Thread: Purpose of Aftershave/Balm products

I am throwing this out there as a general question. What is the role of aftershave, aftershave balm, and any other products out there for use after shaving? Alum block? Skin food? Really I was first thinking about why people use more than one product after the same shave? Aftershave and then balm? Other way around? Why? Enlighten me!

That's a real good question. I started to think about it. Why the hell do we use after shave?

When I started shaving, in my teens, I used aftershave because it smelled good, and if it was a famous brand it was kind of cool. Right now, I don't really use after shave, just a facial moisturizer. It stings a little bit as I take it on, just as aftershave, so I assume it has the same effect, but at the same time it moisturizes.

My first thought of what aftershave does was that it closes the pores. This is probably wrong because the second thought I had was, doesn't cold water serve the same purpose?

I have also tried some stuff from the facial series from boss, the aftershave balm and face moisturizer. They don't do the job at all. Maybe it works for others. The balm does not do anything for razor burns, it actually just adds the scent. And the moisturizer dries my face out, but that is just individual anyway.

My face moisturizer is almost empty. What is the purpose of aftershave?

I've read all kinds of things from antiseptic reasons (maybe this was more important before modern hygiene standards?) to toning, moisturizing, etc.

I use alcohol splashes because I like them and its tradition. It’s refreshing after my shave and many do leave my face feeling moist and supple. In the drier months, I follow up with a balm type product or Skin Food.

To each his own though

Jordan