Aftershave cream: what to choose and how to use it

What does aftershave cream actually do?

Shaving can leave tiny cracks in the outer layer of skin, reduce hydration and cause inflammation. A moisturizing aftershave helps replace moisture and soothe the shaved area. An emollient is a substance that softens and moisturizes skin, and an aftershave or moisturizing lotion can serve that purpose. Aftershave cream is useful for dryness and irritation, but razor burn and ingrown hairs need different attention. Razor burn is irritation after shaving; razor bumps develop when shaved hairs curl back into the skin.3

Can you use ordinary moisturizer instead?

Yes. A gentle moisturizer is more helpful than an alcohol based aftershave for most people. Moisturizers keep water in the skin, while alcohol based aftershaves can dry it out and cause irritation. A plain moisturizer can do the job after shaving, even without a name that sounds like a military operation. Choose for your skin type rather than whether the packaging is aimed at men. Dry skin can benefit from an oil based moisturizer. Sensitive skin needs gentle products, not a stronger sensation after shaving.45

What should you look for on the label?

Look for fragrance free wording rather than just "unscented". Unscented products can contain a masking fragrance. Fragrance can cause contact allergies, with red, itchy or scaly rashes, and the reaction can appear days or weeks after you start using a product. Hyaluronic acid helps draw water into skin, while ceramides help replenish its protective barrier. Those are useful moisturizer ingredients, not a reason to tolerate a product that irritates your skin. For already irritated skin, avoid fragrances, alcohol and other ingredients that cause irritation.4

Is aftershave cream the same as shaving cream?

Shaving cream and aftershave cream have different jobs, which is inconvenient for anyone hoping the word "cream" would settle the matter. Shaving cream softens hair, moisturizes skin and adds a protective layer while the razor moves across it. After shaving, moisturizer rehydrates the skin. For a wet shave, use shaving cream or gel before the blade, then rinse it away and finish with moisturizer. Shaving cream is generally less irritating and more moisturizing than soap.5

How to use aftershave cream

1. 1Wash the area with a moisturizing cleanser and warm water to soften the hair. Keep the skin moist before shaving.
2. 2Apply shaving cream or gel and leave it for two to three minutes to soften the hair further.
3. 3Shave in the direction the hair grows. Aim for one pass rather than repeatedly shaving the same patch, and rinse the blade frequently.
4. 4Rinse away the shaving cream. Finish with a cold water rinse or a cool, damp washcloth.
5. 5Pat rather than rub your skin dry, leaving it slightly damp. Apply a gentle moisturizer to help retain that moisture.

Apply moisturizer when you finish shaving, whether you shave in the morning or later. Moisturizing also fits into a morning and evening skincare routine after cleansing. If you shave in the morning, keep daily sunscreen in the routine as well. Aftershave cream handles moisturizing; sunscreen provides protection from ultraviolet rays.4

What if your skin already has razor burn?

Razor burn usually appears within minutes of shaving as a blotchy red rash, sometimes with burning, tenderness or itching. It commonly lasts a few hours to a few days and often clears on its own. A cool washcloth and moisturizer can help soothe the area. Avoid shaving the affected skin until it heals. If you have shaved your legs or bikini line, avoid tight clothing or underwear afterwards to reduce further irritation.3

Pause waxing and other hair removal too while the skin is inflamed. Aloe vera gel can provide cooling relief, but it does not cure razor burn. Colloidal oatmeal in bathwater can help relieve itchy shaved legs; pat dry afterwards and apply fragrance free moisturizer. Skip apple cider vinegar and witch hazel on irritated skin because they can sting. Tea tree oil products can contain other ingredients with unwanted effects. Adding more home remedies is not necessary to keep the area moisturized.2

Will aftershave cream prevent razor bumps?

A soothing aftershave formulated to reduce razor bumps and irritation belongs alongside good shaving habits. Before shaving, use a noncomedogenic cleanser, meaning one that will not clog pores, and always use moisturizing shaving cream. Soften the hair at the end of a shower or with a warm, damp washcloth. Shave with the direction of growth. Replace disposable razors after five to seven shaves and store them somewhere dry. Clean an electric razor every five to seven shaves.67

For recurring razor bumps, stopping shaving and growing the hair out removes the shaving trigger. If you continue shaving, daily shaving or shaving every two to three days gives hairs less time to grow and curve. That advice is for bump prevention, not a reason to shave over active razor burn. Persistent bumps deserve attention because untreated razor bumps can leave deep grooves or raised scars.36

Curly facial hair is particularly prone to growing back into the skin during the stubble stage. Keeping scruff instead of pursuing a clean shave can help. With an electric razor, a shave guard helps prevent cutting too close. Do not press down on the razor or stretch the skin taut while shaving: both increase the likelihood of ingrown hairs. Razors that lift hair before cutting can also contribute by leaving the cut end below the skin surface. Persistent problem areas, such as the neck, can be discussed with a dermatologist.1

When should you stop and get help?

Stop using products that irritate the shaved area, and leave inflamed skin free from further hair removal. Contact a healthcare provider if the rash persists beyond a few days, gets worse or looks infected. Severe pain or large lesions containing pus need medical attention. If bumps keep returning despite changing your shaving habits, see a dermatologist rather than relying on more aftershave. Use acne medicines for shaving related bumps only with a doctor's advice.237