Acne and Aftershave
Aftershave creams and lotions are supposed to heal and protect your skin after shaving, but sometimes the wrong product can cause more harm than good. If you have acne-prone skin, it’s best to choose a gentle aftershave that will leave your skin moisturized rather than dry and irritated.
Those with sensitive skin should avoid the large number of aftershaves that are alcohol-based. Alcohol naturally saps the moisture out of your skin. It may “shock” your pores into tightening momentarily, but will leave your skin cells dry and vulnerable afterwards. Surprisingly, even the Clearasil brand aftershave contains a large degree of alcohol (in addition to salicylic acid, which is even more drying). The intention here is to cause further exfoliation. However, shaving itself naturally exfoliates your skin. Your skin needs to be soothed and protected after shaving, not further stripped away.
Similar to alcohol, it’s better to use a product with lower levels of menthol. Menthol is the ingredient that gives your skin that “refreshing cool breeze” feeling, as though cool air is rushing against your pores. While menthol is safe in small doses, like alcohol, its antibacterial properties are offset by the fact that it can irritate your skin. Menthol is a popular ingredient more for the feeling it gives users, rather than any benefit to your skin.
There are alcohol-free, menthol-free and even oil-free aftershaves out there for those looking for real protection for sensitive or acne-prone skin. These products are usually even better than “for acne” aftershaves that may still rely on the above mentioned ingredients. So if you suffer from shaving-related acne, razor burns, bumps, or ingrown hairs, take the time to choose a gentle aftershave that will truly protect your skin rather than simply feel good and then leave your skin dry and vulnerable.
