Do I Need Aftershave? – Importance of Aftershave

Electric shavers are thought to not irritate the skin by many because they are not thought to use aftershave creams. Some people think that aftershave creams are only for you when you get bruises and cuts. Since electric shavers don’t cause any bumps or cuts, they believe that these may be unnecessary. But the truth is, electric shavers also have their own shortcomings such as skin irritation, dryness, and other problems. Hence, shaving cream is necessary even if you do not have time for daily lotion when using an electric shaver.

In addition to protecting against infections of small cuts and nicks, aftershave is mainly meant to prevent inflamed skin. Aftershave may also contain nourishing agents. This helps restore your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Throughout this guide, we will present you with information on the main types of aftershaves, the main ingredients found in them, and a few things you should know about this grooming product.

What is an Aftershave?

A good aftershave offers hydration and protection as a part of your skincare regime.

For many years, men have used an aftershave to help seal their skin after a shave. Astringent alcohol was used as an Aftershave in the past. You had to rub it into your face and it would sting intensely. The alcohol still found in some aftershaves is replacing many of the ingredients that were once used to treat skin issues.

What is an Aftershave?

Among the endless aftershave available in the market, there are creams, gels, sprays, and balms. All of these products are intended for use after shaving. Many of these products will soothe the skin after a shaver irritates it with its various fragrances, ingredients, and formulas. The product is either disinfected with alcohol or contains witch hazel. Its astringent properties help close pores and reduce the possibility that a shave will result in an infection.

Types of Aftershave

As you research aftershaves, you will discover that they are available in the following forms: balms, sprays, and lotions. Below is a look at how each of them differs:

Types of Aftershave

1. Aftershave Splash

One of the most common, and probably the most traditional, aftershave splashes normally contain alcohol; further details on this are below. A few seconds to a minute after application, after aftershave splashes may sting because there is alcohol present in them.

There is no shortage of after-shave splashes and they can be found at most drugstores locally and online.

Finally, a splash of perfume is often used instead of cologne because it has a strong perfumed scent.

2. Aftershave Lotion

There is a question of whether aftershave lotion contains astringent properties making it hard to classify them into one category.

These products have a thicker consistency that makes application easier.

Unlike aftershave splashes, lotions usually consist of a milder fragrance, so they are easy to combine with body spray or cologne.

3. Aftershave Balm

An aftershave balm is different from most aftershave sprays and lotions. After shaving, balms repair your skin after they have been nourished and moisturized. Using a balm may help to keep skin moisturized, reduce mild irritation, and relieve tightness.

Men with sensitive skin normally prefer aftershave balms because of their unscented or mild fragrances. Due to its lighter aroma, aftershave balm can be combined well, if necessary, with cologne.

Balms can be anything from a lotion to a thick, creamy formula.

Aftershave Ingredients

Various ingredients may be used in aftershaves to attain desired effects, such as: As previously mentioned, many aftershaves contain:

Aftershave Ingredients

1. Alcohol
   Denatured Alcohol 40 or specially denatured alcohols are often used in alcohol-based aftershaves. The alcohols act as astringents as well as antimicrobial agents (source). To prevent infection, this ingredient helps stop bleeding and cleanse wounds. The stinging sensation created by this ingredient can last for a long period when applied.
2. Witch Hazel
   An astringent and anti-inflammatory natural ingredient like witch hazel is derived from a flowering plant. To prevent your skin from drying out, witch hazel is usually paired with aloe vera and glycerin.Moreover, an aftershave derived from witch hazel does not sting on application to surface cuts or wounds.
3. Natural Oils
   Several aftershaves may contain oils, including essential oils as well. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
   
   Carrier Oils: Many grooming products contain carrier oils derived mostly from seeds or nuts. The scent of carrier oils is very mild. Inclusion due to their moisturizing properties is the most notable reason.
   Essential Oils: Added mainly for the fragrance to aftershaves. Often companies claim their products will treat acne, dry skin, dark spots, etc. These types of claims should have very little weight.
   Vitamin E Oil: This is often marketed as combating the signs of aging as well as fortifying skin because of its antioxidant properties. The addition of Vitamin E oil may give the impression that the product is of a higher quality/caliber and carries a higher price.
4. Aloe Vera
   The application of this natural ingredient has been scientifically proven to be effective in treating burns, acne, and dry skin.
5. Glycerin
   It has been clinically proven that glycerin acts as a powerful humectant, just like aloe vera. Also added to the aftershave is glycerin to make the feeling slick.
   

