THE AFTERSHAVE GUIDE
Is it just to continue with the same aftershave or aftershave that you have always used? Yes of course you just have to keep going, right? Maybe there is one that suits you and your skin better? That would actually make those problems you actually have with your skin disappear. In the After Shave guide, we help you find an after shave that suits you and your skin.
If you have or get serious skin problems or the like, you should always consult medical expertise first!
What is an aftershave?
An aftershave is a skin care product that is used after shaving.
The purpose of the product may vary depending on the type of product. Some types of are more moisturizing while others are more antiseptic or antibacterial. In addition, there are products that lie somewhere in between, which have both moisturizing and antibacterial effects.
The reason for starting to use an aftershave was because of its antibacterial or antiseptic effects. These came and still usually come from alcohol, although other options exist. The type of alcohol that was used and used has a very high alcohol content. An alternative to alcohol with an antiseptic effect is witch hazel.
As mentioned, using an aftershave is a natural part of shaving, whether you shave in the classic way with a razor or use a trimmer, you can always finish with an after shave to moisturize your skin and reduce the risk of skin problems. Of course, the type of aftershave and the scent you choose is ultimately up to you. At the same time, in this guide, we want to go through the different types that are available and which one may suit you based on you and your needs.
Can you use an aftershave even after shaving with a trimmer? Absolutely! It is even recommended.
What types are there?
Usually, the types of aftershaves are divided into three different types, balm, lotion and splash. In addition, there is also gel, which is a gel-based variant. However, it is usually counted as either a balm or lotion. There is also what is called powder. Which is a powder that is applied in the same way.
Balm
Balm is one of three types of aftershave. Also sometimes called moisturiser, post shave balm or aftershave serum.
What distinguishes a balm above all is that it has a thicker, firmer consistency than the other varieties. Another distinguishing feature of a balm is that it contains less or no alcohol in comparison to the others. Therefore, a balm is generally better suited for sensitive skin than the variants that contain alcohol. However, it may contain witch hazel, which also has an antiseptic effect but without alcohol. It also means that it does not have the same stinging effect on the skin as what is called shaving water or after shave splash can have.
A balm in many cases contains a smaller amount of perfume or similar fragrances, although perfume and fragrance-free variants also occur.
Balm is mainly used to moisturize and repair the skin after wet shaving. In connection with wet shaving, the skin is exposed to a large amount of moisture, which also means that important oils and other protective substances in the skin are rinsed away. Something that can lead to dry skin and or other skin problems. By using an after shave balm, you can moisturize the skin after shaving.
Ariana & Evans and Depot are two companies that, in addition to balm, also offer splashes or lotions. This also applies to Mühle. Stirling Soap Company also offers both balm and splash. Of course, all of them can be bought with matching shaving soap or shaving cream in some cases at a discounted price.
Lotion
A lotion is usually a product that is a mixture of balm and a splash or what is also known as shaving water.
The big difference is that a lotion has a slightly looser texture than a balm but not as watery as a splash. A lotion also usually doesn’t contain as much alcohol as a balm does. However, it can contain a larger amount of alcohol than a balm does and therefore have a slightly higher antiseptic or antibacterial effect.
The advantage of a lotion over a balm is, as mentioned, that the antibacterial or antiseptic effect can be slightly better while still having very good moisturizing properties. Therefore, it is very suitable for almost all skin types in the same way as a balm does.
For those who are looking for an aftershave with a slightly more distinct scent, a lotion is usually also more fragrant than a balm. Although a splash is the one that smells the most out of the three in most cases.
If you’d rather have a balm or splash instead of a lotion, Mühle offers a variety of matching balms and D.R Harris has similar balms and splashes.
Splash
Splash is what is also commonly referred to as shaving water.
It has traditionally been used mainly for its antiseptic and or antibacterial properties. Using pure alcohol, to kill any bacteria and other things that can get into the skin during and after wet shaving if you accidentally cut yourself. Using a splash is especially recommended for those who have normal skin in mild weather, neither too hot nor too cold. This is because the alcohol can dry out the skin. A splash is also the one that has the highest proportion of perfume substances of the different types of aftershave.
Of course, it is possible to use a splash on other skin types, but you should be careful and stop if you get skin problems. Splash should also not be confused with perfumes such as Eau de Cologne. Although a splash has a good scent, it does not last as long as an Eau de Cologne or other type of perfume. The advantage is that it is usually slightly cheaper.
A number of brands that offer a splash offer a splash such as Stirling Soap Company, D.R Harris and Proraso also offer either a balm or lotion for those who want a product with less or no alcohol.
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Frequently asked questions about aftershave
In our guide, we have collected some of the most common questions we receive. If you have more or other questions, please feel free to contact us.
Aftershave (especially the after shave splash type) and Eau de cologne may seem to be two similar products. However, they are still different in their uses.
An after shave splash has the main purpose of having a soothing effect on the skin after shaving, to have an antiseptic (antibacterial) effect by killing bacteria and viruses and closing the pores. It also usually contains a small amount of perfume oil to have a pleasant scent. Because it contains a higher amount of alcohol, it can have a drying effect on the skin.
An Eau de Cologne is mainly used to hide other odors by simply having a scent that lasts a long time. Therefore, an Eau de cologne has a high amount of perfume oil in comparison to an after shave splash. It also has a smaller amount of alcohol. This is to be able to preserve the scent longer.
For those with sensitive skin, you can use an after shave balm or lotion that usually contains less or no alcohol at all instead of an after shave splash along with an Eau de Cologne.
Wet shaving puts a lot of strain on the skin. Water that rinses away essential oils and fats that are naturally present in the skin along with the risk of damage from the blade. A balm or lotion is used to moisturize the skin and protect it after wet shaving.
By using a balm or lotion, you protect the skin and help counteract, for example, skin problems such as cuts and other irritation.
Feel free to read our post that explains more why you should use an aftershave and a pre-shave when shaving.
Read more: Not just shaving soap, pre-shave and Aftershave
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