Thread: Alcohol based aftershaves

I have read in numerous places that skin drying alcohol based aftershaves are the last thing your skin needs after being shaved. However, the bumps, ingrown hairs, acne, and bacterial growths it avoids is second to none. Sure, your face may have a couple red spots for 15 minutes, but I usually find it to be worth it. Also, I may be incorrect, but havent these alcohol based aftershaves withstood the test of time? Products come and go, but these have been around for a while.

My question is, is there anyone out there who uses alcohol based aftershaves, and then follows up with moisturizer later? Seems like that would be a pretty happy medium. On another note, is there anyone who has serious issues that follow using aftershave?

I think a lot of it comes down to your skin type. I use alum then an alcohol based AS after every shave, if I've gone overboard I might add a balm after but its very, very rare. People with dryer skin types seem to benefit more from a moisturising product after. Some even mix an alcohol based splash with a balm or moisturiser.

As far as I'm concerned the antiseptic properties of an alcohol splash is part of the reason for using it to.

I pretty much exclusively use alcohol based aftershaves. My daily user is Pinaud. In the winter, like now, I sometimes follow up with a aftershave balm made by Nevia. Some use Witch Hazel to good success.

Biggest issue I have ever had was when I was in a hurry and left the house without using an aftershave & it was summertime. I am prone to razorburn anyways on my neck...imagine the misery.

I live in Norway, winters get pretty cold and dry here so during our cold months I sometimes use a moisturizer afterwards, but the rest of the year no problems at all. I use alcohol based splashes after every shave, and I slobber it on like nobody's business. In fact, what I do is make sure the shaved areas are wet with splash for 15 seconds. I also measure my shave from the amount of burn I get - a good shave will have little to no burn. I sometimes use witch hazel based splashes, but truth be told I get more problems from these, with a little uncomfortable redness. YMMV.

All my aftershaves are alcohol based and I love them dearly. The "burn" is something I look forward to. With the dry central California winters I usually follow in a few hours with Hemp Nation Australian Gold moisturize or Tumpers Sandalwood Skin Food.

Some Witch Hazel skin toner is in an alcohol solution (~14%). if you remember that the toner isn't the final step(cleanse, tone, and moisturize) I don't think it's that drying.

For me it's kind of like a drink..if theres no alcohol in it then theres not much point..lol
As far as I know all of my aftershaves are alcohol based and I like the burn I get from them..lets me know how well/smooth the shave went

Just about all aftershave products are alcohol based. You really need to look to find the ones that aren't. I know a few use witch hazel as a base. Even the balms mostly use alcohol as a base. I've never had a problem with skin drying so it's not something I've given much thought to but I see no reason why you couldn't use a moisturizer as long as the AS you use doesn't already contain one.

Along with alcohol, many aftershaves contain glycerine and/or polyethylene glycol (PEG), which act as moisturizers for the skin. Read the label on your favorites and see what they contain.

Propylene glycol? I checked out PEG but it was more for cosmetics, I think.