Can you use aftershave with SPF?

What should an SPF aftershave have on the label?

Judge the sun protection by the sunscreen information, rather than the product's grooming name. An SPF aftershave still needs proper sunscreen labelling, even if the front of the bottle is busy being a grooming accessory.1

• SPF 30 or higher. SPF describes protection against sunburn, primarily from ultraviolet B rays, or UVB.
• Broad spectrum coverage. This means protection against ultraviolet A rays, or UVA, as well as UVB.
• Water resistance. Look for this if you will sweat or have contact with water. The label should specify 40 or 80 minutes.
• Clear application and reapplication directions. A small amount used as an aftershave must still meet the sunscreen's application requirements.

For UK sunscreen labels, look for SPF of at least 30 and at least four star UVA protection. UVA protection can also be indicated by "UVA" inside a circle, showing that the product meets the EU standard. The SPF number alone does not tell you the level of UVA protection.5

A higher SPF provides greater sunburn protection, but SPF is not a measure of how many hours you can stay outside. SPF 30 does not mean 30 hours of protection. Sun exposure depends on the sun's intensity, location and time of day, so a high number does not replace reapplication.4

How do you apply sunscreen after shaving?

1. 1Soften the hair first. Wash with a moisturising cleanser and warm water, then apply shaving cream or gel. Leave the shaving cream or gel on for two to three minutes before shaving.
2. 2Shave gently. Use a sharp blade, follow the direction of hair growth, and rinse the blade frequently. Aim for one pass rather than repeatedly shaving the same patch.
3. 3Rinse with cold water. Finish the shave with a moisturiser to rehydrate the skin. If you are using a combined moisturising SPF product, follow its sunscreen directions.
4. 4Apply sunscreen before going outside. Cover exposed skin, including the face, neck and ears, and rub it in thoroughly. Avoid the eyes and mouth.
5. 5Use enough. For the face, the American Academy of Dermatology advises at least one teaspoon. Most adults need at least one ounce to cover exposed skin across the body.
6. 6Allow time before sun exposure. Apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before going outdoors, rather than waiting until you are already in the sun.

If you expect to be outside long enough to risk burning, NHS advice is to apply sunscreen twice: 30 minutes before leaving and again just before going out. Follow the product's directions, and do not apply a thin layer simply because you are treating the product as aftershave. Too little sunscreen reduces protection.5

Do you need a separate aftershave?

The practical after shaving step is moisturising the skin, not choosing a bottle with a particular name. A moisturiser does not have to call itself aftershave to go on after shaving, which is an unusually literal naming dispute. A combined moisturising SPF product is one option; separate moisturiser and sunscreen lets you address those two jobs separately. For an evening shave with no sun exposure afterwards, finish with moisturiser rather than adding SPF solely because you have shaved.26

What if your skin stings after shaving?

Shaving can create tiny cracks in the skin's outer layer, with loss of hydration and inflammation. Sensitive skin is more prone to razor burn. For dry, irritated skin, use a moisturising lotion or an emollient aftershave, meaning one that softens and moisturises skin. Avoid products containing fragrance, alcohol or other irritants. If a product irritates your freshly shaved skin, stop using it rather than continuing through the discomfort.7

Razor burn usually appears within minutes of shaving and lasts a few hours to a few days. A cool washcloth or moisturiser can help soothe the area. Avoid shaving the affected skin until it heals. Small bumps caused by ingrown hairs are different from the blotchy rash of razor burn. Contact a healthcare provider if irritation does not clear within a few days, looks infected, or the bumps are severe.7

Does morning application last all day?

No. Reapply sunscreen every two hours while outdoors and immediately after swimming or sweating. Reapply after towel drying or when sunscreen has rubbed off, too. That schedule applies whether the sunscreen is sold as aftershave or as a separate product. An application after your morning shave is the first application, not the whole day's protection.35

Water resistant does not mean waterproof. All sunscreens eventually wash off. The 40 or 80 minute rating describes tested water resistance during swimming or sweating; read the reapplication directions rather than treating that rating as permission to skip another application.4

Do you need SPF on days you do not shave?

Sun protection depends on UV exposure, not your shaving schedule. UVA and UVB contribute to skin ageing and skin cancer, and UVB is the main cause of sunburn. Apply high SPF, broad spectrum sunscreen daily when the UV index is three or higher. At locations far from the equator, winter UV exposure can be much lower, so year round need depends on local conditions rather than the calendar alone.6

Sunscreen does not block all UV radiation. Add shade and clothing, including a hat that shades the face and neck, and reduce time outside during peak sunshine hours. Take particular care at high altitude and around snow, which reflects extra UV radiation. These measures remain useful whether your face is freshly shaved or not.6

Take extra care if you burn easily, have many moles, have a sun related skin problem or have a family history of skin cancer. People of all skin tones can get skin cancer. Report a new mole, growth or lump, or changes in a mole's size, shape or colour, to your doctor promptly.5

Can you use an old SPF aftershave?

Do not use sunscreen past its expiry date. In the US, sunscreen without an expiry date should be considered expired three years after purchase. Discard it if you do not know how old it is. Keep the container out of excessive heat and direct sunlight; when outside, store it in shade or wrap it in a towel.4