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What is After Shave for?

Apr 26, 2005 at 2:24 AM Post #16 of 30
Quote:

Originally Posted by mjg
It just feels really good. It only stings if your a little kid, or mcauly culkin.


I wouldn't exactly go as far as to say that -- I still get some sting feeling if I use a very powerful, expensive one -- you know, when I have to be fancy
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But yes, that four dollar stuff that comes with the razor - well, it's just used for every day stuff and essentially is only used because the companies tell you it's good to do so.
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Apr 26, 2005 at 2:40 AM Post #17 of 30
I think maybe a custom left over from a time when it was actually a good thing to protect from possible airborne infection after shaving.

I can only think somehow shaving opens up the pores or it would not sting.Applying aftershave without shaving causes no stinging so obviously the skin is exposed by shaving.
The "pleasant" smell aspect is most likely an attempt to cover the odor of the alcohol which it is based on,the sterilizing agent
 
Apr 26, 2005 at 2:44 AM Post #18 of 30
At least judging from what you can see in movies: barbers of old times used to apply a towel with hot water over the guys' faces before shaving with the razor blade. With such hot temperatures the pores open up, so an after shave would have two benefits: coolness/refreshment to counter the hot towel treatment, and coolness + mentol or alcohol would also close up the pores + desinfect, so beneficial in several fronts, especially given those shaving conditions.
 
Apr 26, 2005 at 5:16 AM Post #20 of 30
Aftershave opens your pores. It helps prevent razor bumps and soothes the skin after pulling razors over it for a few minutes thus removing any dead skin that has been "razed" off your face.

If you think about it, shaving is a rather violent act. It is literally pulling little sharp as hell knives repeatedly over your skin. Sensitive skin at that.

I prefer aftershave lotion as I tend to get razor burn and I find that it helps.
 
Apr 26, 2005 at 2:51 PM Post #22 of 30
Strep lives on skin/flesh eating bacteria is a form of strep/shaving cuts open the skin/aftershave was first and foremost an antiseptic, later became scented like a cologne/there are aftershaves for sensitive skin that don't burn too much/I would rather have a sting than a face infection/Amen
 
Apr 26, 2005 at 3:07 PM Post #23 of 30
I don't use aftershave. I just use isopropyl 70% alcohol.
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Apr 26, 2005 at 3:49 PM Post #24 of 30
Quote:

Originally Posted by number1sixerfan
I don't use aftershave. I just use isopropyl 70% alcohol.
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Me too. Cheap and works better than the smelly stuff.
 
Apr 26, 2005 at 3:50 PM Post #25 of 30
Quote:

Originally Posted by PTheD
Yeah, I actually don't know. I have done a little surfing and am finding it difficult to find out what after shave really does. Is it just a cologne marketed to be put on after shaving? Does it do anything besides smell good? Any links to help me out. I checked Wikipedia & nothing on it there. When I do shave I use an electric razor so I supose I don't need it if its only for fixed blade razors, which I think it is. Anyway, this is rather embarasing, but hey, I shouldn't be embarased that I don't know something, nobody ever told me so now I'm trying to find out.



Aftershave is one among many useless products. It's primary function is to fatten the wallets of those that sell it. Advertising has led us to believe it serves a function, as well as the burning sensation one gets when it is applied to the face. Put a match to your face and see if it burns, now tell me what good it did? If you answered nothing, then you have the answer to aftershave, too.
 
Apr 27, 2005 at 12:37 AM Post #27 of 30
Apr 27, 2005 at 12:37 AM Post #28 of 30
Oh, and thanks for all the info & opinions on aftershave. I now know more than I ever wanted to about it, well I want to know everything so I know a little less than I want to know, but more than enough.
 
Apr 27, 2005 at 1:51 AM Post #29 of 30
To follow up on the posting of good links on the science and art of Aftershaving:
http://www.newgen2000.com/hair-facts...of-shaving.htm:
Quote:

The reason why aftershave treatment is so important is because when we shave, we remove as much hair as we do skin, so one can imagine what a punishing the skin receives. In addition, facial skin is very delicate. Aftershave is relatively simple in comparison with preshave. When you have shaved your face to your liking splash it for a full minute or so with copious amounts of cold water, throwing it liberally all over your face (cold water closes up the pores, and removes any traces of shaving cream) then pat it dry with a clean towel. Now the application of aftershave itself has been a cause of debate in recent years. Much of this debate has centred on the problem of alcohol versus non-alcohol aftershaves. The main argument is that alcohol dries out your already battered skin, which at this time is in urgent need of nutrition and moisture. I say if your skin is sensitive do not use an alcohol one, but DO use an aloe based balm enriched with vitamins. Such products include Nivea and others are available here. If your face is not so sensitive I advise alcohol for two reasons. First alcohol acts as a disinfectant if you have accidentally cut yourself killing germs and sealing the cut. Secondly and importantly, it closes up the pores, and thus prevents the entry of dirt, which could cause razor burn. This is an essential step in the aftershave process. Unless you have skin of steel never substitute cologne for aftershave. Once the alcohol based aftershave has dried, your skin will feel noticeable taut and dry. At this stage, follow with a moisturizing lotion to soothe your fiery skin, and re-moisturise it. If you have shaved in the evening, then apply a mild aftershave lotion in the morning, to rejuvenate your battered face (apply the lotion after your evening shower if you shave in the morning).


 
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