Alcohol or No Alcohol? That is the question. [Archive]

JET

04-19-2008, 11:00 AM

I use a balm everytime after applying an aftershave, be it Clubman Bay Rum or whatever. Master products I believe have a lotion mixed in to their products. What are the pro's-con's on alcohol based aftershaves? I enjoy all of my Aftershaves (Stephans, Clubman's, Master's, Caribbean, Ogellela, etc) and they are all Alcohol based. But like I said, I always use a balm (Nivea) after about 5 minutes after applying the A/S.

doleeo

04-19-2008, 11:03 AM

Depending on the day and how my skin is, I'll sometimes apply a balm after using a splash.

Although, some splashes mouiturize better than others. My Booster's June Clover is one of those that does not require a balm afterwards.

Silb3r

04-19-2008, 11:46 AM

Check my sig.

-Michael

TENroaches

04-19-2008, 02:21 PM

Check my sig.

-Michael

Looks like your avatar uses an alcohol splash.

rafikz

04-19-2008, 02:27 PM

Looks like your avatar uses an alcohol splash.

:lol:

schwartr

04-19-2008, 07:28 PM

I ran out of aftershave a while ago and needed something for the burn (Im still using an M3 until I can order my slant) so I just used straight isopropyl alcohol and have been using it since.

cr8n

04-19-2008, 09:10 PM

I'm not sure there is a real substitute for the antiseptic properties of alcohol.

Back in the day, using an electric razor provided me with an unreasonable number of ingrown hairs. At that time I was using a balm which was ultimately useless in preventing these ingrowns from causing infections.

You think run of the mill acne is unsightly? You have no idea ......

I will NEVER be without an alcohol-based AS. Daily.

fatt_tony

04-19-2008, 09:18 PM

I like the burn:bayrum2:. And if my face feels dry afterward I apply a bit of lotion.

nivahsetah

04-20-2008, 04:53 PM

Alcohol is bad whether You apply it inside or outside. As for antiseptic, you don't really need it for shaving, save it for injections. I only started using AS recently, before that I didn't put aything on my skin and it was ok too. I only use AV for menthol, if there is something better with no alcohol and scent I will stop using it. I just ordered Thayer's AS will hope for the good results. Allthough it got a little alcohol I still think AV has more.

SlyGI

04-20-2008, 06:40 PM

mmccrary

04-20-2008, 07:04 PM

Just like the first cup of coffee for the day, everything is better with alcohol in it. :blush: Seriously though, I enjoy the "burn" and like the feel of my skin after using an alcohol a/s better than anything else I have tried. No greasiness or residual heaviness at all. That and you just know it is more manly. :cool:

nivahsetah

04-20-2008, 07:42 PM

I've recently been using Thayer's Aftershave. It has alcohol and Which Hazel. Now, it not as cooling as some menthol stuff, but it's nice. Plus, no real scent, so I can follow up with 1805 AS and cologne.

Now, sometimes, during drill, I use Gillette AS balm, in the green bottle. It's super cooling (to my sensitive skin).

So both the Thayers and the Gillette have alcohol, but not so much that it really burns. The Thayers is an Antistringent, so maybe if you use Which Hazel you don't need alcohol.

I see no point in using any alcohol on your skin after the shave. Unless you got cut. Did you ever tried Aqua Velva? How does Thayer's compare in terms of cooling? I will find out myself sooner or later anyway, but just out of curiosity.

nivahsetah

04-20-2008, 07:43 PM

No greasiness or residual heaviness at all. That and you just know it is more manly. :cool:

You will get greasiness and film residue after while anyway.

BigRay

04-22-2008, 06:03 AM

You will get greasiness and film residue after while anyway.

Greasiness and film residue are a couple of clues that I had a great weekend :wink2:.

-Ray

michaelskar

04-22-2008, 06:34 AM

:lol::lol:
Greasiness and film residue are a couple of clues that I had a great weekend :wink2:.

-Ray

but seriously, I think balms and alcohol splashes each have their place...neither one has done damage to my face. Balms can be more soothing, but greasy...splashes don't do this (except Musgo AS if too much is applied). Speick AS has never left any kind of residue. The sting is minimal at worst...and those that burn only do so for a moment (I'm looking at you, Pinaud bay rum).

As to the question about Thayer's being cooling...not any of the ones I've tried, but I haven't tried any mentholated ones so I really couldn't judge. Regular thayer's, however=no cooling.

