What Is The Right Way to Apply Aftershave?
Aftershave is an important item on your daily grooming kit. Other than preventing infections through cuts from shaving, it also prevents skin irritation and retains skin moisture. But as a grooming item, men most certainly sought after it for its fresh feel, cool and pleasant smell.
Yet, to enjoy the full perks of aftershave, you must first master the skill to apply it the right way. And before we head to the basics, the answer is no! Aftershave should not sting when you apply it.
Steps To Follow For Proper Aftershave Application
A sample splash on the palms of your hands and a quick rub on your face will not do the trick. But rather, you should follow the steps below;
Always remember the 3 key steps
- Shave
- Apply a dime-sized amount of aftershave to your palms
- Evenly apply the aftershave on your face
As part of the process, you should first thoroughly rinse your face. Remember, you have just shaved, so you have a lot of dead skin and tissues lingering on your face. To prevent the risk of bacteria growth, you must ensure your face is well cleaned and free of any excess remnants.
Pat it dry with a clean and fresh face towel. The reason for using a fresh and clean towel is to avoid any dirt on used towels. If you use the same towel every day, chances are that you will be rubbing old bacteria that are trapped on the already used towel. Thus, a clean towel goes a long way to ensure your face is clean.
Plus, there’s a saying that goes by “you only have one face!” So you don’t want to ruin. Consequently, it doesn’t hurt to go the extra mile to ensure your face towels are spot clean and bacteria-free. When washing, toss the same colored towels in the washer.
Then, wash them in warm settings to ensure all the bacteria and microorganisms are dead. At warmer temperatures, our laundry detergent works at its optimal level.
Pouring a dime-sized amount ensures that you have enough aftershave to suffice the face. Then rub your hands together for even coating. The even coating on your palms will ensure that the entire facial surface is evenly and effectively covered for better results. Then thoroughly rub the on the surface of your facial skin.
Never Wash Off Your After Shave
There’s a reason why it’s called aftershave. You should never wash it. You can regard it as may essential item such as a moisturizing face cream. Thus, it only proves unrealistic to wash it off when you have just applied them. Your aftershave acts as an antibacterial, a moisturizing lotion, and a cologne.
Yes, the deep fragrances of aftershave can indeed be damaging to your masochist egos, but it is simply useless to apply aftershave then, wash it off. And there are reasons why.
Aftershave Moisturizes
When applied to your skin, aftershave is a great moisturizer, sort of like your face lotion or cream. Plus, it is also great at retaining moisture on the surface of your skin. Whether you are a man or woman, nobody wants dry, flaky and ashy facial skin. And especially during the colder seasons, aftershave really jumps in to help out.
And if you are in your mid to late ’30s, this is especially important to you. Moisturizing your face consistently helps to prevent lines and wrinkles. Yes, you heard right, men should also moisturize their face using aftershave to prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
Aftershave is a Natural Antiseptic
Yet, the most important reason why you should refrain from washing off your aftershave because of its natural antiseptic qualities. Remember, you just shaved. Thus, the likeliness that you have cut is greater. To prevent the chances of bacterial growth on these open cuts, applying aftershave provides the much-needed shield.
The antiseptic and antifungal qualities of aftershave also allow you to maintain a cleaner and clearer face. The prevention of bacterial and fungal build up ultimately reduces acne and blemishes on your skin.
So rather than fighting the scent of your aftershave, simply pick one that you fancy. Whether you are a fan of woody, spicy or musk notes.
Choosing the Right Aftershave
Your choice of aftershave also significantly affects the application. If you are known to have sensitive skin, a closer examination of the type of aftershave you go for is extremely important. Therefore, for individuals with sensitive skin, try your best to avoid aftershave splash and lotions.
This is because these two types of faster shave tend to contain denature alcohol. This is in turn s confirmed fact that you will definitely feel a sting if you apply them on your face. Sure, alcohol is an effective disinfectant and anti-septic, yet, it will induce dryness on your skin. And for the older folks, this means more fine lines and wrinkles.
Instead, you should opt for aftershaves such as balms with safer and natural ingredients. Many such aftershaves include ingredients such as palm oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera, and argan oil.
These plant-based ingredients prompt both moisturizing, natural antiseptic qualities and natural scents. You will compromise on the explosive woody and spice notes of aftershave lotions and splashes, but the scents are still toxic-free, light and pleasant.
Furthermore, most of the natural ingredients are known to boost healing abilities. So whilst these safer after shaves protect your facial skin from bacterial growth and build up, they are also simultaneously working to heal the small cuts caused by shaving.
Use Aftershave without Shaving
Yes, you read right. You can, in fact, use your aftershave daily without shaving. Because of its qualities such as moisture retention and skin clearing, it is actually a good idea to use aftershave daily to maintain good skin. For better results, invest in a face cleanser for men and develop a skin routine. Cleanse then apply the aftershave. You will be amazed at the results.
