Is aftershave necessary?

What should you put on after shaving?

Choose a gentle moisturising lotion or gel to help soothe and hydrate freshly shaved skin. Aftershave is one option for moisturising dry, irritated skin, not the only option, despite the bottle's very specific job title. If your usual moisturiser is gentle and does not irritate your skin, it can serve as your finishing step.3

For sensitive skin, look for fragrance free products rather than relying on the word "unscented". Unscented products can contain fragrance to mask other smells. Fragrance is the most common cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis, an irritated or allergic skin rash, and perfume in aftershave can cause an allergic reaction.4

How to finish a shave without a separate aftershave

1. 1Soften your skin and hair with warm water, ideally just after a shower. Wash with a gentle cleanser and apply shaving cream or gel. For very dry or sensitive skin, choose a shaving cream labelled for sensitive skin.
2. 2Let the shaving cream or gel sit for 2 to 3 minutes to soften the hair further. Shave in the direction your hair grows, using light strokes and as few passes as possible.
3. 3Rinse the razor after each stroke. Avoid repeatedly going over the same patch, which increases irritation.
4. 4Rinse away the remaining shaving cream, then use a cool, damp washcloth or a cold water rinse to help reduce irritation.
5. 5Finish with your gentle moisturiser, or a soothing aftershave formulated to reduce razor bumps and irritation.

Will aftershave prevent razor bumps?

A soothing aftershave belongs alongside good shaving technique, not instead of it, so the final bottle does not get to rewrite the whole shave. Shaving against the grain causes irritation. Replace disposable razors after 5 to 7 shaves, change damaged or blunt blades sooner, and let your razor dry completely between uses. Store it somewhere dry rather than in the shower or on a wet sink.125

Razor bumps involve hairs growing back into the skin, and coarse or curly hair makes ingrown hairs more likely. If bumps keep returning, try an electric razor and avoid shaving too close; leaving at least 1 mm of stubble can help. Not shaving is the best way to prevent ingrown hairs. Do not pick, scratch or squeeze existing bumps.6

If you have acne, shave lightly with a sharp blade and never try to shave off spots. Shaving can aggravate acne, so experimenting with an electric razor or a disposable blade razor can help you find the better option.5

What if your skin burns or develops a rash?

Razor burn usually appears within minutes of shaving as a blotchy, irritated rash and lasts a few hours to a few days. A cool washcloth and moisturiser can help soothe it. Stop shaving the affected area until the irritation clears. If a rash follows an aftershave, stop using that product; cosmetic reactions can develop even after years of use without problems.134

Contact a doctor if irritation does not settle within a few days. See a dermatologist if razor bumps persist despite changing your shaving habits, because untreated bumps can leave scars. Seek medical help for an ingrown hair that is very painful, hot or swollen, or if you also develop a high temperature, chills or feel very unwell.236