The Art of the Aftershave
So now that you shaved, what do you do? Shaving leaves behind in it’s wake irritation and small cuts & scrapes. You should always follow up your shaving routine with an aftershave. But what kind of aftershave? There are 4 main types of aftershave products: Cologne & Toners (high alcohol), Toner types (low to no alcohol), Gels, Balms & Lotions
Colognes and Toners (high alcohol)
Colognes are liquids with a high content of alcohol. Those that have a high scent content are basically a “Cologne”. Those with low to no level of fragrance are a “Toner” or “Tonic”. These aftershaves often also contain astringent ingredients to tighten or exfoliate the skin such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid. This type of aftershave tightens the skin, dries quickly, reduces bacterial count on the skin, and leaves behind mostly the scent. Unfortunately, this type of product doesn’t contain moisturizers so dries out the skin. These products are typically used in warm/humid climates. This type of product is good for men with problem skin or ingrown hairs, or those who just to add scent. Fragrances can be irritating so be careful when choosing a highly scented product.
Low to No Alcohol Toners
Low to no alcohol toners are thin water based liquids. They can be lightly scented or unscented. These liquids contain ingredients to soothe the skin such as allantoin and witch hazel. Allantoin is extracted from the comfrey plant and is known to have anti-inflammatory properties for soothing irriatated skin. Witch hazel either has a very low amount of alcohol or no alcohol. Witch hazel is extracted from the Hamamelis Virginiana plant. It is soothing, softening and has some astringency. Toners also contain some water soluble humectant moisturizers such as glycerin or sodium lactate. Humectant moisturizers draw moisture to the skin so the skin doesn’t dry out. These products are typically used in all types of environments. Toners are usually be used by men with all skin types including problem skin.
Aftershave Gels
Gels are basically low to no alcohol toner type liquid thickened with a gum to be a gel. In some instances, they may be called “Balms”. Some “balms” are really gels unless they are a true “emulsion (oil + water)”. The gums that make the product into a gel creates a light film on the skin to help hold in moisture and good ingredients on the skin. Gels usually have a natural cooling feeling as the water evaporates from the gel on your skin. Gels may also contain peppermint oil or menthol to enhance the cooling feeling. These products can be used in all types of environments. Aftershave gels can be used by men with all skin types including problem skin.
Aftershave Balms & Lotions
Aftershave Balms & Lotions contain a combination of moisturizing oils and water based ingredients. These oils & ingredients soothe the skin after shaving while leaving behind a light layer of moisture for all day relief. Some of these soothing ingredients include allantoin, hyaluronic acid, and witch hazel. These products are generally light feeling and used in all types of environments. Aftershave balms & lotions can usually be used by men with all skin types.
