Kyle, you are a man truly dedicated to your art!
I had one barber shop shave from a very old barber, about 15 or more years ago, and I think he followed the procedure you describe -- he definitely massaged something into my skin prior to the towel. Of course, I was in a comfy barber's char, which leads to one question -- what the heck do you do while the towel is draped over your face -- lie down? read the paper standing and facing upwards?? That's the part that keeps me from doing the towel thing...
I had one barber shop shave from a very old barber, about 15 or more years ago, and I think he followed the procedure you describe -- he definitely massaged something into my skin prior to the towel. Of course, I was in a comfy barber's char, which leads to one question -- what the heck do you do while the towel is draped over your face -- lie down? read the paper standing and facing upwards?? That's the part that keeps me from doing the towel thing...