Thread: The sting, is it really beneficial?

I recently read that the alcohol in aftershaves help close the pores in the face (similar to what cold water after the shave does). Now there are a number of negatives to alcohol based aftershaves such as: skin irritation for some, drying out the skin, and supposedly clogging the pores (I dont buy that one though).

Anyway,

Do you feel that alcohol in an aftershave benefits you after a shave and how? Most of what I find on the web says to stay away from alcohol based products for shaving, but if it closes the pores and since alcohol and oil dont mix, I would assume it would actually help, even if you apply it before a soothing balm like skin food. I also wonder if the menthol that seems to be in proraso (cant fine the actual ingredients) is the best of both worlds, no alcohol but still seems to close poors BUT I dont want this to turn into another Proraso thread!
Does anyone have more information since I am obviously feeling a bit confused?

JL,

I can only comment on my own experience. I've
never used anything but alcohol based As's.
I've never had any problems.

I guess the alcohol may act as an antiseptic. But I
really can't be sure. I do know that I enjoy splashing
it on after a shave. For me it's like the icing on a
cake.


Terry

Alcohol is an oil solvent and an astringent. Those kids buying those pimple prevention products for who knows how much might want to consider buying some rubbing alcohol instead.
Yes alcohol is a dessecant and a mild irritant but using DBR leaves my skin in a nice shape.

Alcohol itself doesn't clog pores.
The problem is it dries out the skin, to which the body reacts by producing even more sebum. That's how your skin can get pretty oily some time after using alcohol which can lead to clogged pores.

ETA: I like to use witch hazel after a shave, simple and cheap.

Redwoood

The main reason alcohol is used is because once you put it on the skin it quickly evaporates leaving the scent behind so its basically a carrier like a water based paint and its cheap.

Most experts advise not using alcohol based aftershaves because they dry the skin. Its better to use an after shave balm with a herbal makeup which is more soothing. Some aftershaves contain vitamin C which acts like a mild antiseptic like alcohol but doesn't dry but boy does it sting and since the Vit C doesn't evaporate it stings a long time.

having said that I sure love my islands bay rum. Almost enough alcohol to drink!

I have only used one kind of aftershave in my life which I bought a year ago while starting with straights. It's Thayer's Witch Hazel Skin Astringent with Aloe which has a small alcohol content. I wanted some for antiseptic reasons. It's not very drying, doesn't sting and has a very mild scent. I've been following that with Lush's Dream Cream which my face loves.

X

My first aftershave ever was my uncle's moonshine. I'd still be using it from time to time but I can't get it often enough (comes from Europe), so I prefer to save it for drinking.

I know with alcohol-based after shaves (Pinaud, etc.) I know how good a job I did shaving. If I use too much pressure it burns like crazy. If I keep the pressure low the burn is really negligible.

The advantage of the sting it that it is teaching you a lesson. Here is how to learn. Shave with a cartridge razor, then apply the a/s. You won't get a lot of sting. Shave with your straight, and then apply the a/s. You'll notice that certain areas have more sting than others. The stronger sting is where you have been aggressive, or your angle was not correct.

RT

Originally Posted by rtaylor61

The advantage of the sting it that it is teaching you a lesson. Here is how to learn. Shave with a cartridge razor, then apply the a/s. You won't get a lot of sting. Shave with your straight, and then apply the a/s. You'll notice that certain areas have more sting than others. The stronger sting is where you have been aggressive, or your angle was not correct.

RT

That is very interesting, I want to give that a shot. I am not familiar with any aftershaves that have a sting. Does anyone know of a lavender based aftershave with alcohol?


Randy, you are truely full of a great amount of very usefull information thats for sure!