Moisturizer vs. Aftershave

[edutton]

Although we all love to use it, I was wondering if aftershave is completely necessary or if a typical drugstore facial moisturizer would work just as well after shaving. Moisturizer just seems a bit more cost-effective when compared to, say, Castle & Forbes Aftershave Balm($50).

Do any of you use moisturizer instead of aftershave? Does aftershave have any distinct advantage/effectiveness over moisturizer, or is it all about personal preference?

 

[LiveOak]

I stopped using aftershave and have not even bothered with an alum block. No matter how carefully I shave it burns like the fires of Hades, and I see no reason to torture myself. I still don't understand the madness of putting alcohol on freshly shaved skin.

I do use an aftershave moisturizer (The Real Shaving Co.) that I get at the drugstore. It cools a lot of the irritation from shaving.

 

[Niles]

Aftershaves can have a cooling effect on the face, whereas moisturizers won't. I have always used aftershaves, but I don't have problems with dry skin.

 

[sid3000]

I use aftershave mainly for the cooling effects and scent. After about 20 minutes when both of those factors wear off I slap on some Nivea to heal my skin.

 

[DrumrMan]

I use aftershave mainly for the cooling effects and scent. After about 20 minutes when both of those factors wear off I slap on some Nivea to heal my skin.

+1 Same here

 

[solar]

I put on aftershave for the toning effect and the scent, sort of like a fin-de-shave benediction that spells the skin-tingling end of the process. It may not be even remotely needed, but its an important part of the ritual for me.

Once the AS has dried and the skin is taut, I apply a quality moisterizer, in my case, Clinique. Where moisterizer creams are concerned, I definately find that you get what you pay for. When I put on less expensive creams, they do not have the same softening effect that my more expensive balms do.

So, while I have not tried the Castle Forbes balms, I will be willing to do so at $45 a pop because they will likely do a very nice job on putting that final softening and buffing of the recently shaved face.

Chris

 

[noahpictures]

Most aftershaves, even ones without alcohol, irritate my skin. Along with the cooling effect, my skin turns red for a few minutes. Whether I use an aftershave or not, I always use Nivea creme after I shave.

 

[Tripnastic]

I trend towards dry skin on my face, but rarely get irritation there.

I get irritation on my neck a little, but don't have dry skin there.

So I use regular moisturizer on my cheeks for the dry, aftershave on my neck for the irritation and scent.

 

[Speedwell68]

I have been experimenting with moisturisers, aftershaves and balms. I suffer from very dry skin and sensitive skin. I have discovered that a spray of Witch Hazel, balm, followed by a moisturizer is great way of combating irritation and dryness.

 

[Go West Young Man]

Different products with different ingredients for different ends.
You have to find the right combo for your particular needs.

 

[BCatl]

This is really up to your personal preference. I actually find Cornhusker's lotion to be cooling (you won't need much). Go with what works for you.

 

[moshulu]

Do any of you use moisturizer instead of aftershave?

Definitely. I tried several aftershaves and didn't like any of them (the best was Olivia's). Many of them irritated my skin, and the scents were unacceptable because they clashed with the lingering smell of my very lightly scented creams. Now I use one product only: Toleriane moisturizer from Laroche Posay. All over my face and neck. It was recommended by a dermatologist. Fantastic stuff, and completely unscented. The one downside: per use, it's the most expensive item in the entire shaving kit.

 

[TheSentinel]

I am in the minority who can get away with shaving in the evening. For me, witch hazel followed by Nivea balm seems to work best. If the skin is dry along the jawline in the morning, then a moisturizer is handy. I'm using Biotherm, but I haven't noticed a huge difference between moisturizers.

 

[jpkunst]

I still don't understand the madness of putting alcohol on freshly shaved skin..

The idea is to disinfect the small wounds you inflicted on yourself by shaving, I suppose.

 

[Saturn]

There are a few things an aftershave is supposed to do that a moisturizer may not: soothe the skin and alleviate razor burn, kill germs and bacteria, and help to restore the pH of the skin (like a toner) after having been exposed to soap. I'm not sure whether these things are strictly necessary or whether any of that is backed up by science, it's just what I've read.

Personally I use an aftershave followed by a moisturizer. I like the "protected" feeling I get on my skin after the AS dries, and the moisturizer helps to make up for whatever moisture might've been removed either by the soap or the alcohol in the AS.

 

[Drubbing]

I use both.

Moisturiser can't give me what an AS does, and AS can't give me what a moisturiser does.

No matter how carefully I shave it burns like the fires of Hades, and I see no reason to torture myself. I still don't understand the madness of putting alcohol on freshly shaved skin.

Because not everyone has the same reaction to shaving as you do. I put on AS and feel nothing but a warm hum and a soothing feeling - because I haven't carved my skin up to begin with. I think your experience suggests a technique issue. No shave should leave you uncomfortable.

 

[mdevine]

I have tried some AS that burned intensely (Ogallala more than any others) while I get minimal heat with Speick and my skin feels great afterwords. I didn't expect to like it as much as I have. I like a balm in the winter when my skin dries out but rarely use them in warmer weather.

 

[taffy]

If i am going out, i will always wear a/s, but weekdays i use moisturiser, i prefer it to balm, and most moisturisers for men will always say on the instructions to use after a shave, also there is a lot more chioce on the shelves than balms, every leading chemist/store etc seem to produce a mens moisturiser, but not balms, i also feel its better for my skin after a shave.

 

[wragh]

Aftershave really isn't my friend when i apply it to my face. Generally i just use aftersun cream as it's a great moisturiser.

 

[El Judio Bravo]

On most days I slap on Wally World witch hazel. The 14% alcohol doesn't burn me at all.

Other days I use Ogallala A/S. Feels good and has a nice scent. Leaves me relaxed. OBR's double strength cologne is not for the fainthearted. It will burn, and I'll slap it on at the last moment before leaving home. After a period of rest to let the skin recover.

Today, I used a TSD A/S milk. Superb! And I'll spray on their matching cologne before I go out.

Well, I've found what works for me. But as you see, some guys just don't like this stuff. Experiment! That's the ticket!