Do you use after shave every time you shave? Excellent! Then you are probably doing the right thing. Don’t you use it every time you shave? Then it’s high time you started.
Did you notice that we said that you are probably doing the right thing? Can you use it incorrectly? Yes, you can. Let us tell you more.
But first, what is an after shave?
After shave is the English word for aftershave. A skin care product that is used after shaving.
From the beginning, and something that remains today, an after shave actually had one purpose, to be antiseptic, that is, bactericidal. The purpose was simply to kill bacteria and other things that risked getting into the small wounds that could form during shaving. The product could also have a certain scent. But it was above all the antiseptic effect that was wanted. The effect was created by the fact that the product contained a large amount of alcohol.
Since the product contained a large amount of alcohol, it was able to effectively kill the bacteria. At the same time, alcohol has a drying effect on the skin. The skin becomes dry and various skin problems and irritations can occur. To counteract this, they mixed in other different ingredients. Over time, this would develop and three different types would emerge, after shave splash, lotion and balm. All three with their different characteristics, pros and cons.
But who started then?
The use of aftershaves began with barbers sometime in the mid and late 1800s. It was fashionable to be clean-shaven and therefore there were plenty of barbers. After shaving, they applied a small amount of shaving water to the face to kill bacteria and other things. These risked getting into the small holes and wounds that had become after shaving.
Is there any difference between different types?
A splash is the closest thing to what is also called shaving water. Usually a clear, sometimes slightly colored but still transparent liquid that is used after shaving with an antiseptic effect. Often distinguished by containing a high amount of alcohol. Has slightly less moisturizing and skin conditioning properties.
Best suited for those with normal skin and who do not have problems with perfume or fragrances. If you have normal skin, the others are of course suitable as well. This is also the most traditional type of the three. If you are in need of or want a product with a high antiseptic effect, this is an excellent choice for you.
Lotion has a smaller amount of alcohol than an after shave splash and slightly better skin conditioning and moisturizing properties. Still a very loose liquid, also sometimes called after shave milk because of its white color. Can just like an after shave splash have a good amount of perfume in it or be perfume-free.
This variant is excellent for those who want a little alcohol but also good skin care and moisturizing properties. That is, a little bit of everything. Maybe a splash is too aggressive on your skin. But you still want a product with antiseptic effect. Then this is an excellent option.
Balm is the variant with the least amount of alcohol in it of the three, generally speaking. Can also be called, for example, after shave moisturizer or gel. In many cases, it contains no alcohol at all or only a little. However, it contains significantly more skin conditioning and moisturizing substances than the others. Available both with and without perfume.
This type is especially recommended for those with dry skin because alcohol can dry out the skin. Also make sure to choose one with natural oils and preferably one that is unscented. Products that contain witch, hazel and aloe vera, for example, have a good effect on sensitive skin. If it’s cold outside, this is also a good choice. Many balms contain, for example, witch hazel or other substances that can have a natural antiseptic effect.
Another natural way to kill bacteria is to use, for example, an alum stick or an alum stone.
But how do I use it?
Of course, no matter which one you use, it’s best to use it after shaving. If your face is a little damp, it doesn’t matter. Take a small amount in your hands first. Massage in slightly and apply to the face. It doesn’t need much, but if you feel that you want or need a little more, you can of course apply a little more. It does not need to be rinsed off afterwards.
If you notice that your skin becomes irritated or otherwise damaged when using after shave, you should of course stop. This can be due to several reasons. If you are unsure, you should always consult medical expertise.
Which ingredients are good?
But what if a larger amount of alcohol can be bad for the skin? So are there no good ingredients in an after shave? Of course, there are lots of good ingredients. If you notice any type of reaction to the substance, you should of course stop using it.
Witch hazel extract has traditionally been used to counteract and relieve various types of skin problems and irritations. Witch hazel may also have some antiseptic effect, making it a good alternative to alcohol.
Another similar substance is aloe vera, which is also said to have a healing and moisturizing effect on the skin.
Shea butter, or shea butter is another great ingredient. Extracted from shea nuts from the shea tree. Said to have very good moisturizing properties.
Jojoba oil and coconut oil have also long been used as skin conditioning and moisturizing ingredients.
The vast majority of products are completely vegan and most also consist of completely organic natural ingredients. Of course, nothing is tested on animals.
Some common scents
Sandalwood is a very common fragrance. It has a woody, earthy very natural scent, of course. A true classic among fragrances for men. Occurs either on its own or together with other fragrances. Suitable all year round but perhaps it is best in autumn and winter. In addition to woody and earthy, it has also been described as warm and deep, spicy and sweet. In short, a fantastic scent.
Lemon and or citrus fruits are another popular scent. Of course, because of its fresh and fresh scent. Can have a very clear pungent scent that both works well on its own or with others. A scent that is suitable all year round, especially in spring and summer, however.
Vetiver is another very common scent in this context. Smells similar to lemongrass, so somewhere between the clear fresh scent of lemon and the earthy slightly calmer scent of the grass. Said to have a calming and relaxing effect. The oil is extracted from vetiver grass from Italy. Another real classic in this context that is suitable all year round.
Patchouli is another plant where the oil is extracted and becomes the scent. Has a scent similar to that of sandalwood, woody, earthy, with a scent of musk. Also said to have a rather pungent marked scent.
Featured splashes
In our range of different splashes, you will find up to 50 different varieties to choose from. We have selected some of our favorites.
Not the one you’re looking for?
When you buy any of most of the splashes we sell, you can buy a matching shaving soap or in some cases shaving cream at a discounted price.
Featured lotions
In our range you will find over 20 different lotions. To make it a little easier for you to choose.
Looking for a different lotion?
If you buy a lotion, you have the option of buying either a shaving soap or a shaving cream at a discounted price.
Featured balms
Since balms are a very good and popular product, you will find about 40 different balms in our range. Just like with the others, we have selected some of our personal favorites to make it easier for you to choose.
Looking for a different balm?
If at the same time as you buy a balm, you also buy a matching shaving soap or shaving cream, you can buy it at a certain discounted price.
