Benefits of Aftershave???

[Mryanwalker]

What are the benefits of an aftershave?
I currently use alum, witch hazel and Nivea aftershave balm. Should an aftershave be added or would that be overkill?

 

[petr]

You might want to smell nice. I think it adds something brilliant to the experience.

You are doing many things right already. I like aloe based AS to really boost the healing and protecting process. (CF, Olivias, NB, Ginger) Some oils and natural agents assist in this and general skin health.

 

[Ru4scuba?]

Many would argue that you are already using an "aftershave." I think what you meant to say was splash?

The whole point of doing something after your shave routine is to take care of the face you just drug a metal razor across...scent is a pleasant by product...but not the actual purpose of any aftershave product (be it balm, milk, splash, Witch Hazel, Alum etc.). Its to heal, moisturize and seal the face.

 

[Rev. Nathan]

The witch hazel is enough. I wouldn't even bother adding the balm, short of a really horrible shave. I'd then opt up to an aftershave in place of a cologne.

 

[Slivovitz]

I don't care for aftershaves, in general, don't like that smell following me around all day. Sometimes, though, if my face has been getting irritated, I think that a little unscented aftershave balm helps. Doesn't happen often, IMHO if I did the shave properly, I shouldn't have the irritation, and I usually don't. The last five days I was experimenting with a cartridge razor and it left my face kind of tender, so this morning I used some Nivea balm.

 

[BillC]

From what I've read, the original purposes of aftershaves were antiseptic (prevent infections in nicks and cuts) and astringent (stop bleeding from those nicks and cuts). Some aftershaves also help heal and moisturize the skin. Fragrances were added to help differentiate products and because men liked the smell.

As to what you need - what do you want? I use a similar routine to yours - Alum, Witch Hazel, Balm - in the winter. In the summer I'll often drop the balm and might use a scented witch hazel on those days. There are people here who say that the alum and witch hazel are redundant, but for me both products are inexpensive and have different strenghts. The alum feels much more astringent, the witch hazel feels more soothing. I prefer to use both.

Something antiseptic is probably good practice. Something astringent if you've got weepers and cuts to deal with, might not be necessary otherwise. Something moisturizing depends on your skin but it feels good to me. And something that smells nice is up to you.

 

[petr]

It's magic.

I have no idea why I have so many bottles of the stuff.

 

[Go West Young Man]

I was using a balm followed by a drugstore moisturizer (mainly for the sunscreen in it), but I'm phasing the balm out and just going with cold water then the moisturizer. My shaves are good enough now that I don't really have any irritation or cut to deal with so I'm trying to simplify my routing as much as possible.

 

[Bear]

I have moved on to use a cold water rinse when finished. Let this dry and then apply witch hazel (yes, the cheap 99 cent kind from Shop Rite), then follow that up with a mixture of jojoba oil and sunscreen (really moisturizer - but an excellent moisturizer)

The jojoba oil really helps keep the skins soft and smooth...very nice. And the sunscreen is excellent as well (blue lizard for the face)

 

[dod.e.ratherwell]

The benefit of aftershave is you become a babe magnet! ...oopppsss sorry SWMBO is calling...

 

[troy1979]

i like WH with about 30% superior 70 bay rum added. thats all

 

[buyandhold2018]

Many would argue that you are already using an "aftershave." I think what you meant to say was splash?

The whole point of doing something after your shave routine is to take care of the face you just drug a metal razor across...scent is a pleasant by product...but not the actual purpose of any aftershave product (be it balm, milk, splash, Witch Hazel, Alum etc.). Its to heal, moisturize and seal the face.

I would agree as well. The products you are using are all 'after shave' products. They aid in closing the pores, killing germs and bacteria and healing, moisturizing and soothing the skin. I currently use alum and an aloe based moisturizing cream; I still have to try out a Witch Hazel.