Thread: Aftershave VS simple moisturizer

Hello all,


a friend of mine told me that he doesn't use aftershave or any kind of post shave treatment (splash, lotion, balm, alum block...) but a simple, basic, conventional skin moisturizer (his wife's actually). He shaves, then rinse/wash throughly his face, dry it, and then apply the moisturizer.

Considering the price difference between a simple skin moisturizer and an actual aftershave balm or lotion, I wondered if he had a good point.

What do you think guys?
Are aftershave balms or lotions actually better than basic skin moisturizers?
Does the difference in quality (if any) justify the difference in price?


Thank you,
Christophe.

Hi Christophe,

You can just use a regular moisturizer and it will work just fine. I have done this before and still do depending on what is going on with my face. However if your reason is to shave money it is not really going to do that unless you are already using a super high end asb. For me my everyday AS is Aqua velva which cost me like 5-6 usd for 7 fl oz. My moisturizer is Aveeno Clear Complexion and it cost me 12-14 usd for 4oz. If you really want a good cheap asb nivea sells a great line of asb's for 6-7 usd a piece.

Now the alum blocks and septic of the world are used to heal nicks and cuts really. With alum some people just feel better using it every day. For how long an alum block will last you 5-8 usd isn't bad at all. Though neither is really need you can just use little pieces of TP to stop cuts from bleeding and it works just as well.

And finally if you want a really cost effective post shave try hot water rinse, cold water rinse, and finish with witch hazel.

Typical moisturizers can tend to be greasy, which will not work with all skin types. For example if I used it I'd probably end up with some zits, while some guys will get away with it no problem.

I think what you have to do is identify what it is you're trying to accomplish. A traditional aftershave is typically alcohol with fragrance (and occasionally some medicinal ingredients too), and is used to tone the skin and seal the pores. For many guys it will do the opposite of a moisturizer. An aftershave balm on the other hand is considered better for sensitive skin due to its moisturizing and healing properties. Both types of AS's are known for their outstanding range of scents, which is considered the coup de grace of a wonderful traditional shave. If none of that is important to you, or you want a utilitarian shave, then conventional moisturizer may be fine, but experimenting with different aftershaves a part of the fun in this sport.

Aftershaves are usually water and alcohol and fragrance. You pay for the smell and whatever cache the name brings. You can use something like Nivea for example. It works and is cheap. Some can be greasy or have other characteristics aimed more towards women so you have to be careful.

Originally Posted by Ryan82

Typical moisturizers can tend to be greasy, which will not work with all skin types. For example if I used it I'd probably end up with some zits, while some guys will get away with it no problem.

I think what you have to do is identify what it is you're trying to accomplish. A traditional aftershave is typically alcohol with fragrance (and occasionally some medicinal ingredients too), and is used to tone the skin and seal the pores. For many guys it will do the opposite of a moisturizer. An aftershave balm on the other hand is considered better for sensitive skin due to its moisturizing and healing properties. Both types of AS's are known for their outstanding range of scents, which is considered the coup de grace of a wonderful traditional shave. If none of that is important to you, or you want a utilitarian shave, then conventional moisturizer may be fine, but experimenting with different aftershaves a part of the fun in this sport.

I know what you mean Ryan. I have oily skin, so after my shave, I cold water rinse, then apply witch hazel, then Nivea after shave balm (which is not oily, it is absorbed by the skin quickly), and finally the aftershave of the day.

Being blessed or cursed w/ a dull sense of smell, the last thing I want to spend money on is foo-foo scents. It makes me more tunnel-visioned on shave performance for soaps & creams, and skin conditioning for post shave stuff.
Post shave, I've gone to the cheap dickenson's witch hazel, followed by a combo of aloe gel and a shea butter hand lotion (about 50/50 mix). 'Don't know if its the cheapest affair, but have been quite pleased w/ the way it leaves the skin.

My sense of smell isn't the best...years working in a food seasonings plant and even more years smoking are to blame...so I don't care much about scented products. To simplify things, I've found a routine that works for me. I rinse with cold water followed by alum. Then I use a bit of Trumper's Limes Skin Food. Once the SF is absorbed, I follow it with a splash of Clubman, mostly because it's a pleasant, old-timey masculine scent (and it helps that my wife likes it).

The SF and Clubman should last at least a year and cost about $40 for both of them. The alum will last probably 2 years, even with daily use as a deodorant also.

The combination leaves my face feeling great with a scent that pleases my wife (unlike Bay Rum, which she said made her think she was in church).

I have some aftershave lotion by Head Blade, is called matt finish unscented. It's not greasy and gives a little "sting" if you knicked yourself. It's pretty good stuff and you need just a dot to treat your whole face.

i use nivea for men sensitive skin aftershave..... it has a tiny sting and a great smell... it also removes redness or irritation poste haste..... i also use carmex healing lotion.. which smells like regular carmex for your lips but is not greasy and also works wonders....

also use a alum block *(actually it is the crystal deoderant you buy at walgreens... ~6bucks and works like a charm...)

Originally Posted by paco664

i use nivea for men sensitive skin aftershave..... it has a tiny sting and a great smell...

Really? You can detect a sting from Nivea Sensitive?

I like that stuff too, very mild and refreshing, though I do suspect that it isn't completely alcohol free. I would definitely lean towards this rather than skin moisturizer, and the price is right too.