So this is my first real question and it makes sense to be about a/s since that is my favorite part of my shave. You see I enjoy the hot towel prep along with pre shave oil and lathering up. Currently as I perfect my technique the only real part of the shave I enjoy is the sound of the whiskers getting cut, but oh how I love the slap of a/s after I am done. The sting, the smell, the cool sensation, yeah that does it for me. I really love the tingly burn of an alcohol based a/s. However being a nOOb at this I have a few questions/observations. For starters, most "tutorials" on shaving say to avoid any alcohol based aftershave as it will dry out the face, however, after reading through much of the aftershave portion of this forum I find many use an alcohol based aftershave. So are there some that are better for you than others? Should I avoid "drugstore" a/s like the plague? If not what should I look for in a good alcohol based a/s. Also, I have seen the mention of guys who like a "cold" a/s such as received when using Osage Rub. I understand it is preference and that menthols will cause this feeling of "ice". Is one better for the skin than the other? Should I use an alcohol based splash first and then a moisturizing lotion? I have normal to oily skin and find a little moisturizer goes a long way, however, we are coming to the drier period of the year here in TX when humidity may not get up to 90%, and my skin definitely will feel it. I know I am asking a ton of questions, but after looking through much of the forum much of this is touched on, but not necessarily addressed to the depth I am wanting. Thanks in advance for your help.
What to look for in a good alcohol based a/s...
- Thread starter texdoc77
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Most tutorials on shaving that you read off this site will make your eyes brown by the time you get to the third paragraph.
You may find alcohol splashes drying, but many do not. I enjoy many drugstore aftershaves, as do others here.
I hate to beat these letters like a drum, but YMMV. The only way to find out if an AS works for you is to try it.
I don't know that Menthol is better than any other ingredient. The question becomes, do you enjoy it? Any bad reactions? If you like it, and it likes you, then freeze your face and enjoy! I do.
If you find your skin dry after an AS splash, by all means, use a moisturizer or moisturizing balm. Do you have to? Nope, free country, and all that.
If you dig around, I think you'll find many threads arguing about how many angels could use Aqua Velva on the head of a pin...or about what is the one, true witch hazel, for that matter.
One of the great pleasures of using an after shave for me is that I'm doing it because I like how it feels, I like how it makes me feel, I like the scent, and with a splash I like knowing the alcohol is in there making bad germs die a death that Foster Brooks would envy.
It's still the 60's in AfterShaveLand. If it feels good, do it!
Its useful if it also has a little alum in it. Eg the Speick to dry up any weepers.
All I use is DRUG-STORE A/S price and location of where an A/S comes from has little to no meaning except ego.
If you're worried about your skin drying to much, apply some witch hazel with a wipe, before you slap the alcohol based A/S on your face and use less of it.
Witch Hazel does basically the same thing as A/S, however most people want a scent, and use after shave.
If you're worried about your skin drying to much, apply some witch hazel with a wipe, before you slap the alcohol based A/S on your face and use less of it.
Witch Hazel does basically the same thing as A/S, however most people want a scent, and use after shave.
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YMMV. YMMV.
I've gotten to the point where I have to try drugstore concoctions very gingerly, as they usually burn my face fiercely from all the multitudes of chemicals they contain. The niche products are *much* better for my face.
I've gotten to the point where I have to try drugstore concoctions very gingerly, as they usually burn my face fiercely from all the multitudes of chemicals they contain. The niche products are *much* better for my face.
If you like them and they work for you, use them. I use alcohol based AS infrequently b/c my face tends to run dry and alcohol tends to exacerbate it. But that's me, and for many guys drying is not a problem at all.
First, welcome to B&B, which you'll find to be the most mannered and polite group on the whole web! Sounds like you're coming right along and will fit in really well here.
As far as your AS question goes, I have been right where you are - for years, I wetshaved with a M3 (and still do) and used only AFTA by Mennen (a balm, although with a touch of alchohol in it as well). After I found B&B, I discovered the joys of alchohol splashes and haven't looked back.
I live in NC, where it gets pretty hot and humid in the summer as well, and have normal to dry skin as you do. This summer, I used nothing but splashes, ranging from Osage Rub to most of the classic drugstore brands (Aqua Velva, Skin Bracer, Barbasol Brisk, "Ivory Club for Men", AKA the Vi-Jon Old spice clone), to exploring some mid-range AS's and colognes. Not only did I have no problem with anything, I really enjoyed the way an alchohol splash made my face feel in the heat and humidity (especially that freeze from AV and OR!)
My opinion: go for what you enjoy, and as the weather cools off and dries out you might want to add a balm in addition to or instead of your alchohol splash. Your face will let you know: it'll feel "tight" after your splash evaporates if it's in need of some love. It's a big exciting world out there, and compared to most addictions, AS's (as long as you only apply topically and don't try to ingest them!) are a pretty harmless one. Welcome and enjoy!!
