The term aftershave covers agents that can be applied to the skin after a wet or dry shave to counteract skin irritation, razor burn or other minor injuries, and to keep the skin supple and possibly give it a special scent. The products offered usually have liquid, gel or balm-like consistency with a wide variability of ingredients.
What is an aftershave?
Aftershave products moisturize and soften the skin after shaving. Only products that are applied after shaving are called aftershave. In contrast, preshave products are also available, which are applied before shaving, for example, to exert a tightening and straightening effect on the beard hairs, so that the subsequent dry shave is as effective and thorough as possible. Other goals are pursued with aftershave products; minor injuries and micro-tears should heal as quickly as possible. Any minor bleeding caused by a wet shave should be stopped as quickly as possible to avoid small blood stains, for example on the collar of the shirt. Therefore, most aftershaves contain astringent substances, which cause the contraction of resulting cuts and promote rapid blood clotting. In order to prophylactically prevent infections and inflammations, which can be caused by penetrated germs in micro-cracks or cuts of the skin, bactericidal substances are usually incorporated in aftershaves. Depending on the skin type, other moisturizing substances that promote healing are also included, as well as possibly essential oils that create an impression of freshness on the skin. Many aftershaves are also perfumed to give the skin a pleasant, fragrant scent, depending on your taste.
Forms, types and types
In the trade, a wide variety of aftershave products are offered. In principle, it is possible to differentiate between classic aftershave, aftershave gel and aftershave balm or balm. Even the shaving foam, which can actually be counted among the preshave products, usually contains nourishing substances that penetrate the skin and continue to act even after shaving. The classic aftershave consists of a high proportion of denatured alcohol and water. In addition, these products incorporate some other active substances such as perfume oils. Aftershave is usually offered in small bottles, flacons. Aftershave gels focus on their caring and refreshing effect on the skin. Aftershave gels are offered in flexible containers – usually plastic tubes – so that the gel can be easily dispensed for application to the skin. The third group of aftershaves is formed by the aftershave balm, also called aftershave balm. It is a moisturizing lotion in which nourishing substances play a major role in maintaining the skin’s firm and healthy appearance. Often, aftershave balm is also offered without alcohol to avoid the drying effect of alcohol on the skin. In this case, natural plant-based active ingredients are used.
Structure and mode of operation
The exact formulas of the various aftershaves are, of course, kept secret by the manufacturers. Nevertheless, the respective mixture can be roughly estimated when the manufacturers advertise certain properties of the aftershave. Since many people shy away from the denatured alcohol in aftershave, aftershaves are also offered that explicitly contain no alcohol. The alcohol in the aftershave has an antiseptic and bactericidal effect per se, so that infections on the skin are prevented. The alcohol has a refreshing effect on the skin, especially because of the cooling effect due to its strong evaporation. A disadvantage is that the alcohol dries out the skin a bit and could visually age it if used constantly. Therefore, some manufacturers mix certain plant extracts into their aftershaves as a substitute for alcohol. Mostly, the alcohol-free products contain extracts from American witch hazel, aloe vera or certain algae. These substances serve primarily to disinfect the skin. Some alcohol-free aftershaves also contain tannins or other plant extracts with an astringent effect to prevent the annoying aftershave bleeding. Some manufacturers of aftershave products mix in essential oils and fragrances that develop individual scents in combination with the user’s skin.Aftershave balm or aftershave balm consists of a mostly milky, cloudy lotion that is offered with and without alcohol. Skin-caring and moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin are at the forefront of balm products. People with sensitive and delicate skin like to resort to such aftershave products.
Medical and health benefits
The medical benefits of shaving itself are controversial. Men who shave daily are most likely following society’s idea of beauty. After shaving and applying an aftershave product, most men feel fresh, probably in preparation for the day’s demands. Immediately, shaving – especially wet shaving – can cause minor skin damage and irritation. Here, a suitable aftershave can provide health benefits by preventing the penetration of pathogenic germs into the skin and contributing to skin soothing and skin care. The gradual process of dehydration and aging of the skin can at best be delayed a little by the application of moisturizing substances in a suitable aftershave, so that a slight medical benefit can also be achieved in this case. The fragrances and fragrance oils contained are more likely to be assigned to the area of communication via the sense of smell, without any measurable medical benefit being apparent. Aftershave products without fragrance additives are also offered, since some men prefer the natural and hardly consciously perceptible scent of their freshly shaved skin. Inform on Amazon.com