My wife thinks I'm crazy to put alcohol splashes on my face...but then again she also thinks I'm crazy using soaps/creams with any fragrance whatsoever...and she thinks I'm crazy for caring about shaving at all...maybe I'm just crazy?

lowhawk

04-22-2008, 07:13 AM

Alcohol is the worst thing to put on your face after you shave. You just dragged a blade across it for several minutes essentially causing damage to your skin. I mentioned this some time back as a dermatologist gave me some advice. He told me to use AS products that contain no alcohol. He told me that you want to moisturize and heal your skin since shaving removes essential oils from your skin. Now I will admit that on the odd occaison I do sneak a favorite burner onto my face, but that's pretty rare. I've been following this advice for over a year and there is a hugh difference. Breakouts are rare and my skin feels better. I think it keeps my skin looking a lot younger too. I'm in my mid 30's and most people I meet think I'm about 10 years younger. Like the commercials say though...your results may vary! LOL. :biggrin:

Sabledog

04-22-2008, 07:45 AM

I ran out of aftershave a while ago and needed something for the burn (Im still using an M3 until I can order my slant) so I just used straight isopropyl alcohol and have been using it since.

Wow, there's a few threads that could be gotten out this one! (can I suggest starting with something less aggressive than a slant?)

As for this thread, I only use non-alcoholic aftershave--prefer Thayer's Rose and one of several aftershaves; SCS Milk, L'Occitane Cade blam, Pre de Provence balm.

DanOK

04-22-2008, 08:17 AM

I think my youthful good looks and skin tone is a direct result of good genes. I mean to tell you, at seventy-five, my grandmother could still turn heads. Thank you Nana. So its alcohol for me (burn baby burn).

In closing I leave you with her fondness commit concering her favorite grandson (thats me) " he is not always a good boy, but he is well trained".

Steerpike

04-22-2008, 10:17 AM

I love alcohol splashes, and would use nothing else- my skin feels infinitely better for it, I enjoy the scent, and the invigorating tingle- what's not to like? I used to try a variety of balms, none did what I wanted- left my skin greasy and spotty, but I couldn't go without, as my skin dries out. So I tried D R Harris Sandalwood, and despite my fears it was amazing, provided just the right moisturisation, my skin felt clean, and it feels so good going on! I use a variety of them, and just add a few drops of glycerine if they aren't moisturising enough.

JayKay

04-22-2008, 10:19 AM

Alcohol goes in my belly. Soothing aftershaves go on my face.

blade08

04-22-2008, 10:34 AM

When using alcohol based after shaves, make sure they contain glycerine to moisten the skin.

Peppery John

04-22-2008, 02:02 PM

I'm sorry, but I think there's a lot of hysteria on this forum concerning using alcohol based after shaves.
I always use alcohol based eau de toilletes and if you put them on properly most of it has evaporated anyway.
The way I was taught to put it on is two or three squirts on the palm of your hand and briskly rub them together until the friction causes some heat in your palms, then waft your hands about if you want to evaporate even more of the alcohol and finally massage it on your face. I don't think using that method is going to destroy anyone's face. ymmv

Mr Whiskers

04-22-2008, 02:25 PM

Alcohol!!!.......Hey, can I have a little bit more rum with that bay??

canman23

04-22-2008, 03:39 PM

Well, I use to hate any product that had alcohol in it but, after I tried some Boosters today I really liked it and the scents are nice to.

SlyGI

04-23-2008, 04:29 AM

Wow, there's a few threads that could be gotten out this one! (can I suggest starting with something less aggressive than a slant?)

As for this thread, I only use non-alcoholic aftershave--prefer Thayer's Rose and one of several aftershaves; SCS Milk, L'Occitane Cade blam, Pre de Provence balm.

I also like Thayer's "aftershave" and the regular Thayer's in a white bottle. I know the aftershave has a little alcohol, and I'm not sure about the white Thayer's. There is a Menthol/Peppermint Thayer's that has a good cooling affect though.

SlyGI

04-23-2008, 04:30 AM

I see no point in using any alcohol on your skin after the shave. Unless you got cut. Did you ever tried Aqua Velva? How does Thayer's compare in terms of cooling? I will find out myself sooner or later anyway, but just out of curiosity.

Haven't tried Aqua Velva, but I may drop by walgreens today and check it out.

