I use it post-shave, after any post-shave treatment, whether I shave or not, and I use both sparingly. Rub it in well. You should not be shiny. After a while, you will be simply amazed at the results! You can buy a cheap evoo for about $6/quart, and all it takes is about 3-5 drops to cover your face and beard completely.
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.
I've got a great love of olive oil, so I'll give it a shot.
I've also got some extra MWF laying around. I bought 3 pucks, and the stuff lasts FOREVER! I can send you a small chunk if you want to try it out yourself. If you are interested, just send me a PM.
Here is some more info on MWF from their site:
Quote:
Mitchell's Wool Fat Soap was first produced in the early 1930's by Bradford chemist Fred Mitchell who realised that the natural lanolin content of wool fat, which kept the hands of local sheep shearers and wool sorters so exceptionally soft, could also be beneficial to delicate complexions and sensitive skins
A simple and natural product, Mitchell's Wool Fat Soap is still made to Mr. Mitchell's original formula, based on a recipe from the turn of the century and incorporating lanolin from the wool fat as the key ingredient.
Although no medical claims are made for it, this very gentle soap is particularly soothing to sensitive skins and has often been recommended by members of the medical profession to help alleviate certain skin complaints.
From its early loyal following of mainly local customers, the reputation of Mitchell's Wool Fat Soap has grown and it is now in great demand not only in the British Isles but in Europe, Australia, Japan and the USA.
As promised, I did some research about absolutely pure lanolin and I was surprised at how fast and easy it was to find (it was in my medicine chest), as well as (relatively) inexpensive.
The product is called Lansinoh, and it is the purest form of lanolin on the market (in fact, it is the only ingredient on the list!!!). The product was designed for breastfeeding mothers to soothe cracked, dry, sore nipples, but it is amazing, obviously, as a skin nourishing agent. It is also extremely easy to find and not as expensive as other things.
I still hold to the evoo, however, for many reasons, not the least of which is it's non-animal fat-based nourishing properties.
I found some. It is quite thick (thicker than toothpaste) and needs some serious rubbing between the fingers to soften it up to a state that is applicable to my face.
I'm thinking Lansinoh may work better as a post shave treatment, than preshave.
I recently ordered some Liquid Lanolin.
NOW Foods - Liquid Lanolin Pure - 4 oz
I hope it's good.
--Shoki
Since my earlier post I have been playing with it, trying to find its nuances. I find that applying a french pea-sized amount to your hands and rubbing vigorously to spread over your hands, then applying to face and working in real good works fairly well. I agree that post-shave is probably better, even using daily as a moisturizer and conditioner.
I like Shoki's find...the liquid lanolin. Seems awesome and I will be looking into it. Used the link, but didn't seem possible to purchase from there.
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.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g3...27034366_0.jpg
--Shoki
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.
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
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!