As far as your AS question goes, I have been right where you are - for years, I wetshaved with a M3 (and still do) and used only AFTA by Mennen (a balm, although with a touch of alchohol in it as well). After I found B&B, I discovered the joys of alchohol splashes and haven't looked back.
I live in NC, where it gets pretty hot and humid in the summer as well, and have normal to dry skin as you do. This summer, I used nothing but splashes, ranging from Osage Rub to most of the classic drugstore brands (Aqua Velva, Skin Bracer, Barbasol Brisk, "Ivory Club for Men", AKA the Vi-Jon Old spice clone), to exploring some mid-range AS's and colognes. Not only did I have no problem with anything, I really enjoyed the way an alchohol splash made my face feel in the heat and humidity (especially that freeze from AV and OR!)
My opinion: go for what you enjoy, and as the weather cools off and dries out you might want to add a balm in addition to or instead of your alchohol splash. Your face will let you know: it'll feel "tight" after your splash evaporates if it's in need of some love. It's a big exciting world out there, and compared to most addictions, AS's (as long as you only apply topically and don't try to ingest them!) are a pretty harmless one. Welcome and enjoy!!
You have a lot of questions, but that's a good thing. Everyone has these questions when first getting into the wonderful world of afterhshaves. I will try to be as general as possible so as not to overwhelm you, but I will also be specific to give you some ideas.
+1 to everyone above, who seems to have done this as well.
First, let me again emphasize that YMMV. Each a/s splash (could we just start saying *** and have it be totally acceptable in out context? or has someone already forbade this oddly applicable bathroom humor? just a thought) is different, as is each face. You will have to try a few different products to see what works with you, and what comes up short. Your skin conditions will play some role in how each aftershave could perform. Those with dry skin may not benefit, and their skin could become too dry temporarily. Those with oily skin could see some benefits, albeit, again, temporarily. There are opponents of alcohol based a/s's that say all they do is make skin oilier via some peculiar rebound mechanism, which is crazy, since the product doesn't change your hormone levels (androgen controls oil production in those glands) and it isn't enough to destroy those glands. The makers of a/s splashes aren't daft--they put skin protectants and what have you in their products to counteract these effects for those who do suffer from dry or oily skin. Plus, it kills bad bacteria. Isn't that good enough for you people!?!?
Second, drugstore products aren't to be avoided. Aqua Velva (which has the menthol kick, and glycerine to protect your skin), Clubman, Brut, Skin Bracer and Old Spice are all well respected, oft used by members, and available in most drugstores. Others such as English Leather or Jovan can be found in your mens fragrance section of your favorite department store; mine is Meijer. Sure, some of the higher end products tend to be formulated with high end ingredients, and you often can get what you pay for. That being said, there are over priced products, and bargain products--with the drugtore a/s's you tend to be getting more for your money, IMO.
Then there are the ingredients. AV has glycerine, which is good for the skin, and menthol, which gives you the cooling effects so many of us love. Then there is stuff like linalool, citronal, or limonene, which show up in a lot of after shave products (Clubman, to name one) to help counteract some of the drying effects of alcohol, which is itself specially deactivated (or SD, on the bottle) The point is this: everything does something different, and if it didn't work for your benefit, it wouldn't be there. Just because someone is allergic to amoxicillin doesn't mean they stop making the stuff.
Lastly is the moisturizers. Again, this depends on your wants and conditions. Perhaps your skin is oily enough that you won't need moisturizers, and a nice alcohol based splash keeps things right where you want them. I use a lot of different products in my a/s: first I apply witch hazel, then I cold rinse, let my face air dry, then apply my alcohol splash. If needed for the day, I apply a balm. At night, I apply a lotion. Again, YMMV, and the only way to know for sure what will work is to try it.
There is a lot of stuff piling up in this post now, and I hope I didn't add too much, though it sure looks like I did! Keep asking questions, and keep looking for new stuff to try, and remember is it about your preference more than anything. Good luck, and enjoy your shaves!
+1 to everyone above, who seems to have done this as well.
First, let me again emphasize that YMMV. Each a/s splash (could we just start saying *** and have it be totally acceptable in out context? or has someone already forbade this oddly applicable bathroom humor? just a thought) is different, as is each face. You will have to try a few different products to see what works with you, and what comes up short. Your skin conditions will play some role in how each aftershave could perform. Those with dry skin may not benefit, and their skin could become too dry temporarily. Those with oily skin could see some benefits, albeit, again, temporarily. There are opponents of alcohol based a/s's that say all they do is make skin oilier via some peculiar rebound mechanism, which is crazy, since the product doesn't change your hormone levels (androgen controls oil production in those glands) and it isn't enough to destroy those glands. The makers of a/s splashes aren't daft--they put skin protectants and what have you in their products to counteract these effects for those who do suffer from dry or oily skin. Plus, it kills bad bacteria. Isn't that good enough for you people!?!?
