Almond oil as lube?

[2dive4]

I just got my first wet suit, a Cressi Apnea 5mm with smooth skin inside and think I will need some lubrication to get it on. I know that most freedivers use hair conditioner but I have a delicate skin and don't want to spoil the environment, either, so I was thinking of using almond oil - as it is non-petroleum based it shouldn't eat the rubber and be nice on my skin without causing irritation. Is there anything speaking against it? ANy comment will be appreciated, thanks!

 

[superdude171]

Hi, I have the exact same suit as you and I use diluted shower gel. The lube I use has moisturiser in and stuff like that, I know you can get ones designed for sensitive skin too that would be suitable. Looking at almond oil it seems much more expensive (I usually use about a litre of diluted gel to lube my suit up) almond oil would need much less than this but this would still be quite pricey. You can also get environmentally friendly shower stuff too. Can't find anything saying it affects rubber either. Hope this helps.

Greg.

 

[efattah]

You can't use oil in a wetsuit. If you want a natural alternative to lube, you can use xanthan gum or guar gum mixed with water. These are edible and produce incredible lubricant, but you must mix them in a blender with water.

The big problem with xanthan or guar gum is that they are food substances, and they feed bacteria. Your suit will rot if you do not clean it thoroughly after each use. Increasing amounts of bacteria can cause skin itching if you don't clean it properly.