Any product applied to the skin after shaving is called an “aftershave.” For many, applying aftershave is a daily ritual. In most cases, using aftershave to disinfect or soothe skin is harmless. However, some aftershaves contain toxins or ingredients that might be detrimental to the skin.
Everything you need to know about aftershave, including its purpose, the components it should include (and the ones it shouldn’t), and whether or not it has any other uses except soothing your skin after a shave, can be found here.
Advantages of Using After Shaving
Aftershave is applied after shaving to soothe the skin. The ingredients in aftershave can make a difference in how well it works. Aftershave containing alcohol has traditionally been used as a facial sanitizer after shaving.
The epidermis (outer layer of skin) and pores are especially vulnerable to infection after a shave because of the many tiny incisions and exposed patches of skin that are left behind. The alcohols isopropyl (isopropanol) and ethyl (also known as rubbing) are common in aftershaves and included in other products such as hand sanitizer and cleaning agents.
After shaving, these substances will eliminate any lingering bacteria or pollutants on your face. Because it is antimicrobial, alcohol-based aftershave causes a temporary burning sensation upon application. However, regular use of an aftershave containing alcohol might harm the skin.
Even more natural aftershaves like jojoba oil or coconut oil, and moisturisers like lotion or aloe vera, can still help prevent bacteria from entering cuts and keep skin supple. Natural aftershaves also have other health benefits, such as:
- reducing skin damage and ingrown hairs’ itching, and swelling
- to prevent the entry of bacteria, dirt, or chemicals, pores are closed (which can reduce breakouts, razor burn, or razor bumps)
- Helping shaved cuts heal faster
- Keeping hair follicle inflammation (folliculitis) from happening by covering open pores with a layer of oil or liquid
- promoting the growth of new skin cells to keep your skin healthy, giving your skin a pleasant smell,
What do you need to make aftershave?
Common aftershaves contain alcohol, which kills germs. There are no long-term health benefits, though. Do not use an aftershave that has any synthetic aroma. In many cases, scents contain allergens or irritants that aren’t disclosed to the consumer. Following a shave, you may reap some health benefits if the aftershave contains the following ingredients:
- Nut-based shea butter is an excellent moisturiser.
- The natural astringent witch hazel
- Essential oils that smell good and help you relax can be used instead of alcohol (such as lavender oil for relaxation or eucalyptus oil for blood vessel dilation and increased blood flow)
- oil rich in vitamin E, used for centuries to keep skin and immune systems in good condition
- Chamomile oil for skin soother
- the soothing properties of aloe vera
- Safe and effective for treating burns and other skin injuries
- skin-moisturizing glycerin
- Scents derived from nature, such as those of green tea, cedarwood, anise, or oats
How to Make Aftershave: A Step-by-Step Tutorial
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Step One
To begin, select the primary astringent you will use. So, this is the stuff that can reduce the size of tissues and pores.
Since most individuals use warm water for shaving, which opens the pores, an astringent is a crucial component of aftershave balms.
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Step Two
Next, decide on a secondary astringent if the primary astringent is excessively harsh. The secondary astringent acts as a soothing ingredient to balance out the sting.
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Step Three
The next step is selecting an emollient, a skin-conditioning agent. Mineral oil is another name for it.
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Step Four
The fourth step is deciding whether or not to use a styptic. When administered to the skin, any material that stops bleeding is considered a haemostatic.
If you are easily wounded, this is a necessary precaution.
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Step Five
The fifth step is to incorporate any desired scents or oils. This method can add a pleasant aroma to your aftershave lotions. Essential oils include things like eucalyptus, lavender, and citrus oils.
After adding all the components, shake the container well and let the aftershave sit for at least four or five days before use.
Do you need to use aftershave?
There is no requirement for aftershave use. It is not necessary for a healthy shave, but it can help.
Using a natural oil like coconut or jojoba, as well as rinsing your face after shaving to close your pores and restore moisture, can help prevent skin problems like folliculitis and other forms of irritation.
You may protect your skin from dryness, irritation, and infection by using cold water and oil to build a moisturising layer over your skin.
Can aftershave be used without shaving?
Yes! Even if you don’t apply aftershave after shaving, many of its constituents may still be beneficial.
When incorporated into a regular skincare routine, moisturising elements like vitamin E oil, shea butter, and aloe vera can improve the appearance of your skin.
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Acne-fighting aftershave
Aftershaves with alcohol can help reduce the redness and swelling caused by acne by killing the bacteria that cause the breakouts.
Aside from benzoyl peroxide, witch hazel and tea tree oil are antiseptics that can help rid your pores of the contaminated fluids that contribute to acne breakouts.
- Use of Aftershave Lotion
- There is a specific time after shaving when aftershave works best. Learn how to apply aftershave with this guide properly.
- Follow your regular shaving regimen to remove hair from your face, legs, armpits, or anyplace else on your body.
- When you’re done shaving, wash the area thoroughly with cold water to remove any shaving cream, gel, or lotion traces.
- Pat dry with a clean towel. Don’t irritate or injure your skin by rubbing the towel against it.
- A little aftershave in your palm should do it (about the size of a dime).
- Spread the aftershave around by rubbing it with both hands.
- Spread the aftershave lotion over your freshly shaven skin.
Conclusion
Use of an aftershave immediately following a shaving session has been shown to have some short-term antibacterial effects. But this can lead to skin damage in the long run. For the finest products in hydrating, repairing, and soothing your skin after a decent shave, go for a more calming aftershave with natural, plant-based components. Use less aftershave or none at all! An aftershave isn’t necessarily necessary if you use a high-quality moisturising shaving cream, lotion, oil, or liquid. Find your sweet spot, be bold and try a couple of different approaches to get there.
