What is the purpose of aftershave?

What does freshly shaved skin need?

A razor moving across skin can cause tiny cracks in its outer layer, moisture loss and inflammation. That is why skin can feel uncomfortable after shaving even without an obvious cut. A moisturizing aftershave or lotion helps replace lost moisture and soothe the area. Moisturizers keep water in the skin, which is a more useful assignment than merely announcing that shaving has happened.12

Do you need a separate aftershave?

Not if a gentle moisturizer already does the job. Finishing a shave with moisturizer rehydrates skin, so the bottle does not need a second job title. Choose by what your skin needs rather than whether the packaging says aftershave. For dry skin, an oil based moisturizer is another option. If you are prone to razor bumps, a soothing aftershave formulated to reduce bumps and irritation can be part of your shaving routine.234

What should you look for?

Choose a gentle moisturizing product without alcohol or fragrance, especially if your skin is dry, sensitive or already irritated. The burning sensation from an alcohol based splash is not a reason to prefer it: alcohol can dry skin and cause irritation. Fragrance can cause an itchy, red or scaly allergic rash. Look for "fragrance free" rather than just "unscented," because unscented products can contain fragrance used to mask other smells.256

How to use aftershave

1. 1Prepare the skin before shaving. Wash with a gentle cleanser and warm water, or shave after a shower when the hair is softer.
2. 2Apply moisturizing shaving cream or gel. Let it sit for two to three minutes to soften the hair before using the razor.
3. 3Shave in the direction the hair grows. Use light, short strokes, rinse the blade frequently and avoid repeatedly shaving the same patch.
4. 4Rinse away the remaining shaving cream. Follow with a cool, damp washcloth or a cold water rinse to calm the skin.
5. 5Finish with a gentle moisturizing aftershave or your regular moisturizer. Apply moisturizer while the skin is still slightly damp.

Use aftershave when you finish shaving, whether that is morning or evening. The steps before application matter too: aftershave is the finishing step, not an appeals department for a rushed shave. Replace disposable razors after five to seven shaves and store them somewhere dry.47

What if you still get razor burn or bumps?

Razor burn is irritation that often appears within minutes of shaving and looks like a blotchy rash. Razor bumps are different: hairs curl back into the skin as they grow, producing small bumps that resemble pimples. Moisturizing helps soothe irritated skin, but persistent bumps also need changes to shaving habits. Razor burn usually settles within a few hours to a few days.1

Pause shaving until irritated skin clears. A cool washcloth can ease discomfort; aloe vera gel can also provide cooling relief while skin heals. Stop using an aftershave that causes burning, itching, swelling or a new rash. A cosmetic allergy can develop even after years of using a product without problems.56

See a healthcare professional if irritation worsens, does not clear within a few days, becomes very painful or looks infected. See a dermatologist for razor bumps that persist despite changing your shaving habits, because untreated bumps can leave raised scars or deep grooves.457