How to use aftershave balm

How to apply aftershave balm

1. 1Finish shaving, then rinse with cold water to help reduce inflammation.
2. 2Gently pat your skin with a clean towel. Leave it slightly damp rather than rubbing away all the moisture.
3. 3Gently massage the moisturizing balm into the shaved skin. Applying moisturizer while skin is damp helps retain water.
4. 4Before going outdoors, apply a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to exposed skin, including your face, ears and neck. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.

How often should you use it?

Apply a gentle moisturizer whenever you finish shaving, whether you shave in the morning or evening. Moisturizing is also part of daily skin care on days you do not shave. If your skin is dry, apply moisturizer again when it feels dry rather than waiting for your next shave.23

What does aftershave balm do?

A moisturizing aftershave balm helps keep water in the skin after shaving. Moisturizers also support the skin barrier, the outer layer that helps protect against irritants. For most people, a moisturizer is more helpful after shaving than an alcohol based aftershave.3

The practical aim is hydration and relief of dryness. There is no single timetable for an unnamed balm to settle shaving irritation. If the irritation continues, changing shaving technique and getting the problem assessed is more useful than repeatedly adding product.23

Which balm should you choose?

Choose a moisturizer for your skin type, not for how convincingly the packaging resembles a barbershop.1

• For sensitive skin, choose a mild product labeled "fragrance free." "Unscented" products can still contain masking fragrances.
• For acne prone skin, look for "oil free" or "noncomedogenic," meaning formulated not to clog pores.
• For dry skin, a cream or ointment adds more moisture than a lotion. Glycerin, dimethicone and petrolatum are examples of ingredients used in moisturizers for dry skin.

What if shaving still leaves your skin irritated?

Start before the balm: wet your skin and hair to soften them, use moisturizing shaving cream, and shave in the direction of hair growth. Rinse the blade frequently and avoid repeatedly shaving the same area. If you often get razor bumps or ingrown hairs, try a single or double blade razor instead of a razor with multiple blades, and do not stretch the skin taut.14

When should you stop using the balm?

Stop using a balm that causes burning, itching, swelling or a rash. A cosmetic reaction can appear after repeated use, and an allergy can develop even after years without problems. Avoid shaving until existing irritation has resolved.45

See a dermatologist if dryness or irritation persists despite gentle care, or if applying moisturizer repeatedly causes burning or stinging. A dermatologist can investigate a suspected cosmetic allergy with patch testing. Get urgent medical help for difficulty breathing or swelling that affects your airway.25