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?