Aftershave Overkill?

[haagiboy]

Hi!

I got lots of products as of now. Would it be Overkill or against its meaning to use Witch Hazel + Alum + AS balm + AS splash? And then a good moisturizer?

How would the perfect setup for this be? My skin is relatively dry, so when I use my AS balm from TGR it dries out after 10 mins or so.

 

[apino]

You say your skin is dry so I'm guessing sensitive too?

I sometimes feel even the alum treatment alone can be hard on my face. Some kind of moisturizer no doubt is a good idea. I use the Proraso pre/after balm (for sensitive skin) as my aftershave and it has a nice moisturizing and soothing effect too. I also bought some witch hazel to use as an aftershave but I think it's overkill with the alum bloc. However, I think witch hazel is great for wiping the face before going to bed (I have a skin that is always either too dry or too greasy - never "normal").

 

[Greybeard]

Witch Hazel, Alum, and AS splash do basically the same thing. Only the AS splash may be very slightly moisturizing. Witch Hazel also acts as a skin toner. Alum closes nicks and cuts more effectively. Some AS balms are moisturizing.
I use Alum + AS splash or AS balm + moisturizer (if I feel it's needed) or
Alum + AS splash + AS balm or
Witch Hazel + AS balm + moisturizer (if needed) or
AS splash + AS balm + moisturizer (if needed).

 

[Drubbing]

Definitely overkill when 3 of those products are doing the same thing. Probably only adding to drying you out.

I find a balm and moisturiser do the same thing too. Balms may or may not have added goodies in them. Even if they don't, you often get some of them from AS.

 

[apino]

Balms may or may not have added goodies in them.

I've been wondering if the Aloe Vera/Green tea Proraso has in fact some menthol in it. They don't mention it but I don't know what else could be giving that cooling effect.

 

[Easttexasman]

I quit using the allum a few weeks ago,I think over using it does some harm.But I apply a aftershave splash 4-5 times after shaving,then a balm,then a moisturizer.
Works good for me.

Paul

 

[Go West Young Man]

Make each product audition for it's job - unless you can see a definite and noticeable improvement in your skin from the use of a certain product, you can probably just drop it without consequence.

I used to have an elaborate pre and post ritual, then forgot to bring a couple things on a trip and started freaking out. When I got back, I made a conscious effort to not become dependant on any one product - with good technique you should be able to get at least one good shave out of even the most minimalist setup.

 

[sirleanalot]

Witch Hazel, Alum, and AS splash do basically the same thing. Only the AS splash may be very slightly moisturizing. Witch Hazel also acts as a skin toner. Alum closes nicks and cuts more effectively. Some AS balms are moisturizing.
I use Alum + AS splash or AS balm + moisturizer (if I feel it's needed) or
Alum + AS splash + AS balm or
Witch Hazel + AS balm + moisturizer (if needed) or
AS splash + AS balm + moisturizer (if needed).

+1.

Alum and witch hazel can be substituted for each other. I prefer alum immediately after a shave - I leave it on for a couple of minutes then rinse it off thoroughly and follow it up with a mix of AS and moisturiser.

I use the witch hazel as a toner to clean up my face at the end of a long and grimy day - gets all the muck out.

Never was a big fan of AS balms - I have combination skin and AS balms always get my t-zone uncomfortably shiny.

(oh btw i read on another post about alum as an anti-perspirant. i was skeptical but tried it anyway. and oh boy does it do a good job ! dry yourself throughly then apply a wet alum block on your underarms. allow it to dry naturally then apply your usual deodorant. makes it extra-effective and keeps you bone dry all day)

 

[Hank21]

Just use the witch hazel and apply a small amount of moisturizer if needed and that's it.

 

[Rumbaldi]

It's a personal choice, I use everything you listed but the balm. I have oily skin though so moisturizer seems overkill for me.

 

[DE Shaver]

Using all three types of aftershave is somewhat unnecessary and maybe counterproductive as you have many variables to consider. If you are trying to resolve a dryness issue, a single aftershave balm and a moisturizer is probably your best bet.