Aftershave with Alchohol
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Aftershave with Alchohol
Greetings everyone,
I was just curious about everyone's thoughts on aftershave splashes (old spice, aqua velva, brut, etc.) that contains alchohol. While I do enjoy the scents that they produce, I have read that those that contain alchohol will dry your face out. Is there any truth to this?
I am currently using Pre de Provence After Shave Balm (which I thoroughly enjoy) which I obtained last week from WCS (along with a Merkur 33C, Proraso Shave Cream, and Crystal Double edge Razor blades). I already owned a badger hair shaving brush from Crabtree & Evelyn that I have been using for about 6 years with Col. Conks.
Anyway, enough of my rambling. Thanks for the advice.
best,
Gary
I was just curious about everyone's thoughts on aftershave splashes (old spice, aqua velva, brut, etc.) that contains alchohol. While I do enjoy the scents that they produce, I have read that those that contain alchohol will dry your face out. Is there any truth to this?
I am currently using Pre de Provence After Shave Balm (which I thoroughly enjoy) which I obtained last week from WCS (along with a Merkur 33C, Proraso Shave Cream, and Crystal Double edge Razor blades). I already owned a badger hair shaving brush from Crabtree & Evelyn that I have been using for about 6 years with Col. Conks.
Anyway, enough of my rambling. Thanks for the advice.
best,
Gary
Hi Gary,
Here's some more rambling
I suspect that the effect of splashes depends upon the ingredients of the splash and your skin type.
Some splashes are very basic, others contain nice things like Witch Hazel or Glycerin, which help the skin.
Personally, I find that an hour or two after using an alcohol based a/s, that my skin can become dry in some areas, but as the day progresses this changes, and my skin feel very moisturised. It's a strange thing, and seems humidity/weather influenced. If it's a very dry day, my skin can feel tight to a point where it feels uncomfortable, and it's at this stage when I know that I should have used a balm. Some people use an a/s and then a balm.
It goes without saying, ymmv.
Ian
Here's some more rambling
I suspect that the effect of splashes depends upon the ingredients of the splash and your skin type.
Some splashes are very basic, others contain nice things like Witch Hazel or Glycerin, which help the skin.
Personally, I find that an hour or two after using an alcohol based a/s, that my skin can become dry in some areas, but as the day progresses this changes, and my skin feel very moisturised. It's a strange thing, and seems humidity/weather influenced. If it's a very dry day, my skin can feel tight to a point where it feels uncomfortable, and it's at this stage when I know that I should have used a balm. Some people use an a/s and then a balm.
It goes without saying, ymmv.
Ian
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- Duke of Silvertip!
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Gary, I took the liberty of moving your thread to the Aftershaves & Colognes section.
Well, this question/issue is as old as the shave forums. In the early years most members bought the story that high alcohol content A/Ss were 'bad'....would dry out the skin and so forth. A very few, like Squire especially, challenged the then prevailing common wisdom, because, truth to tell, many of those members had gotten their opinion from the cosmetics industry, and had not actually ever tried traditional A/Ss. Well, over time, more gents here did try them, and for some they turned out to be just the ticket. But certainly not for all. One's choice of aftershave product is really very individual, and it takes some shavers quite a bit of experimentation to find which are ideal for them. Personally, my skin isn't happy with high alcohol content A/S but doesn't like balms either. So, I had to find products that were sort of inbetween; light weight, but not a lot of alcohol.
Regards,
Gordon
Well, this question/issue is as old as the shave forums. In the early years most members bought the story that high alcohol content A/Ss were 'bad'....would dry out the skin and so forth. A very few, like Squire especially, challenged the then prevailing common wisdom, because, truth to tell, many of those members had gotten their opinion from the cosmetics industry, and had not actually ever tried traditional A/Ss. Well, over time, more gents here did try them, and for some they turned out to be just the ticket. But certainly not for all. One's choice of aftershave product is really very individual, and it takes some shavers quite a bit of experimentation to find which are ideal for them. Personally, my skin isn't happy with high alcohol content A/S but doesn't like balms either. So, I had to find products that were sort of inbetween; light weight, but not a lot of alcohol.
Regards,
Gordon
I would agree that it is very individual; and, my skin can change from day to day.
I use it all. Balms (PreDProvence, Nivea, and Skin Food), Alcohol Aftershaves, and even Witch Hazel, depending on my mood or skin condition. After you have tried stuff out you can figure out what you need.
Currently my favorite after shave treatment is Proraso Dopobarba, which will burn like Hell if you have had a rough shave. My least favorite after shave treatment is Witch Hazel, which tends to make my skin feel rubbery? If my skin feels dry or sore, I'll use a Balm or Skin Food.
I use it all. Balms (PreDProvence, Nivea, and Skin Food), Alcohol Aftershaves, and even Witch Hazel, depending on my mood or skin condition. After you have tried stuff out you can figure out what you need.
Currently my favorite after shave treatment is Proraso Dopobarba, which will burn like Hell if you have had a rough shave. My least favorite after shave treatment is Witch Hazel, which tends to make my skin feel rubbery? If my skin feels dry or sore, I'll use a Balm or Skin Food.
Regards,
Andy
Andy
I won't even consider an aftershave without alcohol, and the higher the alcohol content the better. I'm one of those masochists who enjoys the "sting", or rather its instant numbing/antiseptic properties.
Proraso's after shave is my favourite, as it also has the cooling effect of menthol and the toning effect of Witch Hazel.
Proraso's after shave is my favourite, as it also has the cooling effect of menthol and the toning effect of Witch Hazel.
LOL Squire - I think that effect is pretty universal, depending on the quantities.Squire wrote:No rules here Gary, just preferences. The ones you mentioned are inexpensive so try them and if you like them, use them. The only alcohol that dries me out is the type taken internally.
For me, AS products with alcohol are OK, and I use them some of the time. However, I find that even with a slightly rough shave, alcohol will ADD to the irritation, where a balm or witch hazel will HELP.
Best ... Steve
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To take what I'm given with grace
For this I pray
To take what I'm given with grace
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- desertbadger
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+1 to that!Squire wrote:No rules here Gary, just preferences. The ones you mentioned are inexpensive so try them and if you like them, use them. The only alcohol that dries me out is the type taken internally.
Gary, if you try Clubman Bay Rum you will learn what alcohol on your face after a shave is all about.....Ya' Howdy!!!
Regards,
David
David
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- Scrapyard Ape
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Definitely depends on your skin. I have oily skin which gets shiny and greasy feeling from balms, and even milks on all but the driest days. I do like the alcohol splashes with a little moisturizing so my skin doesn't over-produce oil in reaction. My current favorite is the splash from The Shave Den, though I have several I'll be trying out over time.
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