Aftershaves made their very first appearance at the barbershops. The professional barbers used a high-alcohol splash as an antiseptic to kill bacteria and minimize disease transmission from one client to another.

Another common use is to reduce the risk of infections on the face and to smell nice aftershave. This splashing on aftershave soon went beyond its practical purpose and became a world-famous tradition. For generations, men liked the revitalizing sensation and tingling effect offered by alcohol. However, the high level of alcohol often left the skin irritated and dry. At times this dryness also worked as a barrier that was difficult for hair to pierce through. As a result, many faced the growth of hair that damaged the health and glow of the skin. It also led to blocking the regeneration of healthy skin cells. To avoid all such problems, the professionals came up with an advanced version of aftershave that men use today.

Everything you need to know about aftershave

An aftershave is a skincare product that is applied to facial skin after shaving. It mainly contains alcohol and is available in liquid form. But today, you can also find it in gel, lotion or even in paste texture. Besides alcohol, it also contains antiseptic agents like serrated citrate, denatured alcohol, or witch hazel. All these ingredients help to prevent infections that generally results from cuts. They also serve as astringent and reduce skin irritation. In most products, menthol is used to numb irritated skin. Men’s aftershave balms are recommended for winter use as the lotion texture soothes irritated skin and keeps it moisturized. Many types also contain essential oils or fragrances to enhance the scent.

Benefits of aftershave

In the baseline, aftershave is used to treat your skin after shaving off the hair thoroughly. The benefits of this men’s product depend on what it contains. Traditionally an alcohol-based aftershave acts like a sanitiser for the face. This is because when you shave, tiny cuts are left behind, exposing a bit of the epidermis (second layer of skin) as well as the prose. These open skin cells and pores are prone to bacteria and other material logged inside. Commonly the aftershaves contain ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol that work the same way as hand sanitiser or rubbing alcohol. Other options ingredients include jojoba oil, aloe Vera, coconut oil or more that help to soothe and moisturize the skin after razor treatment.

Mandatory ingredients in an aftershave

Typically an alcohol-based aftershave will kill some of the bacteria. However, it won’t give you any real health benefits in the long run. But it is important to avoid aftershaves with artificial fragrances as they contain harmful chemicals that can cause or initiate existing allergies and result in serious irritations. I prefer buying aftershaves that contain ingredients like Shea butter, witch hazel (a plant-based astringent), essential oils (like eucalyptus, lavender, or tea tree oil), vitamin E oil, or chamomile for soothing skin. Ingredients like aloe Vera and glycerin for skin moisturizing and natural scents like cedarwood, green tea, oatmeal or anise can also be a part of it.

Importance of aftershave

It is not mandatory to use aftershave every time you do your face. However, it does bring you some health benefits that you cannot deny. If you have sensitive skin and issues like open pores after shaving, you can opt for natural ingredients like jojoba or coconut oils. Or you can use tips like tapping your face with cold water after the shave to soothe treated skin. Moreover, there are times when you can use aftershave without shaving. If it contains moisturizing ingredients like aloe Vera, Shea butter or vitamin E oil, you can use it as a regular skincare routine.

About using aftershave

Aftershaves are best at certain points in your shaving routine. The best way is to follow your usual having routine on any part of your body (legs, armpits, or face) and rinse the area with cold water. Make sure you remove all the shaving cream, lotion or gel. Now use a clean towel to pat dry; avoid rubbing the skin, which may lead to irritation or damage. Now put a small amount of aftershave on your palm and rub it in both hands to spread evenly. Tap the aftershave on the entire surface of the skin you just shaved and gently massage it into the skin.

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