Thread: Alcohol based aftershaves

As far as AS's go there are two types of skin: those that can tolerate alcohol, and those that can't. As I stated in my blog post, my skin is sensitive, but sensitive to abrasion and not chemicals so alcohol based products don't seem to pose a problem.

In reality, as TBS pointed out, the majority of AS products contain some amount of alcohol, so many guys may be using it even though they think they aren't. But even if it does cause some drying many of us use multiple post shave products that, conciously or not, offset the alcohol drying effects. What I do is apply alum and then use Trumpers Skin Food immediately after shaving, and then apply either a splash or balm. I also use Body Shop Maca Root Skin Protector, but that's usually the following day (since I shave at night). I live in the Canadian prairies, so the summers are hot and dry and winters are cold and dry. No problems for me.

Before using a straight razor I had the same issue and would not use aftershave at all. Now that I use a straight and get a more comfortable shave the Old Spice doesn't have the burn it once did and I have noticed my face produces more natural oils and I no longer have an issue with dry skin. Better complexion too. Just my experience.

It seems that most use Alcohol based aftershaves. I am in the opposite camp and actually have never used an alcohol based aftershave splash on my face. I always use Alum followed by Sabon Aftershave Cream which is a pretty thick, moisturizing balm. This has been my routine for a while now, and I don't see it changing.

Originally Posted by Fbones24

I am in the opposite camp and actually have never used an alcohol based aftershave splash on my face. I always use Alum followed by Sabon Aftershave Cream which is a pretty thick, moisturizing balm. This has been my routine for a while now, and I don't see it changing.

Try it and you may like it, especially a nice Bay Rum. Sky's the limit, really. Rest assured, we'll convert you eventually

Isnt Propylene Glycol the main ingredient in humidifying agent found in most humidors? I van see how this would be a moisturizing agent. But in regards to the alcohol based AS, I use Pinaud pretty regularly, still looking for alternates like it to try something new. Yes, alcohol based AS can dry out skin, but if you have a good quality shaving lather or proper pre/post shave treatment on a regular basis. The amount of AS will not be enough to really make a huge difference in your skin.

I take a slightly different approach. After I shave I use the alum block, then brush my teeth, clean up etc. A COLD water splash to get the residual alum off and put on Neutrogena triple protection face lotion. Then, I use an aftershave with alcohol.

That works for me and I have been doing it for quite some time. For many years I only used just an aftershave lotion with alcohol or even nothing. What I do now is much better and I don't suffer from sore skin unless it is a result of a bad shave.

Will N.

I really love alcohol splashes, but in winter I stick to very mild balms, or witch hazel that I've fortified with multiple heavy moisturizers. As others have said, it depends on your skin and climate.

No alcohol for me. Now, if it's in a bottle and comes from Kentucky, that's something else.

Originally Posted by joshb1000

Isnt Propylene Glycol the main ingredient in humidifying agent found in most humidors?

I always used distilled water when I was on my cigar kick. What is cool is that you can experiment with your "aftershave" and make a custom blend. Mix and match...you never know what you may come up with. I put a few drops of mineral oil in my Clubman Pinaud and it really helped me as it's getting cooler here and my face needed a bit of protection right after a shave.

Originally Posted by shooter74743

I put a few drops of mineral oil in my Clubman Pinaud and it really helped me as it's getting cooler here and my face needed a bit of protection right after a shave.

I may have to try that, i never really thought of trying to make Clubman Pinaud into anything else than it already is...besides awesome, that is!