This stuff does help , I ues it still sometimes as a post shave when I feel a little more irritation, but what I did find out is , if you like this Proraso pre/post cream , just buy Noxema face cream , same ingredients and at a1/4 the price I felt it did help when my technique and lather abilities were not up to par , not I only use if I got to aggressive and feel the irritation , It does cool it down and then some after shave balm ,, Tc