Buyer's Guide
After shaving, you may have noticed that your skin feels dry and irritated. This is because you've just shaved off the top layer of dead cells, leaving behind a new layer of sensitive skin underneath. To help prevent this, use an aftershave lotion before going back into the shower. Here, we've listed our favourite products for men who want to keep their skin feeling smooth and soft.
Aftershaves are products that are applied to the skin immediately following shaving. They help prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs, and provide a smooth feeling for up to 24 hours. Aftershaves come in many different scents and flavors, including menthol, peppermint, eucalyptus, cinnamon, clove, and more. The most common types of aftershaves include moisturizing creams, gels, foaming liquids, and oils. These products contain ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, lactic acid, and witch hazel. Most aftershaves are alcohol based, but some are water-based. Alcohol-based aftershaves tend to dry out the skin faster than water-based ones, so if you prefer a longer lasting effect, choose a product that contains less alcohol.
After shaving, most men use a moisturizer to prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs. But do you really need one? After all, razors already remove hair pretty effectively. Why would you need another product to soften your skin?
Well, there are several reasons why you might want to add a moisturizing step to your routine. First, using a moisturizer before shaving can reduce irritation caused by shaving. Second, it can protect your skin against the drying effects of shaving cream. Third, it can help prevent ingrown hairs. Fourth, it can help prevent razor burns.
In addition, moisturizers can improve the appearance of your beard. Many men prefer softer facial hair. Moisturizers can help create this look. Finally, moisturizers can help prevent dryness and flaking. All these benefits mean that you should definitely apply a moisturizer before shaving.
But which type of moisturizer works best? Here are three types of products that can help you achieve soft, smooth skin.
Creams. Creams are probably the easiest to use. Simply rub them over your face and let them soak in. Most creams contain ingredients such as glycerin and aloe vera. These ingredients help hydrate your skin while keeping it soft.
Lotions. Lotion formulas usually contain alcohol. Alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving behind moisture. However, this evaporation can cause your skin to become drier. To combat this effect, lather lotions with oil-based emollients. These emollients coat your skin, helping to lock in moisture.
Balms. Balms are similar to lotions but are thicker and stickier. Because they contain higher levels of waxes, they tend to last longer. Some balms have anti-inflammatory properties. Others contain menthol. Menthol has been shown to relieve pain and inflammation.
Regardless of which type of moisturizer you decide to use, make sure to follow the directions carefully. Don't forget to wash your hands afterward. Otherwise, you could end up spreading germs around.
After shaving, most men want to use something to protect their skin. Aftershaves have become popular because they provide protection against razor burn, ingrown hairs, and other minor irritations. They also prevent hair growth by inhibiting the development of new hair follicles. Unfortunately, many aftershaves contain harsh chemicals that may dry out your skin. This can leave you with red, irritated skin. Fortunately, there are natural alternatives available that won't damage your skin. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting an aftershave:
Look for products that contain aloe vera. Aloe vera contains soothing properties that soothe irritated skin. You'll find aloe vera in many aftershaves. Make sure that the product you purchase contains at least 10% aloe vera extract.
Avoid products that contain alcohol. Alcohol dries out your skin. When you apply an aftershave containing alcohol, you might notice that your skin feels sticky. Instead, try an aftershave that doesn't contain any alcohol. There are plenty of nonalcoholic aftershaves available.
Check the expiration date. Before buying an aftershave, read the expiration date on the container. Expiration dates indicate how long the product should remain effective. Products that expire within six months are usually safe to use. Products that have expired should never be used. Check the expiration date often.
Be careful about fragrance. Fragrance isn't necessarily bad, but if you prefer unscented products, then you might want to skip fragrances altogether. Fragrant aftershaves can sometimes cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Try looking for aftershaves that do not contain any fragrance.
Consider the cost. While it's tempting to buy cheap aftershaves, you shouldn't pay less just because it's cheap. Cheap aftershaves can contain harmful ingredients. Be sure to research the ingredients in the aftershave you plan to buy. Read ingredient lists carefully.
