Is AfterShave Necessary?

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Is AfterShave Necessary?

One of the most important aspects when it comes to shaving is using aftershave. Shaving is a harsh process on the skin believe it or not and to help the skin heal a bit once you’re done you would use aftershave. Aftershave has its benefits but is aftershave necessary. I mean if you don’t use aftershave can any bad happen.

This is what happened to me. Why I asked myself this question was because I went on a trip and anytime you go on a trip you always end up forgetting something. I forgot my aftershave. I went about my routine of shaving every 4 days. Guess what. my skin was kind of on fire for a few days after. So much that I had to break apart from the routine for a few days. But there were other men on my trip that had their aftershave with them and some that didn’t.

The ones that didn’t, didn’t have any problems with their skin as I did mines. So I just wondered,
is aftershave necessary?

Did a little research and here is what I found?

What is aftershave?

Aftershave is a liquid used on your skin to promote growth, help heal and disinfect shaving cuts, and prevent ingrown hairs when you’re done shaving. They serve only two main purposes which are to clean out your pores that may have bacteria lounging around and then to shut those pores preventing any further bacteria from entering.

Aftershave is mostly accustomed with a quick and sharp sting or burns when you place it on your skin.

Aftershave vs moisturizer?

There is no competition and no comparison because they don’t serve the same purpose. Both aftershave and moisturizer may seem the same but are vastly different because they serve different purposes.

When it comes to moisturizing your skin, any moisturizer will perform head over heels better than any aftershave. Because that is their main purpose. So, let’s say you shave and you’re prone to dry skin problems. Then using a moisturizer after you’re done shaving would be for your benefit.

Aftershave or a post-shave balm is for cooling, refreshing, and sometimes hydrating your skin when you’re done shaving.

What does aftershave do?

Aftershave’s purpose is to reduce itching, irritation, and/or swelling from skin damage. It also helps reduce these ailments from ingrown hairs. It can help to close your pores stopping bacteria, dirt from entering. All of these can prevent breakouts, razor bumps.

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Is aftershave necessary?

The use of aftershave is based on your preferences alone. Your preference would be determined by one thing. That thing is “how sensitive your skin is” and do you want the whole shaving experience?

You don’t need to use it all. It’s not an essential part of a shaving routine.

The thing is aftershave only serves two real purposes. The 1st is to remove bacteria from your pores that may have entered there from the razor blade or shaving cream. The 2nd is to help close off the pores and prevent any additional dirt and germs from reentering.

But if your skin isn’t sensitive then you can go without it. Although it never hurt anyone with tough skin to use a bit of aftershave. I’ve known a few men in my life go without it. Some need it because their skin isn’t that strong. Once their done shaving, they break out and have to hide away for a few days.

The other thing with using aftershave and if its necessary is that some people love the whole shaving experience and using aftershave is one of them. So, if you don’t care for that then don’t use it.

I’m not sure if aftershave is necessary because I don’t know what it does?

Aftershave is used to treat your skin after you’ve done shaving. Believe it or not, shaving can be a harsh process on your skin. The sharp blade always microscopically scrapes or injures your skin. Benefits vary depending on what’s in it. You’ll find that a majority of the aftershave products will have isopropyl alcohol for killing bacteria that can enter the tiny cuts or small exposed parts of the epidermis.

Other natural products such as jojoba oil or coconut oil can help as well by protecting your skin from bacteria getting into cuts but still keeping in the moisture.

  • They can help lessen the itching and swelling from ingrown hairs
  • They help to close your pores. In doing so, they prevent bacteria and chemicals from getting in.
  • Also adds a nice smell to your skin

For aftershave to work they would have the three main things in them. Antiseptics, Astringents, and fragrance.

Antiseptic: is the property that does the cleaning. It cleans the shaving cuts and small little nicks. Astringents: this property is necessary for the aftershave to shut your pores closed.

Fragrance: this is there just to add a nice smell to your skin when you’re done.

If aftershave isn’t necessarily what can I use to take its place?

You can just use a moisturizer or use nothing at all. If you use nothing at all that would mean that your skin is of the rare and strong kind. But a moisturizer can work just as well as the aftershave. Even better in some instances.

Moisturizers are only meant to help moisturize the skin. When you shave and you notice that your main problem is that you have dry skin when you’re finished then you should be using a moisturizer. They help with hydrating the skin and last a lot longer during the day. Aftershave works the opposite way. Only helping with shaving irritation.

The other types of products you can use to take the aftershave’s place are apple cider vinegar, water, alcohol, alum, aloe, and toners.

Apple cider vinegar: you need to dilute it with water. Mix both and apply them to your face. The smell can be quite overwhelming. So, you use witch hazel. You can drop some bits of cinnamon oil or whatever scented oil you like.

Once you’re done mixing store it in a place that’s dark for about 5 days. When you apply it use a cotton ball?

Using just water: not just any water but using warm water. Although it may be a bit weird for an alternative, warm water is a good option. It can open the pores and wash away any bacteria left behind from shaving. Then splash your face with cold water. I think water would be for the tougher skin people.

Rubbing alcohol: get ready for your face to be burning. It’s a great way to clean your face. But it can also dry out your skin like a raisin in the sun. But there are ways around this. You can use hydrating creams to help with that.

Alum: ancient Egyptians knew a thing or two about using alum. They used it as an antiseptic and constricting agent. Now rub it on your wet skin for about a minute and then leave it on there for about 2-5 minutes. But there is a downside as there is with all things. It might dry out the skin. So, a moisturizer may be needed.

Aloe: aloe vera plant is a great wonder for your skin. I recommend it for an aftershave even. Some aftershave products would add products, even making it the main ingredient and selling point. So, if you’re looking for a natural aftershave. Then look for one with aftershave in it.

Toners: you can use toners but look for ones that are light, meaning not too heavy on the skin. If you put it on your skin and feel it resting there then it’s too heavy and makes sure to use them in little quantities. They tend to be less harsh on the skin than alcohol since they don’t dry it out as much.