Johnny Dale

04-23-2008, 04:52 AM

I like the BURN! For some reason it just feels so good. :biggrin:

chtinavion

04-23-2008, 12:11 PM

We all want to avoid ingrown hairs and razor burns, I thought.
But here some people seem to like these... :rolleyes:

BigRay

04-23-2008, 05:22 PM

We all want to avoid ingrown hairs and razor burns, I thought.
But here some people seem to like these... :rolleyes:

:bayrum2:The sweet exhilarating painful burn of an alcohol splash isn't the same thing as razor burn ...

-Ray

TonyO

04-24-2008, 08:37 AM

Alcohol goes in my belly. Soothing aftershaves go on my face.

+1! Closest thing to alcohol that hits my face is the small amount in Thayer's Superhazel. But the tiny sting is replaced so quickly by the cooling menthol that I don't mind. Plus Superhazel has aloe in it, so on warm days nothing else is needed.

Now, as to the alcohol that goes in the belly... Oh, wait, different forum for that subject.:biggrin:

Sam

04-24-2008, 08:46 AM

I have some Thayers Rose Witch-hazel and it has no alcohol. It does have moisturizing ingredients, such as aloe vera, Propylene glycol (which I am told is like glycerin) and Vitamin E acetate and grapeseed extract. I also have Boosters and it just stings very mildly and to me, it moisturizes just the same as my Thayers. I just prefer the scents of the Boosters over the Thayers

guitarslinger

04-24-2008, 08:55 AM

I've tried everything, and I prefer alcohol on my face.

witch hazel makes me break out.

Too much glycerin = sticky mess. hate it.

Cold Indiana winters = additional balm after the splash

Seriously, maybe it's mental or some kind of physiological addiction, but my skin will start to get itchy after 30 minutes if I shave and don't use an alcohol AS splash. I don't mean "dry" itchy. I mean "irritated, break out itchy".

TonyO

04-24-2008, 03:58 PM

Haven't seen Boosters in the stores around me in TN - I'd always assumed Boosters=AV, for some (ignorant, obviously) reason. Where's a good place to stick your nose in the various Boosters scents? Always game for more morning fun!

I have some Thayers Rose Witch-hazel and it has no alcohol. It does have moisturizing ingredients, such as aloe vera, Propylene glycol (which I am told is like glycerin) and Vitamin E acetate and grapeseed extract. I also have Boosters and it just stings very mildly and to me, it moisturizes just the same as my Thayers. I just prefer the scents of the Boosters over the Thayers

Sam

04-24-2008, 04:48 PM

lowhawk

04-24-2008, 09:42 PM

We all want to avoid ingrown hairs and razor burns, I thought.
But here some people seem to like these... :rolleyes:
I'm not sure what this implies. Ingrown hairs have more to do with shaving than what you put on your face afterwards. My ingrown hair days ended when I tossed my Mach 3 in the trash. I used to get some too from time to time let me tell ya. As far as the debate between alcohol and non-alcohol goes the whole thing is a mute point. Obviously what everyone is doing post shave is working for them which I think is great. It makes us all happy shavers.

TonyO

04-25-2008, 09:10 AM

Tony, they aint around, have to go to www.shavingessentials.net. Hey, my daughter says that Knox Cigar told her they are expanding their store's shaving area, and they have cut off internet sales, though you may still be able to call in.

Just talked to Knox Cigar yesterday, as a matter of fact. They recently doubled the size of the place; Now they have a full bar with a killer beer list, and a scotch/whiskey list to make you drool. The guy I talked to said they just didn't have the time to keep the website going, with their new venture.

I inquired specifically about their Trumper soaps: They have Limes & Almond, but not Rose or Violet, in case you're interested. I need to make time to run by there, see what else they have. I know they have Trumper and T&H supplies, and Merkur razors.

And thanks for the link!

Sam

04-25-2008, 11:37 AM

My daughter returned a pot of Violet to Knox because the smell was not what the old stuff was. I did not even try to see if it shaved the same; half the delight in Violet was the smell. She got me an extra Limes and an Extra Sandalwood shave soap to replace it

Sam

nivahsetah

05-03-2008, 12:48 AM

I also like Thayer's "aftershave" and the regular Thayer's in a white bottle. I know the aftershave has a little alcohol, and I'm not sure about the white Thayer's. There is a Menthol/Peppermint Thayer's that has a good cooling affect though.

