Aftershave splashes and acne

[salisburyyates]

While I am not a teen anymore and im my early 20s, I still get the occasional breakout from time to time.

I was away on vacation and was using an electric on a trial basis (sorry in advance!), and found that my face was breaking out much more frequently. I thought back to the year before where I was a frequent user of Aqua Velva - and remembered that my face did not suffer the same breakouts. When I came home the other day I shaved with my Sensor, TOBS Almond, and used the classic AV afterwards.

Already my breakout has subsided, so my question is this:

Do alcohol-based aftershaves help with acne due to the drying properties of AS splashes? If so, I've got to keep buying those and not switch to balms.

 

[Wingnut]

That's my theory, but it's just that: I have no data to back it up. Makes sense, though, because if you've got acne, it means there's probably too much oil around, and since alcohol is a solvent for oil...

 

[gaj90027]

That's my theory, but it's just that: I have no data to back it up. Makes sense, though, because if you've got acne, it means there's probably too much oil around, and since alcohol is a solvent for oil...

+1 I'm in my mid 30's and up until last year (when I started wet shaving) I would still get break outs. Since I've been shaving properly and using alcohol based aftershaves I get the odd pimple or two but they are few and far between now

 

[Swampfox]

A B&B member recently noted that Alum blocks help with adult acne.

 

[Cheesehead Transplant]

+1 I'm in my mid 30's and up until last year (when I started wet shaving) I would still get break outs. Since I've been shaving properly and using alcohol based aftershaves I get the odd pimple or two but they are few and far between now

I'm also in my mid 30's and have found that wet shaving has helped cut down on my acne issues. My wife has even noticed. She's commented on how much healthier my skin looks since I switched over traditional wet shaving and using an alcohol based splash. I have an alum block on the way. I can't wait to use it.

 

[xriley]

I believe that alcohol based aftershaves have helped with my acne.

 

[Whitmore]

Same here. I've had problems with adult acne for ages - switching from a random balm to an alcoholic aftershave splash made things better, at least around the mouth and on the cheeks. Despite the recently diagnosed light rosacea my skin condition has improved so much I now combine a light splash with a moisturizing balm, without any problems or my acne returning.

 

[Luc]

Yup, I had the same conclusions: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=114566

 

[dbconlin]

I would think the AS would act much like a "toner" (main ingredient = alcohol) commonly used by females to improve complexion.

 

[NavyHopeful]

This is all pretty interesting. I'm 18 and still have breakouts. Right now my skin is pretty clear. I was under the impression that I have sensitive skin because of the ingrowns that I get, and I use Nivea Sensitive.

I've only ever used a few splashes: Aqua Velva (scent was too old man for me), Old Spice (I like it, although I have a feeling it's nothing more than alcohol and fragrance), and Ogallala (burned my face like no other, had to get rid of it).

Perhaps I should try a nice high quality splash, which could help with the occasional acne on my cheeks as well as the ingrowns. What would you guys suggest? I've been thinking about Speick for awhile, but any other suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[xriley]

This is all pretty interesting. I'm 18 and still have breakouts. Right now my skin is pretty clear. I was under the impression that I have sensitive skin because of the ingrowns that I get, and I use Nivea Sensitive.

I've only ever used a few splashes: Aqua Velva (scent was too old man for me), Old Spice (I like it, although I have a feeling it's nothing more than alcohol and fragrance), and Ogallala (burned my face like no other, had to get rid of it).

Perhaps I should try a nice high quality splash, which could help with the occasional acne on my cheeks as well as the ingrowns. What would you guys suggest? I've been thinking about Speick for awhile, but any other suggestions would be appreciated.

I think that you really should try Speick. It is the best all around AS IMHO.

 

[Drubbing]

Spieck is excellent, but you may or may not like its citrusy herbal scent. Most splashes scent doesn't last long though, but Spieck lingers for me. Which I like.

Proraso is also just as good, but the green fresh scent disappears in minutes.

 

[Whitmore]

If you can get it anywhere, try the Tüff Sensitive splash from Germany. It's got enough alcohol to sting as a good aftershave should, at the same time there's tons of great herbal ingredients and glycerin in it - and it comes almost unscented. It has been my everyday splash for years now. Also (at least here) it's quite cheap (about four bucks a bottle).

 

[Patrik]

At 38, I still get the occasional pimple. Rubbing alum on them after washing my face before bed tends to clear them up fast.

I've found that using Pinaud Clubman and Bay Rum after shaving has generally improved my skin.

 

[NavyHopeful]

How similar is the scent of the aftershave to the bath and shave soaps from Speick? I really enjoyed the scent of those products, but I know Speick has some other products that don't have such an enjoyable scent.

 

[dbconlin]

How similar is the scent of the aftershave to the bath and shave soaps from Speick? I really enjoyed the scent of those products, but I know Speick has some other products that don't have such an enjoyable scent.

I think the A/S splash differs markedly from the cream and soap scent-wise. I don't love it (the scent), but it is such a good product and the scent so light, I put up with it.

 

[DE Shaver]

I would think the AS would act much like a "toner" (main ingredient = alcohol) commonly used by females to improve complexion.

Yes, it would perform in that capacity. It would also be an anti-bacterial agent but I'm very doubtful if it would affect bacteria deep in the pores.

 

[Boba Fett]

Yes, it would perform in that capacity. It would also be an anti-bacterial agent but I'm very doubtful if it would affect bacteria deep in the pores.

Some of it would get into the pores, or at least as deep as needed to help kill some of the bacteria that naturally accumulates on the skin. This will help some with breakouts, especially when it comes to the occurrence if the tiny white pustules usually associated with bad acne.

All the same, traditional wet shaving and a good aftershave habit help the skin stay healthy, and it's why I support the use of alcohol based aftershaves above all others.

 

[Boba Fett]

Yup, I had the same conclusions: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=114566

in regards to the post you linked to, benzoyl peroxide is an effective acne treatment, found in many prescription acne treatments

 

[Luc]

in regards to the post you linked to, benzoyl peroxide is an effective acne treatment, found in many prescription acne treatments

Yes! I used it for a while, it takes care of the pimples very quickly! The AS splash seems to do the same job as quickly today...