Thread: Ok, so I don't use anything after a shave...

Like many of the previous posters have said, there are numerous options out there.
I live in a place where we have four seasons, so the need changes accordingly.
One thing I Always use after a cold water rinse is Thayers medicated superhazel.
Works perfectly as an astringent and adds moisture.
And then there are several scent-less After shave solutions out there. Even hypoallergenic ones.
Any mosturizer from your local pharmacy will most likely do you just fine

Gentlemen:

I sound like a broken record — when LP records were made — about Thayer's Super Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera, but this is good stuff. It has no scent that I can detect and it does wonders for the skin. Also, I highly recommend Truefitt & Hill's Ultimate Comfort aftershave balm. It is unscented and my Hollywood face loves it.

Regards,

Obie

For a long time - we're talking a couple of decades - I used to shave with a DE and rinse with cold water, and that was it. The cold water rinse is still one of the essential parts of my routine, and there are still occasions when I'll leave it at that.

However, three things have changed. Firstly, I started to suffer from dry skin during the winter, which made an unscented moisturiser necessary; secondly I started hanging out with internet shaving enthusiasts, and thirdly I took to shaving with a straight razor. Now, maybe a good going over with a cut throat is an excellent exfoliant, but for whatever reason the dry skin has gone without a trace, so the moisturiser is gone and good riddance to it. However, spend any time on a shaving forum and you'll hear a lot about all manner of lotions, potions and other patent nostrums, and one would need a will of iron not to investigate ... enter the alum block. Didn't get on with that one, but pretty much everyone else does. Then there are the aftershave splashes, which seem to divide into two types: the "invigorating" high alcohol ones which give you a quick hit of endorphins if nothing else (now that I like!); and the "nourishing" ones which improve skin feel. Examine the label of any of the latter and chances are you'll see an ingredient called allantoin, which sounds esoteric but is in fact ... witch hazel.

So here's my prescription:
1: cold water and plenty of it - that's essential.
2: alum as a disinfectant, not in my experience necessary or desirable, but heh, and
3: distilled witch hazel as a toner

That's not necessarily my routine as I do like scented splashes, or failing that cologne on special occasions, but it does work for me. Mind you, unlike Obie I have a Hammer Horror face

Trumpers skin food is a great option. It's very soothing on the skin and the scent isn't overpowering so it might suit you?

I don't apply cologne to my face, I just put a dab behind my ears. That helps keep the scent from being really overpowering as well.

I really like Aubrey Organics Men's Stock line "North Woods". Fresh, not overpowering, aloe and witch hazel with ginseng. It's like a pine forest on your face. Unfortunately the scent doesn't last beyond half and hour to an hour, tops.

Originally Posted by Cevulirn

And I'm really not a 'scent' person.

Well, there being no sticky to read up on, I guess I'll just have to make some noise and ask. So, what's the lowdown on post-shave treatments? I'm sensitive to smells, so I don't really want anything smelly on my face, but there's astringents, moisturizers, etc... and I'm not sure where to start gaining information.

Anyone care to expound on the subject?

I am with you. Many fragrance products give me a rash.
If a rinse and go works that is marvelous.

If your skin is dry you can apply half a drop of mineral oil
while your face is still wet. Nivea makes a very mild
post shave balm. I like it.

Mantic59 on Youtube made a very nice video on
this topic.
YouTube - How To Select And Use Aftershave Balms And Splashes