Thread: Alcohol-based?

Originally Posted by Pyrateknight

I found that aftershave balms are pretty soothing if you get a little burn going. I am actually in a quest for an Old Spice alternative for a balm.

Try mama bear she can scent her balms with her aged spice scent.

I have try a lot of different balms and post shave creams. I always come back to the aqua velva and aqua velva musk. Shave just doesn't feel complete with out it. And has been said it is a good indication of your shave technique improving.

It really depends on your skin. Some guys' skin will simply not tolerate alcohol, but many can. Personally, I use alcohol splashes and love them. As long as there are no ill effects there is no need to worry about skin damage. And if dried out skin is a concern you can also use a moisturizer. All I can suggest is to try it for yourself and see what happens.

Originally Posted by Melkor

I use alcohol based aftershaves exclusively. The harmful effects of alcohol are greatly over stated, primarily by those trying to sell you an expensive alcohol free substitute.

I like the sting, makes me think its doing something. The other stuff just feels like your smathering on vaseline

Originally Posted by Ryan82

It really depends on your skin. Some guys' skin will simply not tolerate alcohol, but many can. Personally, I use alcohol splashes and love them. As long as there are no ill effects there is no need to worry about skin damage. And if dried out skin is a concern you can also use a moisturizer. All I can suggest is to try it for yourself and see what happens.

I totally agree with you sir. Using a moisturiser would solve any issue with drying out your skin. I for one have oily skin and love alcohol based products although I also use balms (mostly in our 'lovely' British winter)

Cheers,

Ash

Here's a recent thread that should cover the issue of dryness with alcohol-based after-shaves: http://straightrazorpalace.com/presh...tershaves.html

Of course a light application of a moisturizer is another obvious solution. Before, after? Does it matter? With alcohol aftershaves I'd imagine it will meld. Also, finding an independent producer of alcohol-free balms is a good way to go, too.

Originally Posted by Bhip

Greetings everyone, newbie here from KC…
Curious on your opinions regarding alcohol-based aftershaves.


I've read that alcohol-based aftershaves are bad for your skin after shaving, that it is really a misdirected historic "hangover" from when barbers used an alcohol base to sanitize straight razors (and faces?) between clients. Also that the best aftershave is cold water or witch hazel at the most.


I suspect this is an ancient conversation, but what are your opinions on this?


Looking through the "Shave of the day" galleries I see a lot of alcohol-based aftershaves, so apparently people like and use them. In the past I always used Old Spice aftershave, and know I'll miss the scent once I phase it out. Personally i'm always fighting razor burn, not sure if alcohol helps or makes that worse.

I live in a semi-tropical, humid climate and aftershaves that aren't alcohol-based feel kind of sticky on my face, so I'm a fan of alcohol-based aftershaves.

i personally hold my flannel under the cold tap for a while then spray four or five squirts along it then put it across my face and there is absolutly no burn yet still has the anti-bacterial qualities. and its not just my shaving technique because i know i am shit at shaving

I prefer alcohol based splashes most of the time, i have never tried witch hazel before but the ones i have seen still contain alcohol anyway

L'Bel Homme makes an AS lotion that is fantastic, Its on the expensive side, but worth it. I only found it because my wife is a l'bel rep. I liked This one and found out it won Esquire's 2011 mens grooming award for AS. the Devos Magnetic scent is my personal favorite.