I decided to use the Pumpkin Pie shaving soap from HowToGrowAMoustache.com, a favorite soap, and I had the inspiration to choose a pumpkin-colored brush, my Rooney Emilion.
An immediate great lather resulted, and I went at my beard with my new Schick Krona, which I purchased on eBay, coincidentally from a blog reader. With a Kai blade I got a very smooth shave indeed: three passes to BBS.
A splash of Geo. F. Trumper Spanish Leather aftershave, and I’m starting the weekend.
Douglas Smythe, proprietor of HTGAM, comments on the ingredients of this soap:
A note on the new formulation: Here is a breakdown on the new ingredients included in Pumpk’n 3.14 as well as all our soaps now:
Chaulmoogra Oil – Used for shield and protection of skin.Contains antimicrobial properties effective to treat eczema, psoriasis, arthritis, sprains, bruises and skin inflammations. Studies have shown Chaulmoogra oil to be an effective treatment for leprosy!
Neem Oil – Used to lubricate and moisturize. Neem oil is rich in essential fatty acids, like those found in sea buckthorn oil, that nourish and balance problem skin. The natural oils and glycerides quickly and easily penetrate outer layers of skin to soothe even chronically dry, itchy or flaking areas like psoriasis and eczema. Neem oil is the next big “it” in skin care and for preventing the signs of aging. Many consumers are aware of the importance of essential fatty acids and anti-oxidants for the health benefits internally and externally. Neem oil contains both potent anti-oxidants and is rich in essential fatty acids; Neem is the perfect skin cocktail for soothing wrinkles and fine lines while helping to prevent the signs of aging when used regularly. It has been traditionally used to even out skin tone irregularities, helping to balance and restore proper skin pigmentation for issues such as vitiligo or age spots. Neem is an ideal herb for acne-prone skin because it can help to soothe irritation and inflammation, clear up pimples and remove un-desired levels of bacteria on the skin that can cause more break-outs. Neem is the ideal plant for mature skin, oily skin, dry or acne-prone conditions. Few plants are considered to be as important a panacea or “cure all” for many skin conditions. Neem is fondly referred to as the village pharmacy for this reason.
Pumpkin-Seed Oil – Added to lubricate, shield and moisturize. Skin Benefits: Antioxidant properties It appears that the biggest skin benefits of pumpkin-seed oil are that it possesses very high levels of the natural antioxidants and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Pumpkin-seed oil is especially high in the gamma-tocopherol form of Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant.
Aloe Vera – A powerful moisturizer. Aloe plants have their own way of being beneficial when applied to skin. Aloe both soothes tired skin and has antibacterial properties. It’s a product used to heal the skin from damaging effects caused by over-exposure to the sun’s harmful rays. Once applied, it releases natural vitamins and enzymes into the skin to produce a deep moisturizing effect that restores its balance.
Yellow Dock Root – Provides skin food and adds slick much like clay. Topically, yellow dock can come in quite handy; it may be used to reduce swelling in the event of an injury. The Native Americans used the bruised leaves to draw pus from wounds. The powder has also been use on insect stings and bites to relieve the pain, swelling and irritation. It is a natural astringent that much like alum can stop minor weepers.
Maca Root – Provides skin food and slick much like clay. Recently, it was shown that Maca root nourishes and softens the skin. Laboratory studies have shown that Maca root stimulates proliferation of fibroblasts in vitro, resulting in younger looking skin. Research showed that Maca root extract stimulates adhesion. The extract from Maca root, (Macaderm) has been tested in vitro, on keratinocytes, which are responsible of the synthesis of extracellular constituents. Cells reside in a protein network, moulded by extracellular matrix constituents. The most important constituents of cell adhesion are integrin and collagen type IV. While integrins interact with extracellular matrix and mediate various cell signals, collagen type IV promotes cell attachment and proliferation. It was shown that in anti-aging skin care formulations, Maca extract enhances keratinocyte production, giving the basement membrane a better network structure. So by increasing keratinocyte production, Maca may increase collagen synthesis, improving the integrity of the skin’s structural matrix.
And some of our classic standard ingredients:
Kokum Butter – For glide and moisturizing benefits. Well known for it’s emollient, and regenerative, properties making it one of the best choices for damaged skin preparations. One of the most useful butters for inflamed skin preparation and enhanced barrier formation. ATTRIBUTES nurtures damaged skin soothes inflammed skin provides a supple skin feel improved barrier for natural hydration
Mango Butter – Adds moisture and glide. Contains a wealth of healthy properties with multiple skin-nourishing benefits that can really do your wonders for your skin. For centuries, Mango Butter has been traditionally used in the rain forests and tropics for its skin softening, soothing, moisturizing and protective properties. It is rich in powerful antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that help to reduce the degeneration of skin cells, restore elasticity and offer a protective effect from the sun’s UV radiation. Mango Butter works as an anti-ageing ingredient; fighting free-radicals and plumping up lines and wrinkles (dermatologists often recommend Mango Butter for the treatment of lines and wrinkles, as most people who use it will notice decreased signs of aging within 4 to 6 weeks of daily use).
Cocoa Butter – Provides moisture & shield. Cocoa butter is among the best moisturizers as it penetrates through the outer layer of the skin to reach the skin layer below and moisturizes and repairs the skin effectively leaving your face soft, supple and glowing. Presence of antioxidants and vitamins: Cocoa butter has very strong antioxidants that help in fighting free radicals that are the major cause of aging. The major antioxidants found in cocoa butter are known as flavonols which are very strong antioxidants. The presence of vitamins in cocoa butter, with vitamin E being very abundant in cocoa butter makes it very beneficial on skin as it protects skin that is irritated and sunburned. Beneficial for dry skin problems: Cocoa butter being an excellent emollient and moisturizer, it is very suitable for people suffering from dry skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis which are characterized by itchy, scaly and dry skin. Reduces stress and bring relief: Applying cocoa butter on face has been considered a good way of easing tension from the body and also reducing stress. The antioxidants present in cocoa butter also help in easing away stress related tension.
Avocado Oil – Lubricates & heals the skin. Avocado oil applied topically helps relieve dry and itchy skin. Once applied, avocado oil is deeply absorbed by the skin, thus making it an ideal moisturizer and skin care agent. Increase Collagen Production. When applied, avocado oil increases the production of collagen, which helps keep the skin plump and decreases the effects of aging. Treat Skin Conditions. Avocado oil is useful in the treatment of a variety of skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. Others. Avocado oil facilitates the healing of wounds and burns to the skin.
And that’s just some of our ingredients…sorry to bore you, just thought due to a recent influx of emails, some want to know why we use what we use! Happy Shaving! Douglas
Filed under: Shaving