Aftershave benefits

Aftershave is exactly what it sounds like — skin conditioning after shaving.

An aftershave’s benefits depend on what’s in it. However, after shaving facial hair, traditional alcohol astringent aftershaves have served as sanitizers for the face.

You leave many small cuts and exposed areas of skin and pores when you shave. These are more likely to accumulate bacteria or other materials.

Most aftershave products contain isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol, which are other alcohol-derived ingredients found in hand sanitizers and cleaners like rubbing alcohol.

You apply these products to your face after shaving to kill bacteria or toxins. Alcohol-based aftershaves are antibacterial, which is why they sting infamously when applied to your face.

Using alcohol-based aftershaves on your skin for a long time can negatively affect your skin.

Many advanced aftershaves now incorporate natural ingredients like coconut oil or jojoba oil and moisturizers such as lotion or aloe vera to guard against bacteria entering the skin’s cuts also to keep skin moist.

Aftershaves with natural ingredients also have other health benefits, such as:

1. Reducing discomfort and inflammation associated with skin damage and ingrown hairs.
2. Opening the pores to prevent bacteria, dirt, or an irritant such as a razor burn from entering, (which can prevent breakouts and shaving bumps).
3. Helping to speed up the healing process of shaving cuts.
4. Protecting open pores with liquid or oil prevents hair follicle inflammation (folliculitis).
5. Protecting the health of your skin by promoting the regeneration of skin tissue.
6. Your skin will smell good.

Do You Need to Use Aftershave?

It depends on your situation. You can avoid using it, but it might not be the best choice for someone who’s easily irritating.

The use of aftershave is not necessary. It may prove helpful, but it is not essential for a healthy shaving routine.

Those concerned about moisturizing their skin or protecting their pores from skin irritation after shaving should rinse their face afterward to close their pores and apply a natural oil like coconut or jojoba.

The combination of cold water and oil can prevent skin irritation while also providing a protective moisturizing layer.

Those with astringent properties can help to inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Other ingredients, including Aloe Vera and moisturizers, can relieve redness, minimize irritation, and calm the skin. Those things are all great to have after your hair is shaved off.

Could aftershave be used without shaving?

The ingredients in an aftershave can give benefits even if you do not use it right after shaving.

The anti-aging benefits of moisturizing ingredients such as vitamin E oil, shea butter, and aloe vera are best achieved when you use them regularly, according to Dr. Oz.

How to use aftershave

An after-shave product is used at a specific juncture in your shaving regime.
Here’s how to use an aftershave:

1. No matter where on your body it is, you need to follow your regular shaving routine whenever you shave.
2. Make sure you get any shaving cream, gel, or lotion off the area by rinsing it off with cold water.
3. You should pat dry using a clean towel rather than rubbing your skin, as this can cause irritation and damage.
4. The size of a dime is about the right amount of aftershave to put on your hand.
5. To spread out the aftershave evenly, rub it in both your hands.
6. The aftershave must be rubbed evenly across the entire surface you shaved.

Using these helps stop any bleeding or irritation you may experience after shaving, as well as help, disinfect any small nicks you may have created.

Conclusion

Our aim is to make this article informative and useful for research so that you’ll be able to better differentiate the subtle differences between the various scents available.

We have a number of other useful shaving guides, so while you’re here, check them out.

In the shortest period of time, aftershave can kill bacteria if you use it right after your shave. But this can result in skin damage over time.

The best way to soothe your skin after a good shave is with an aftershave that contains effective natural ingredients.

If you don’t like the aftershave, don’t! The cream, lotion, oil, or liquid that you use for shaving should be moisturizing, and it need not be aftershave.

Try a few different options until you find the one that works best for you.