Aftershave Balm vs. Moisturiser

What should you put on your skin after a shave - Aftershave Balm or Moisturiser? It’s a topic of endless debate among men who are looking for the best solution to dry and irritated skin following a shave.

Shaving can cause skin irritation in a number of ways; it disrupts the top layer of your skin, and can cause razor burn or razor bumps. Razor bumps are particularly unsightly, itchy, and sometimes painful.

Is it better to use aftershave balm or moisturizer? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each and also consider the underlying assumption which is driving the question.

Moisturiser

Moisturizer is generally superior to an aftershave balm when it comes to moisturizing your skin. This is because moisturizing is the primary purpose, and other purposes are secondary, whereas with an aftershave balm, it is the other way around.

So if you have dry skin issues, you probably need a moisturizer as part of your aftershave routine. Can you use lotion? In theory, yes, but lotion dries up quickly, so moisturizer is generally more effective for this purpose.

Aftershave Balm

After shave balm on the other hand is a product designed with a different purpose. Moisturizing is a secondary goal for most aftershave balms, or not even part of the purpose of the balm at all.

The balm is designed to cool down your skin, reduce the irritation caused by razor burn, and soothe and repair the tissue after you shave.

A good after shave may contain ingredients like citrus extract, ginkgo biloba leaf extract, grape seed extract, and shea butter. It is similar to a lotion, but many men find it more effective.

So which is better, aftershave balm or moisturizer?

Ultimately the question itself is grounded in a misconception, which is that aftershave balm and moisturizer are products designed to deal with the same issue. It’s a common misconception, but it doesn’t really help you to solve your skin problems if you hold onto it.

In reality, aftershave balm’s purpose is very distinctive. A moisturizer can help with dry skin, but it isn’t designed to soothe skin irritation following a shave.

Following up your shave routinely with aftershave balm will reduce the appearance of razor bumps, and will also make your skin feel cool and refreshed. Used with diligence, it should greatly reduce the problems you experience over time.

The result will be a smoother shave with a better appearance, and skin that feels a lot better.

So to reduce razor burn and bumps and other unpleasantness after you shave, an aftershave balm is ideal. If you also suffer from dry skin, you may want to start using a moisturiser in addition to your after shave balm.

Start with the aftershave balm first though, since it may be sufficient to fill all your needs. Even though moisturizing isn’t its primary purpose, it may still provide you with enough moisture to keep your dry skin issues at bay.

Byline
This is a guest post by Lilly Sheperd, an occasional blogger, mainly interested in, fashion and beauty related articles. When not blogging, she likes to play Netball with her friends.

The ache of acne (pimples)

Acne is often the bane of a pretty face. It is painful more emotionally than physically, for the scar that it leaves behind can last for a lifetime, adding to one’s miserable look & feeling. No doubt many expensive skin care clinics have mushroomed in ever nook & corner, offering to clear all the scars & blemishes on the face, but they are very expensive & charge exorbitant price for each sitting; not everyone can afford them. So why not try out this simple skin care regimen to minimize the damage caused by acne & as far as possible prevent its eruption.

Natural remedies for dark circles around your eyes

Dark circles around your eyes. How unsightly they look and even your best dress and layers of make-up sometimes does not quite succeed in concealing them! Blame it on your genes or your lifestyle, but, you cannot deny the fact that these are a blot on your beauty . And they become more prominent as you age. Let’s just debunk some of the myths as well as unearth some of the facts about the causes of these ‘ panda eyes ’. Dark circles under eyes usually are temporary and not a medical concern. You may be surprised to learn that fatigue usually isn't the cause of dark circles. Instead, the most common cause is nasal congestion. When your nose is congested, veins that usually drain from your eyes into your nose become widened (dilated) and darker.

Home remedies for common cold

Common cold is a very common malady which affects people during monsoons. (Also see the post Beauty and body care in monsoon for a monsoon beauty regimen.) It can be caused by any one of more than 200 viruses. Normally it is confined to the nose and throat although the virus can infect the larynx and lungs. It is said that there is no particular cure for colds, they are naturally relieved within a week. Treatment is just an attempt to relieve its symptoms such as headache, stuffy nose, sore-throat and congestion. Paracetamol tablets are generally taken to get relief from these symptoms.

Beating stress – some tips

It is very difficult to come across a happy, contented face in a crowd these days. Stress has become a way of life with people these days. Sure, we all need to be a little tense once in a blue moon. After all it acts as a positive force and helps us get things done. But when tension becomes a habit with us and we are unable to cope up with it, we say we are undergoing stress. Some people are simply born more tense than others. Children of over-anxious parents generally grow up to be more anxious than the others.

For a good night's sleep

Everyone of us, at one time or the other has been pestered by sleep problems. Sleeplessness could be transient and short-term or chronic. When it becomes a chronic problem it takes the form of insomnia and requires special attention. The first noticeable signs of poor sleeping habits are dark circles under the eyes pale skin, hair loss. Getting enough sleep is a must. Without proper sleep, your mind does not work as clearly and efficiently. You feel drained physically and mentally. Exactly how much you need to sleep depends on your own individual internal system. While some can do with 4-5 hours; most of us need 7 to 9 hours of sleep. But instead of reaching for a pill or a glass of wine, it’s wise to try out these time-honoured remedies and lifestyle changes.

Comments

Girish2:52 PM
After shaving , there are always some minor cuts on the face. The chances of infection at these areas is always there. 'After-shave lotion' contains antiseptics which removes any chance of infection on the shaved area of face. Moreover, after-shave do soften the area where applied.
Joseph2:58 PM
after you wash your face, moisturise. 3 hours after moisturising, wipe your face with a slightly dampened tissue, then pat dry with a cloth. when you shave, be very careful. To prevent these bumps, after washing your face, splash it with wet water to close your pores and prevent lumps.

David3:01 PM
. Balms and moisturizers are designed to hydrate the skin, while gels are designed to cool the skin. Also moisturizers tend to have a thicker consistency than balms. Choosing which one to use is up to personal preference.