Second, drugstore products aren't to be avoided. Aqua Velva (which has the menthol kick, and glycerine to protect your skin), Clubman, Brut, Skin Bracer and Old Spice are all well respected, oft used by members, and available in most drugstores. Others such as English Leather or Jovan can be found in your mens fragrance section of your favorite department store; mine is Meijer. Sure, some of the higher end products tend to be formulated with high end ingredients, and you often can get what you pay for. That being said, there are over priced products, and bargain products--with the drugtore a/s's you tend to be getting more for your money, IMO.
Then there are the ingredients. AV has glycerine, which is good for the skin, and menthol, which gives you the cooling effects so many of us love. Then there is stuff like linalool, citronal, or limonene, which show up in a lot of after shave products (Clubman, to name one) to help counteract some of the drying effects of alcohol, which is itself specially deactivated (or SD, on the bottle) The point is this: everything does something different, and if it didn't work for your benefit, it wouldn't be there. Just because someone is allergic to amoxicillin doesn't mean they stop making the stuff.
Lastly is the moisturizers. Again, this depends on your wants and conditions. Perhaps your skin is oily enough that you won't need moisturizers, and a nice alcohol based splash keeps things right where you want them. I use a lot of different products in my a/s: first I apply witch hazel, then I cold rinse, let my face air dry, then apply my alcohol splash. If needed for the day, I apply a balm. At night, I apply a lotion. Again, YMMV, and the only way to know for sure what will work is to try it.
There is a lot of stuff piling up in this post now, and I hope I didn't add too much, though it sure looks like I did! Keep asking questions, and keep looking for new stuff to try, and remember is it about your preference more than anything. Good luck, and enjoy your shaves!
I am an alcoholic--at least when it comes to AS.
I don't really care for balms, but I do have some Nivea that I apply when I get home from work, after a witch hazel splash.
Drug store aftershaves are awesome--definitely stock up on them. They are cheap and smell great.
It's not a bad idea to have some splashes with skin-healing goodies--Speick After Shave Lotion (Splash) is tops in this regard in my opinion. But I have many that are little more than alcohol, water, and fragrance.
Be sure to get yourself an alum block too--after your cold water rise, rub the block on your face, and wash off with another cold water rinse after a minute or so. Then dab your face dry with a towel, and apply the aftershave. An alum block really helps.
Try both alcohol and balm aftershaves to see which you prefer; but I think you, like most, will prefer the alcohol.
I don't really care for balms, but I do have some Nivea that I apply when I get home from work, after a witch hazel splash.
Drug store aftershaves are awesome--definitely stock up on them. They are cheap and smell great.
It's not a bad idea to have some splashes with skin-healing goodies--Speick After Shave Lotion (Splash) is tops in this regard in my opinion. But I have many that are little more than alcohol, water, and fragrance.
Be sure to get yourself an alum block too--after your cold water rise, rub the block on your face, and wash off with another cold water rinse after a minute or so. Then dab your face dry with a towel, and apply the aftershave. An alum block really helps.
Try both alcohol and balm aftershaves to see which you prefer; but I think you, like most, will prefer the alcohol.
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Wow, great responses and very appreciated. Now that our air is getting drier here in the Lone Star State I am noticing some dryness after just using the *** (I'm going with it...) but when I use my AOS balm, my face feels a little too greasy, so I need something in the middle... oh the joy of trial and error...
If you want a good example of an alcohol based a/s that has lots of good stuff in it, look no further than Speick. It's the ONLY aftershave I have ever actually used up, and I have used up a dozen bottles in the past year or so. Nothing else - for me, anyway - compares remotely to it. Smells great, burns just a bit, and my face feels awesome after.
I only use alcohol based AS.
Never had a problem with dry skin.
Try Lilac Vegetal, it takes a bit to get used to the scent, but it is a very nice to your skin alcohol splash.
Never had a problem with dry skin.
Try Lilac Vegetal, it takes a bit to get used to the scent, but it is a very nice to your skin alcohol splash.
I have gone mad on a/v sinse i managed to get my hands on a bottle and i love the drugstore stuff, o/s, brut etc and always go for the alcohol stuff, as for drying your skin out, i read this years ago and avioded a/s for years but as i only use it 2 or 3 times a week it has not dried my skin out, let us know what you try and how you get on with it.
Welcome, texdoc77. I am relatively new here also. I have found, as others have mentioned, that you are happier when you use something you like for one reason or another. I also think it is useful to vary things based on the weather, but in Texas that may be tougher than it is here in New England. As an example, I concentrate on the floral, fruity, and mentholated during late spring and summer. For fall and winter, I go manly with sandalwood, and I am beginning to like Speick cream too. But it is also nice to go freeze-face once or twice during the winter with liberal applications of Osage Rub.
The search ends here: SPEICK!! Smells great, feels great, heals, cools, soothes, etc., etc. Just wish it were available locally.
