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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?
suppose it depends on your preference.. there are plenty of unscented balms out there.. several aftershave splashes have scents that dissipate rather quickly... another great option is the alum block.. just get out there and try stuff till you find what works for you.
Scent is only one of the functions of an aftershave, like you said. I use different ones depending on what time of year/what climate I am having. In the winter when it's cold and the air is dry, I use a moisturizer. In the summer I just use alcohol. I have tried witch hazel based ones but I tend to get more rashes so those don't really work for me, but others enjoy them. Try them out and see which work for you, there's lots of alternatives.
Good luck.
One of the simplest and cheapest options is to grow an aloe plant. I cut off one leaf at a time. After each shave, I cut off about an inch, rub it between my palms, pull out the green bits for the compost pile, and then rub the good stuff on my face.
cevulirn,
I use the unscented E45 lotion as a balm; it works very well and is very well priced (something of a mracle here in the UK !!).
Have fun !
Best regards
Russ
I'm afraid your just a Barbarian:)
Nothing wrong with some really nice Thayers Witch Hazel. They have unscented and some with very subtle scents and you don't need anything more after that.
+1 on the Thayers unscented witch hazel. I use it every time. It's very mild and really has no scent. It gives a mild tightening effect to the skin without leaving it dry, unlike alcohol or soap. After I the witch hazel dries, I've started using Jason aloe lotion. You can get it at health food stores, and probably most other stores too, for about $4 and it goes a long way. It is also unscented and has no strange chemical additives. It feels a little weird (sticky ?) when you first put it on, but then it absorbs into the skin without any greasy or sticky residue.
For my unscented days I use some combination of my alum block, witch hazel, corn huskers lotion, kiss my face shave cream and escential aftershave lotion and associated shave products.
For most of my life I didn't use any after shave either. A few years ago I started with Dickinson's Witch Hazel, then Pinaud Bay Rum. Now I have a variety of A/S and look forward to capping each shave off with one of them. I find it pleasurable. YMMV.:gl:
I've never run across any aftershave product that didn't have some sort of "smell."
If the smell is a problem, then I suggest that you use whatever product makes
you and/or your skin feel better, wait a bit to let it work it's magic, and then
simply wipe your face with a cool damp cloth.
That will give you all of the benefits of the skin treatment, and most of the "smell"
will wash off.
Personally, I use Nivea Aftershave Lotion, or Thayers Witch Hazel, or maybe a
splash of Osage Rub. A lightly scented AS like Lucky Tiger Aspen is good, too.
Please yourself.
Paul
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.
I am with you. Many fragrance products give me a rash.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cevulirn
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
I learned a bit... so the new video adds to this old thread.
+1 on Alum Block, Witch Hazel and the Nivea Balm. All very effective and affordable alternatives that are fairly scent neutral
I'll pitch in here, that because of sensitive neck issues I dropped AS products from my routine years ago. I rinse warm/hot to get the soap off, then splash cold to tighten and prevent infections. In the colder months I'll apply some Nivea Sensitive Skin balm which doesn't really have a scent, but only after my skin dries, and very thinly at that.
There are a world of possibilities, but I don't think any one thing is really necessary so long as your face is clean and happy after your shave.
Peace,
I'm in the after shave routine for moisture, plain and simple. Any skin damaged in the shave is likely to heal more quickly and properly if the skin is kept moist, Of course, I never really nick myself or anything, but just in case.
Ive started using witches hazel for any irritated areas. It smells a little funky at first, but goes away fast with no residue.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cevulirn
Check youtube for a mantic59 video.
Mantic59's Shaving Journal: Video: How To Use Aftershave Balms & Splashes
This video might be the best summary out there. Remember that what
works in the winter may not work in the summer.
Always read the ingredient list.
And yes I am a broken record on this.
I differ from mantic59 in my preference for
a 20 min drying period before applying
any product.
FWIW --
I found that, as my technique improved, I lost interest in "post-shave" treatments. Less razor burn ===> less after-shave treatment needed.
If my skin feels OK, I don't put anything on it. If it burns a bit, I'll throw on some moisturizer or almond oil.
"Action figures" are dolls (for men). Wrist watches are jewellery (for men). Scented after-shave products are perfumes/cosmetics (for men).
I'm probably missing a lot of fun.
Charles
When it comes down to it, it's whats good for you and might not be good for the next guy, I did not use anything post shave for many many years, but was given some Burbury A/S Balm (weekend it think it was) and it was good, so I used it sometimes.
Now with a full range of pre / post shave products at my fingertips I will still go for weeks at a time with not post shave products other than a splash of cold water and maybe a splash of Ogallala Bay Rum!
Think what you are after and there is a product for it, moisturise / face food / witch hazel. without trying to smell pretty!
Sam
I enjoy Proraso AS Balm, it has a very mild scent and feels great on the skin.
I use Gillette Fusion Post Shave Balm after applying witch hazel. Skin feels great!
When I get a small nick, the witch hazel stops the weeping. Plus witch hazel feels cool on the skin after a nice shave. I just use a generic brand from the department store.Quote:
Originally Posted by ryan2022
Normal budget witch hazel at any mega store or supermarket and either some corn huskers lotion or some udder cream. I know it may sound weird but like corn huskers lotion it will moisturize but not a thick or greasy, it's cheap and worth a try
the whole line of AOS unscented has no scent at all
I find that unless I apply something afterwards, my face starts to itch and get irritated.
Lately, I've discovered some really good balms. These are Roger et Gallet's L'Homme after shave balm. A light menthol hit (not a fan of menthol), but it works with many soaps and is very lightly scented with a very manly, woody scent. Castle Forbes balms are also very good. My favourite is the Lime, but I also like the 1445. In the past I've also GFT Coral Skin Food with great results. I've somehow gone off that these days - it's best in warmer, nmore humid conditions.
One for colder weather is Santa Maria Novella's pre-post shave cream with it's pomegranate/incense scent. Ideal in really cold, dry, winter conditions.
Shaving soaps and creams have nice scents for a reason. In this day and age I might consider a sun tan oil/lotion.
I think it's just fine to use nothing at all.