After shaving, men need to soothe and protect their skin from irritation, razor burns, and bumps. This is where aftershave products come into play.
While many men opt for traditional alcohol-based aftershave lotions, others prefer aftershave balms, which are often marketed as a gentler alternative with natural ingredients.
In this article, we will explore the differences between aftershave lotion and balm, their benefits and drawbacks, and which one is better suited for different skin types.
What is aftershave lotion?
It’s a traditional skin post-shave product that contains alcohol, water, and fragrance. The alcohol acts as an astringent, which helps to tighten and disinfect the skin during the shaving process, while the water and fragrance provide a refreshing and soothing sensation.
Most aftershave lotions, which are alcohol-based, are commonly used by men with oily skin or a skin condition, which causes acne-prone skin, as they help to dry out excess oils and prevent breakouts.
However, alcohol can also be drying, which can cause skin irritation, discomfort, and dryness, especially for men with sensitive or dry skin.
Benefits of aftershave lotions
Disinfects the skin: The alcohol in aftershave lotion acts as an antiseptic, helping to kill bacteria and prevent infection.
Refreshes the skin: Aftershave lotion often contains fragrances that provide a cooling and refreshing sensation after shaving.
Dries excess oils: Men with oily skin can benefit from using an alcohol-based aftershave lotion, as it helps to remove excess oils and prevent breakouts.
Reduces razor burn: The astringent properties of alcohol help to constrict the blood vessels in the skin, reducing inflammation and preventing razor burn.
Drawbacks of aftershave lotions
It can be irritating: Alcohol can be drying and irritating to the skin, causing a burning sensation, especially for men with sensitive or dry skin.
Can cause razor bumps: Men with coarse or curly hair are more prone to bumps, and alcohol-based aftershave lotions can exacerbate the problem by drying out the skin.
Short-lived fragrance: The fragrance in aftershave lotion can dissipate quickly, leaving the skin feeling dry and uncomfortable.
What is an aftershave balm?
It is a newer post-shave product that is typically formulated with natural ingredients such as aloe vera, tea tree oil, vitamin E, coconut oil, and other essential oils and vitamins.
Natural aftershave balm has a thicker consistency and a more emollient texture than lotions, which can help to make the skin smooth and hydrate it after shaving.
Because they are alcohol-free, and often fragrance-free, they are generally gentler, have a light scent, and are better suited for men with dry or sensitive skin.
Balms are also ideal for men with coarse or curly hair, as they can help to prevent bumps from razor and ingrown hairs, but they still may contain harsh chemical compounds, such as benzyl butyl phthalate.
Benefits of aftershave balms
Moisturizes the skin: Aftershave balms typically contain ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin E, shea butter, or coconut oil, which have soothing properties and help to hydrate and soothe the skin.
Prevents razor bumps: The emollient texture of aftershave balm helps to prevent bumps and ingrown hairs, especially for men with coarse or curly hair.
Gentle on the skin: Alcohol-free aftershave balms are gentler and less irritating than alcohol-based lotions, making them ideal for men with dry or sensitive skin.
Drawbacks of aftershave balms
It can be too heavy: Some men may find that aftershave balm has a heavier texture than they prefer, making it feel greasy or sticky on the skin.
It may not be suitable for oily skin: Because balms are more moisturizing, they may not be ideal for men with oily or acne-prone skin, as they can exacerbate breakouts.
Not as effective at disinfecting the skin: While balm can soothe and moisturize the skin, it may not be as effective at killing bacteria and preventing infection as alcohol-based aftershave lotions.
Witch hazel
In addition to aftershave lotion and balm, another popular product for post-shave care is witch hazel. Witch hazel is a natural astringent that is derived from the leaves and bark of the witch hazel shrub.
After shave lotion vs balm: which one?
The choice between these aftershave products depends on your skin type, hair type, and personal preferences.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, an alcohol-based aftershave lotion may be more effective at removing excess oils and preventing breakouts.
However, if you have dry or sensitive skin, an aftershave balm may be more gentle and soothing.
Tips for using aftershave products
Regardless of whether you choose an aftershave lotion or balm, there are some best practices to keep in mind to ensure the best results:
Apply after shaving: After-shave products should be applied immediately after shaving when the skin is still warm and slightly moist.
Use a small amount: You only need a small amount of aftershave product to cover the entire face. Using too much can make the skin feel greasy or sticky.
Don’t rub too hard: When applying aftershave, be gentle and avoid rubbing too hard, as this can irritate the skin and cause redness.
Avoid sensitive areas: If you have sensitive areas such as the neck or chin, be gentle when applying aftershave to avoid irritation.
Store properly: After-shave products should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to prevent degradation and preserve the fragrance.
Also, remember to care about your shaving tools.
FAQ
We’re glad to answer some popular questions about aftershave lotion and aftershave balm products.
Can you use after-shave balm as a moisturizer?
Yes, after-shave balm can be used as a moisturizer, as it is designed to soothe and hydrate the skin after shaving.
Aftershave balm contains ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter, and chamomile, which are known for their moisturizing properties.
Which is better after shave lotion or balm?
The choice between aftershave lotion and balm largely depends on your skin type, hair type, and personal preferences.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, an alcohol-based aftershave lotion may be more effective at removing excess oils and preventing breakouts.
However, if you have dry or sensitive skin, or if you are prone to bumps from razor or ingrown hairs, an aftershave balm may be more gentle and more soothing.
Is after-shave balm the same as after-shave lotion?
The balm and lotion do the same job in that they are both used to soothe and protect the skin after shaving. However, they differ in their ingredients and texture.
Aftershave is typically an alcohol-based product that is designed to disinfect the skin and prevent infection, while aftershave balm is a moisturizing product that is designed to hydrate and soothe the skin.
What comes first, after-shave or balm?
After-shave should be applied first, immediately after shaving, to disinfect the skin and prevent infection. Balm should be applied next, to soothe and moisturize the skin.
Conclusion
Lotion and balm aftershave products both serve the same basic purpose: to soothe and protect the skin after shaving. However, they differ in their ingredients, texture, and benefits.
While aftershave lotion is ideal for men with oily or acne-prone skin, an aftershave balm is better suited for men with dry or sensitive skin or those prone to bumps from a razor.
Ultimately, the best aftershave product for you depends on your skin type, hair type, and personal preferences. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can achieve a smooth, comfortable post-shave experience.