Coconut Oil as Preshave

Has anyone ever used coconut oil for a preshave treatment?

I know coconut is used in many shave creams, and it is sometimes used in the shower, so I have been applying it to my beard before finishing my shower, immediately followed by shaving. I have not noticed a real difference in less slickness or tugging on first past(by the way I am using cartidges still), but on the second pass the blades seems to slide over my cheek. The big difference I have seen is that my skin seems smoother and better moisturized the following day.

The oil I am using is meant for cooking and the label says it is expeller pressed and non-hydrogenated. Here are my questions:
Is this oil really benefitial, or am I imagining the results? I have never tried any preshave preparation, besides showering, in the past so I don't have anything to compare it to.
Is a coconut oil prep similar to what I could expect if, and when, I used a proper preshave product?

Don't know about coconut oil, but I use vitamin E oil as a preshave. I put it on, then lather, then wear it as I strop my razor. After the strop, I go through 2 cycles of hot towels. Makes for a great shave and leaves the skin moist and supple. I guess you could do the same with glycerin although it is a little heavy. I do put 3-4 drops of glycerin in my lather. Happy shaves.

Thanks Wayne, I have a bottle of glycerin in the pantry and had been wondering...
I think I will give glycerin a try this week. Good to know beforehand that it is heavy. I am looking to start using a straight razor soon so I am experimenting with what I have now. You talking about using vitamin E has me thinking. I do have some fish oil in the cabinet!:)

my experience with coconut oil is that is a great moisturizer but adds a bit of drag or "stickiness" when shaving right on it, so like you said first pass not so great but then after a rinse and re-lather it is great. I think on that subsequent pass you're getting the advantage of hydration more than a lubricating effect of the coconut oil.
(but I'm a newb, and YMMV as they say)

edit: In terms of general health benefits I believe it is good for the skin based on my research

this might help
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...g-Oil-in-depth

Well I learned a new word-comedogenic. I had not experienced any acne but have not been satisfied with coconut oil. The day after I would shave my skin looked dry and cracked. I think the coconut was leaving an film much as cheap soap will. Thanks for the replies, sirs.

Seems coconut oil is classified as a comedogenic...some great properties to it but perhaps not the best if one is susceptible to clogged pores.

I use coconut oil both preshave and after shave. I I always rely on natural things rather than commercial creams and lotions. Coconut oil makes my skin really soft and calms the irritated skin. I also use it for my hair and face, as I also have dry skin so I apply it on my face before going to bed.

Mobil 1- you could shave 10X a day with it. LOL. Actually, I've not tried Coconut oil but found grapeseed oil and olive oil to work well and not irritate or clog pores.

Once you find something you like I would advise you to occasionally use no oil at all in your prep. Its always good to occasionally guage the difference that this makes in your routine.

You also can use baby oil, use a small amount of this ist very greasy. Let it soften your wiskers for one or two minutes. Lather and you have a exellent shave. Cheap and good for the skin

I use coconut oil daily great stuff, haven't used as pre shave or after but love the kick it gives me when I use a tablespoon of it in my morning coffee :-)

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Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

I do have some fish oil in the cabinet!:)

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:hmmm:Not unless you want to smell like carp for the rest of the day...lol

I use coconut oil as pre-shave and after-shave. For pre-shave, I think it helps make my skin supple and more resistant to scratches and nicks. For after-shave, it calms my skin down. It all depends on whether you are prone to pore-clogging or not. If you are not, then I would not worry about the comedogenic part of coconut oil.

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Originally Posted by Wayne1963

Don't know about coconut oil, but I use vitamin E oil as a preshave. I put it on, then lather, then wear it as I strop my razor. After the strop, I go through 2 cycles of hot towels. Makes for a great shave and leaves the skin moist and supple. I guess you could do the same with glycerin although it is a little heavy. I do put 3-4 drops of glycerin in my lather. Happy shaves.

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Note that "Vitamin E Oil" is actually a small amount of the vitamin in a large amount of some sort of oil. The oil used varies by manufacturer, but common brands use wheat germ oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil...you get the picture.

My point is that it's the oil that matters during the shave, and the oil varies by the product's manufacturer. The vitamin E may be good for the skin in the long run, but it doesn't contribute to the quality of the shave.

I use coconut oil every day, both before and after the shave. It is much thinner and doesn't feel greasy like olive oil. I really like it in the winter, when my skin tends to get dry.

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Originally Posted by Marcelitegti

I use coconut oil daily great stuff, haven't used as pre shave or after but love the kick it gives me when I use a tablespoon of it in my morning coffee :-)

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Really? I might have to try it then....