Are Aftershave Splashes (Clubman) bad for you?

[CryptoDave]

I've read and seen numerous videos that say never use an alcohol based after shave.

Ive been using the Clubman 200th Anniversary and Special Reserve.

I really like the smell of them.

My routine is to shave and then apply witch hazel (an alcohol free one) and then a balm. After that I splash on the Clubman.


I always notice a slight sting when I apply the Clubman, regardless of how lightly or carefully I shave. I just assumed that was the alcohol in the Clubman.

So my question is, based upon my routine above ( witch hazel and then a balm), am I damaging my skin with the clubman? and why do most say not to use an alcohol based after shave? I assume because it will dry out your skin, but if I am applying it over an alcohol free witch hazel and a balm, is it really going to do any damage?

Thanks,

Dave

 

[RaiserLiebe]

If your skin feels good, I don't think you are damaging it. My skin is normal to oily and I love alcohol splashes.
To each his own!
Cheers!

 

[AudioNut]

Hi Dave!

I use Clubman Lime and love it.

However, I use it after witch hazel and before I apply balm. During the winter time, my skin will dry up with clubman but that's when I reach for Corn Huskers as my balm. No problem at all.

 

[hoseunyan]

I've been using alcohol splashes for decades and my skin is perfectly fine.

As a previous poster said, the important thing is that your routine makes your face feel good. When it comes to any long-term impact on health, I'm frankly more concerned about all the other chemicals in aftershave products (especially in balms) than good ol' alcohol.

And beware of self-appointed grooming "experts" on YouTube or in magazines. A good example is here: the Men's Health "Grooming Editor" advises against alcohol splashes but then goes on to recommend 4 aftershave products of which 2 in fact contain alcohol, one of them being an alcohol-based splash (Clarins Energizer). Clearly the guy is just bluffing his way through.

 

[Niles]

The burn is indeed from the alcohol. It isn't damaging your skin at all. I've only ever used alcohol splashes since I started shaving.

 

[peteyj10]

Alcohol can leave you with dry skin if you are prone to drying, especially during the winter. I myself, however, haven't had any damage issues using Clubman, and I have fairly sensitive skin.

 

[LouBarraza]

After I splash on some Skin Bracer after a shave,the sting is only temporary for a few seconds and it's followed by a nice cooling /healing feeling and then I apply a moisterizer since the cold air dries my skin out.The alcohol is not bad for your face.Plus,It heals weepers and closes the pores.You can add a few drops of glycerin s well.

 

[Mick]

They're not too bad for me..

well except maybe the VEG....

It is bad to the bone

 

[the_edski]

Stop watching American Psycho! No, its not bad for you. If you like it, use it!

 

[Deadlyapollo]

Men today are so darn afraid of what everyone says. The man in California who said oreos from Nabisco gave people cancer, do you believe him? They said the Mayan apocolypse would end us all......it didn't happen. Point is, you can tell people to shove their hippy "this is bad for you" speeches up their arse and continue using what you love. If it feels good, use it.

 

[oldbluelight]

I'll start to worry about it when I see TV commercials from the law firm Dewey, Cheatem and Howe that start out with, "Have you or a loved one become ill or died from using Clubman. If so you may be entitled to....." Til then it's splash, splash, UMMMMM, AH!

 

[Pebcak]

Don't listen to the rest of those guys they don't know what they're talking about. Yes, they are very, very, very bad for you and extremely dangerous. You should send them to me for safe and proper disposal.

 

[luvmysuper]

Alcohol splashes are bad for the skin only when used subcutaneously.

My grandad, my dad, myself, and many people I know personally have used alcohol splashes their entire lives (decades) on a daily basis and no one I know of has ever had a skin issue.
Beware of the sky is falling "grooming experts" who are no more qualified to give advice on the subject than your average B&B member with less than 3 posts, and often less qualified, because at least the new member here has done some reading and study on the subject and isn't just repeating the current vernacular.

 

[i.am.zed]

I believe the bad press around AS splashes really stem from a gross over simplification from people who are just ignorant of what a modern splash is about. They simply know that alcohol is a drying agent (which it is)...drying agents are generally not good for your skin....AS splashes contain alcohol...therefore AS splashes are not good for your skin. If AS splashes were nothing more than scented rubbing alcohol, this thought process could be considered valid. However, we all know that's not the case. Most of the better splashes also contain ingredients such glycerin, aloe and essential oils to soothe and moisturize, witch hazel, alum and menthol to heal, and so on. In the end, you end up with a concoction that works as an anti-septic, skin healer and a moisturizer.

Personally, I use both a splash and a light balm. My current favorites are Speick AS Lotion followed by a small amount of Trumper's Skin Food and I love the way my skin feels after a shave.

 

[dymaxion]

When I switched from balms to the Alcohol based splashes I stopped getting large razor bumps.

The Alcohol seems to heal my skin quickly.

 

[CryptoDave]

Thanks to everyone for the responses.

Believe me I'm not going to stop using the Clubman, I love it, even the sting.

I was just curious.

Today after I shaved I rinsed my face several times with really cold water, then used the Witchazel and then a Balm. I let that settle in, and then used the Clubman. Not as much sting.

Like many of you said, I too like a bit of sting. Makes me think it's actually doing something, I like the "feedback" from the Clubman on my face, and the smell.

Thanks

Dave

 

[Obsessed]

It depends on your skin.

 

[mikeadams]

I've used Clubman, but prefer something with no alcohol. Nothing wrong with alcohol based if you like it. The only danger would be confusing them with your favorite beverages!

Steve

 

[rushchairman]

i'd be more concerned about the chemicals contained therein than the alcohol. and i'm not concerned about them either.

 

[mistercitizen]

No.

Ben