Alcohol-based?

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.

:dropjaw:

I used alcohol-based aftershaves in the past, but I switched to better, non-alcohol products because I didn't like having my face feel like it was on fire after a shave. Now, I always use cold water and witch hazel after a shave. I may also put on a bit of aftershave balm once in a while.

Your use of aftershave depends on what you want out of it. Products with a high alcohol content can dry out the skin and further irritate razor burn. However, some people use them because they have always used them (i.e., habit), they enjoy the scent, or they've gotten used to the burn. If you want to hydrate your skin, then use a non-alcohol or low-alcohol-based aftershave balm or lotion for best results.

I use a cold water towels for a couple of minutes just after the shave. Then piddle around getting dressed, clean up, whatever and then go with the Pinaud Clubman. I do have some nonalcohol balms that I use on occasion. I do this more in the winter when the air is dry. The best I have is Kenneth Cole Black. Cools, calms and smells great. It leaves no sticky feeling like some. It is expensive so I only use it state occassions.

Most true AS preps contain alcohol. It's a convenient carrier. It dries fast and has anti bacterial benefits and it's cheap. Even many of the balms have it too. You have to search to find those without it.

I only use alcohol based aftershaves and have done so for about 50 years. It is a part of my shaving ritual. I am crazy about the scents and love the "burn".

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.

IMO, if your face is on fire after using an alcohol based AS, you are either allergic to one of the ingredients or you need to learn how to shave properly.

+1 to what Theseus said, I use it as an indicator of a good shave. No Burn=Good Technique:D

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Originally Posted by JoeSomebody

+1 to what Theseus said, I use it as an indicator of a good shave. No Burn=Good Technique:D

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I guess yeah that makes sense. I use Alum as my indicator.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

:dropjaw:

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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.

My skin is tolerant to SR shaving of which I do daily, but it doesnt like anything that stings it afterwards. After each shave I wash my face with cold water which I hope closes the pores. I use Taylors of Old Bond Street aftershave cream which soothes the face. I follow this by King of Shaves K8 moisturiser which makes the skin really shiny and smooth. I personally dont use anything that gives a sting or fire sensation. If I use scented aftershave, I just put on the neck and the wrists; purely for the scent.

give me a splash any day. Don't notice the burn you guys talk about.
plenty of cold water on face, pat dry then apply Speick or proraso.

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Originally Posted by Chris24

Don't notice the burn you guys talk about.

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Well my friend, have you tried Clubman Bay Rum? Mua-ha-ha-ha.... :rofl2:

Proraso has menthol for the cooling affect...like Ryan says, try the bay rum...lol.

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Originally Posted by Catrentshaving

Proraso has menthol for the cooling affect...like Ryan says, try the bay rum...lol.

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Yeah, if you feel burn when using Proraso you definitely did something wrong lol

Havent tried Clubman Bay Rum but try Ogallala Bay Rum for pure hellfire. It even burns when you havent shaved lol. I love it :D:

I use both Alcohol splashes, and non alcohol balms. Mostly splashes in the summer b/c the balms make my skin oily in the Alabama humidity, and can make you break out. I agree with what has already been noted; worse the burn worse the technique. I guess if you really liked a splash but hate the burn, you could cut it with unscented witch hazel to tame it down, just mind your ratios or you may kill the scent along with it. Thayers makes a good unscented witch hazel for about $10 you can get almost anywhere. Just a thought.