Thread: Any thoughts on an alcohol based product reducing bumps?

Hi guys,

I just found through trial an error, that although there is some sting, an alcohol based aftershave seems to smooth out my skin better than just using the balm.

Does this make sense?

Originally Posted by ryan2022

Hi guys,

I just found through trial an error, that although there is some sting, an alcohol based
aftershave seems to smooth out my skin better than just using the balm.

Does this make sense?

We are all different... so yes it make sense.
Alcohol is a mixed bag. Some like it some not.

Another trick is to wait 20 min then apply
an astringent or alcohol, it burns less.

Bumps can come from irritation or from
minor local infection. Alcohol can address
the local infections for many but not all.
Problem patches can heal quicker with
a thin layer of a triple antibiotic or even
a thin layer of petrolatum (Vaseline). I am
not a fan of daily use of an antibiotic product
but for an outbreak it can be a good thing.

Other things that can help are: a lighter touch
while shaving, a thin balm with mineral oil (Nivea has a good one),
fresh clean towel, different soap/cream, better latherin,
no BBS goal.

Always read labels... they can help an individual sort the products
that work and the ones that do not. Also inspect date codes
as old product might be suspect.

This is an interesting topic, but since our skin types are all different YMMV....

For years I though my skin wouldn't tolerate alcohol aftershaves. I didn't mind the burn, since boys grow up thinking that's part-and-parcel of shaving, but it would always cause painful red bumps on the bottom of my neck. Then I discovered that it wasn't the alcohol afterall, it was my shave technique or lack thereof. Once I unlearned all my bad habits and retrained myself to shave the "proper" way (and this time using a straight razor ) I have never had an adverse reaction to alcohol based AS's. In fact I find them quite refreshing.

All's well that ends well, eh?