Moisturizing properties. After shaving, your skin needs moisture to heal quickly. That's why you should always apply moisturizer right away after shaving. But if you've got dry skin, you may want to add more than just moisturizer. Look for after shave lotions that contain other beneficial ingredients, such as aloe vera, witch hazel, vitamin E, and glycerin.
Skin protection. The last thing you want is to end up with razor burn. Look for after shave lotions that protect against razor burn. These lotions typically contain ingredients like menthol, tea tree oil, and camphor.
Antiseptic properties. Antibacterial properties are great for preventing infections, but they can cause irritation. Look for after shave lotions that contain antibacterial agents, such as benzoyl peroxide, chlorhexidine gluconate, and triclosan.
Fragrance free. Fragrances can irritate sensitive skin. Look for after shave lotions that are fragrance-free.
Lotion base. Some after shave lotions contain alcohols, which can leave behind a sticky residue. Look for after shave lotions that contain natural oils, such as jojoba oil, almond oil, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, olive oil, sesame seed oil, sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, and grape seed oil.
Alcohol free. Alcohol can strip your skin of its natural oils. Look for after shave lotions that do not contain alcohol.
Waterproofing. Waterproofing is important when applying after shave lotions. Look for after shave lotions that are waterproof.
Natural scent. Natural scents are great for soothing irritated skin. However, many men prefer fragrant after shaves.
After shaving, men are left with a number of problems. From razor bumps to ingrown hairs, there are plenty of things that can go wrong. Luckily, there are ways to prevent these issues from happening. One of the easiest ways to keep yourself safe is by applying after shave lotions. Here are some of the best options currently available.
Shaving Creams. Shaving creams are the simplest solution to shaving problems. They are applied prior to shaving and act as a lubricant. They are especially useful for those who struggle with dry skin. These are also good for those who don't use razors regularly. They are also cheap and easy to apply.
Lotion Bars. Lotion bars are essentially moisturizing shampoos. They are meant to be applied immediately following shaving. After Shave Lotions are particularly helpful for those who suffer from sensitive skin. These are also great for those who don't want to waste any time waiting for their hair to grow out.
Balms are simply moisturizers. After Shave Lotions are meant to be applied after shaving. They are especially useful for those who suffer from dry skin. They are also good for those who don't want to wait for their hair to grow out.
Post Shaves. Post shaves are specifically formulated to protect against ingrown hairs. These are applied right after shaving and should last anywhere between 2-4 weeks. These are especially useful for those who experience ingrown hairs frequently.
FAQs
After shave lotions are products designed to be applied directly onto your face after shaving. They contain ingredients like aloe vera, menthol, witch hazel, and glycerin to moisturize your skin and protect it from irritation.
You can purchase after shave lotions at most drug stores, grocery stores, and even online retailers.
Yes, you can use whatever type of soap you normally use to clean yourself. After all, what's the point of buying after shave lotion if you're going to wash it off anyway?
Look for a product that contains ingredients like aloe vera, menthol, witch hazel, and glycerin. These ingredients will help to moisturize your skin and keep it soft and smooth.
Many men swear by Gillette's Mach 3 razor. If you want to try something new, check out the Men's Body Shop line of razors. They offer a wide range of blades and shaves.
After shave creams are similar to after shave lotions but they tend to be thicker and more concentrated. Many men prefer this consistency since it allows them to apply their cream without having to rub it into their faces first.
Both after shave creams and after shave oils contain ingredients like aloe vera, menthol, witch hazel, and glycerin. But after shave creams are generally thicker than after shave oils. Most after shave creams are meant to last longer than after shave oils.
After shave gels are thick liquids that are often packaged in tubes. They're great for those times when you need to apply a little bit of after shave oil right away. And unlike after shave creams, after shave gels aren't meant to last forever.
After shave balms are similar to after shave creams except they're less sticky. They're perfect for those times when you need to apply a little bit of after shave oil but don't want to get too messy.
After shave sprays are similar to after shave creams except they're much thinner. They're ideal for those times when you need to quickly apply a little bit of after shave oil.
After shave sticks are thin strips of wax that allow you to easily apply after shave oil to your face.
After shave wipes are thin sheets of paper that you simply wipe across your face to apply after shave oil.
