Thread: Best stuff to use for sensitive skin after shaving?

Originally Posted by jleeg

+1 for the witch hazel (some have small % alcohol, some not; both are great, non-stinging) and Nivea balm for sensitive skin.

After your final rinse, apply the witch hazel liberally; while your face is wet, add some Nivea. It will be slippery wet but absorbs and soothes, smoothes, calms, heals.............. Give it a shot.

This discussion reminds me of when I was a dermatology resident, we used to get lectures from one of the great old time dermatologists, Walter Lobitz. He passed away a few years ago, but he will be remembered by many people.

OHSU Department of Dermatology - Voluntary clinical faculty program - Named lectures

He would lecture us about the history of dermatology, how it was introduced from europe in the 1800s, and what it was like to practice dermatology a long time ago. There were a lot less drugs back then, and they were much less refined. There was precipitated sulfa for acne, tar extract for psoriasis, gentian violet for infections. Glycerin in rose water as a mild facial moisturizer. And witch hazel was widely used as the old time dermatology stable for irritated skin. I still remember and recommend it from time to time. Its gone by the wayside nowadays with the new generation of dermatologists, replaced by many new (and sometimes overhyped) topicals, but its good to see it being used still with folks here. Sometimes the older remedies are still the best!

hiya mike,

I like to splash anthony logistics witch hazel and follow up with boots botanical aftershave balm to seal and heal. That should do you just fine.

Cheer!

Originally Posted by ward1402

I use Nivea For Men aftershave balm. Great product!

I use this one too, specifically the one for sensitive skin, which is alcohol free.

try The Shave Den aftershave milk unscented.

Michael,my vote would go for Cliniques Post Shave Healer.It's the first thing I reach for if I've had a rough shave.It is an unscented,very light balm that leaves no greasiness behind. It's about 16.00 for a small bottle but a little goes a long way.Most department stores that carry the Clinique line will have it in stock.

I use some lotion I bought at Kroger that is advertised to relieve itches and minor sunburn. I think it is Kroger brand, but there are others. It contains something like benzocaine, and it moisturizes the skin, too. It's not often that I need it, but sometimes a razor will be in need of hone work and will give me a sting. I also use it when my cotton over the calf socks (worn with weestern boots) cause my calves to itch. Same principle.
I usually use sunblock, as I ride a motorcycle every day and need it.

Originally Posted by CarrieM

Witch Hazel is a natural astringent/antiseptic. I would recommend using the one with Aloe in it as the Aloe is also a natural antiseptic/anti imflammitory as well as a moisturizer . You can always make some yourself using Witch Hazel and add a bit of Aloe Vera Gel to it. Maybe about a Tablespoon of Aloe per cup of witch hazel should do it.

You may want to try switching to a different soap or cream. You may be getting irritation because you need more slickness in your lather.

I currently only use shaving soap. After seeing jockey's video on uber lather, I was interested in that. What do you think about using uber lather on very sensitive skin?

I am suprised no one has mentioned tea tree oil.

Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and topical anesthetic that is alot less harsh on my skin than witch hazel. My skin usually gets too dry from witch hazel. For me, witch hazel has fallen out of favor.

My routine is to use the tea tree oil and leave it on the skin for about 10 minutes or so.

I usually follow up the tea tree oil with some Vitamin E oil and I am good to go.

Originally Posted by Whiskers

I am suprised no one has mentioned tea tree oil.

Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and topical anesthetic that is alot less harsh on my skin than witch hazel. My skin usually gets too dry from witch hazel. For me, witch hazel has fallen out of favor.

My routine is to use the tea tree oil and leave it on the skin for about 10 minutes or so.

I usually follow up the tea tree oil with some Vitamin E oil and I am good to go.

Where do you get your tea tree oil?

The good news, there actually is some science which documents tea tree oil's anti-inflammatory properties:

Tea tree oil reduces histamine-induced skin inflam...[Br J Dermatol. 2002] - PubMed Result


The bad news, too high a concentration of melaleuca, the active ingredient in tea tree oil can cause skin irritation and very rarely, a skin allergy, similar to poison oak.

A review of the toxicity of Melaleuca alternifolia...[Food Chem Toxicol. 2006] - PubMed Result

Cheers,

Pete