Thread: to use, or not to use: that is the question.

There have been many posts on the pro's and con's of using alcohol based aftershaves.
It makes sense to use them to kill bacteria and close pores. For those with sensitive skin I can see the cons and how balms would be better. But I've heard many people say that alcohol based aftershaves should not be used under any circumstances (

YouTube - Advice From A Master Barber, Part 2

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What's the deal!?!

I was told by a master barber at Trumpers not to put alcohol based AS on the areas you have shaved as it can irritate the skin. He told me to only apply AS to the sides of the neck and the wrists. I, personally, find this to be true and if I use an alcohol based AS I have a bright red and sore face all day. Not a good look..!

Post shave, I finish up with a cold towel or two and then apply Trumpers Sandalwood skin food. This works like a dream for me and I could never imagine using anything else.

That said, some people find that they can use alcohol based AS with no problem. If it works for you then I see no problem with doing it.

Its like ATG shaving passes; Some can do them, some cant. I cant, as it totally ruins my face, so I have to use a mix of WTG and XTG passes to get that BBS shave. Others can do this pass with no problem and no irritation.

I think the key is to try something and decide if it works for you. If you try something and you get a good result, no irritation or pain, then keep doing it. If you try it and it feels like someone poured jet fuel on your face (which it does for me!), then dont do it again and try something else.

Its really horses for courses.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by Stubear

I think the key is to try something and decide if it works for you. If you try something and you get a good result, no irritation or pain, then keep doing it. If you try it and it feels like someone poured jet fuel on your face (which it does for me!), then dont do it again and try something else.

My thoughts exactly. I can splash as much as I want and I never had a problem although I have extra sensitive skin. Sometimes I'll use both an AS and Balm. I have more problems with some soaps that irritate the hell out of my skin while others don't have any issues at all.

Originally Posted by Stubear

He told me to only apply AS to the sides of the neck and the wrists. I, personally, find this to be true and if I use an alcohol based AS I have a bright red and sore face all day. Not a good look..!

I can see why you'd put a cologne or e.d.t. in those areas, but why apply aftershave? You haven't shaved those areas, so what would it achieve?

Sorry, when I say AS I mean an alcohol based scented cologne. He told me that AS/cologne is really for the scent and the balm (skinfood or whatever) is to sooth the area you have just shaved.

Originally Posted by Stubear

Sorry, when I say AS I mean an alcohol based scented cologne. He told me that AS/cologne is really for the scent and the balm (skinfood or whatever) is to sooth the area you have just shaved.

Ah, then yes, he's right about that. I can handle AS with alcohol, but I tend to wait 10-15 minutes after my shave before applying any kind of scent anyway.

Stubear, your Trumper's barber basically tells me that everything I do is wrong!



I think I'm going to stop listening to him!

I have used the alcohol based AS for years and it has never bothered me except for the stinging. I would classify my skin as sensitive.

Chris

Originally Posted by Maximilian

My thoughts exactly. I can splash as much as I want and I never had a problem although I have extra sensitive skin. Sometimes I'll use both an AS and Balm. I have more problems with some soaps that irritate the hell out of my skin while others don't have any issues at all.

Same here. I use both at times, the as balm first for moisturizing, then an AS Splash. A good example would be Speick. Thier splash contains witch Hazel, and their as balms are out of this world. Among my favorites.
I too have problems with some soaps.

Most aftershaves are the alcohol type. You just have to use what's best for you. If you find the alcohol does bother you then don't use it. I've found even the balms contain alcohol too. There are just a few that use witch hazel instead unless of course you use another skin prep like aloe or similar.