Ok a little update. I recieved Thayer's aftershave and used it once. Although it says: extra cool on the bottle, it doesn't really cool at all. But it does work. It soothes your skin and treat irritation very well. It does have a little alcohol which you can feel when applying but not too bad of a burn. All in all I'm happy with it. AV work great too, but Thayer's has medication smell which I don't care for, but it's pretty much smell free for others which makes it a winner over AV for me. I will always keep AV on hand for cooling, but if I shave before going somwhere it's Thayer's all the way.

htownmmm

05-03-2008, 05:54 AM

I have been a 'balmer' for the majority of my wetshaving career. However, due to acquiring(RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!) Royall Bay Rhum :bayrum2:,Royall Lime, and Mediterranean Citrus Splash(OMG, this stuff is like a/s crack!), I now also enjoy alcohol based products too.

basically,it depends on how I'm feeling as to what gets applied to my face. If I have the time for the full shave on regime, then more than likely a balm. If I am short on time, a splash. The key is finding good to excellent products in each area and then see what works for you or what you like most.

I didn't think that I was an alcohol guy, but if I had not tried it, I would not have known that my face likes them- and so do I.

marty

chtinavion

05-03-2008, 06:20 AM

What I do not like with splashes is not especially the alcohol thing, but that it is too "liquid", and it flows a bit everywhere. I find it un-economic and not practical.

BTW, the "here seem some people to like the razor/alcohol burn" was just a joke...

Spatterdash

05-05-2008, 11:58 AM

I am in the alcohol camp for a good reason.

One, I tend toward oily skin. Two, I use glycerin-heavy shaving soaps. My face defaults toward moist.

I don't think simple alcohol splashes will ever really dry my skin, but using alcohol has smoothed the splotchiness away, killed my irritation and razor burn and I haven't seen acne on my face in decades.

I'm thinking this is like shampoo... what kind of hair do you have, or in this case, skin?

GarageBoy

05-06-2008, 07:14 PM

Anyone do both?
Splash followed by a balm?

JET

05-06-2008, 09:07 PM

Anyone do both?
Splash followed by a balm?

I do during winter months. As of spring I only follow a splash with balm on neck. I will prob find that a balm will not be needed in summer.

TonyO

05-09-2008, 04:24 AM

Anyone do both?
Splash followed by a balm?

Yeah, based on the shave soap/cream, I'll do some version of Thayers (Rose/Lemon/Superhazel) to tighten, followed by a balm (Jason Witch Vera, Bigelow Bay Rum, One of the skin foods, etc.).

Lately my go-to combo has been Ogallala Bay Rum soap, Thayers Superhazel, Bigelow Bay Rum ASB, Bigelow Bay Rum cologne. Like today, in fact. :smile: Something in the Superhazel (clove maybe?) seems to go extremely well with the Bay Rum elements. A big :thumbup: from SWMBO, too.

redoak

05-09-2008, 05:27 AM

Gentlemen, two weeks ago I started using an alcohol based aftershave, the Proraso Aftershave Splash – Wow!!! Wow!!! Burn, Baby Burn… It definitely freaked me out on the first application. I felt like the kid out of the movie “Home Alone”, in the scene where he applies some aftershave and screams his lungs out.

I have battled/suffered with rosacea (inflammatory skin conditions) for the past 10 years and have spent a small fortune on dermatological creams. Recently, I read the following B&B Aftershave review (re: Proraso Aftershave Splash):

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1389
Quote:
“I love this stuff! Tried it today for the first time. I really like the scent, the feel of it going on, and surprisingly, its moisturizing properties. I followed up the a/s splash with Nivea aftershave balm purely out of habit... I didn't need the balm, the Proraso splash provided such good toning and moisturizing on its own. This stuff is VERY refreshing.”

So, I gave it a go… I combined the Proraso Aftershave Splash with the Nivea’s Extra Soothing Balm/Sensitive skin, the result was AMAZING!!! The facial redness (rosacea) on my chin was finally gone after 10 years. I believe it’s the combination of the alcohol and moisturising balm that have finally killed off the rosacea. Previously, the past 10 years, when I only used a moisturiser or balm after shaving, the redness would always be present throughout the course of my day. So, contrary to the dermatologist advice, alcohol was a good thing for my skin, well, provided I backed it up with a moisturiser or balm. For over 100 years, Italian barbers have been using the Proraso aftershave splash; there must be something more to their routine which they’re not telling us. So, I’m now definitely an alcohol advocate.

Broogiedad

05-09-2008, 06:26 AM

I use an alcohol splash daily (usually AV or a Pinaud flavor) followed by Nivea Sensitive Skin ASB. I couldn't be happier.

cwiscarolina

05-09-2008, 06:29 AM

AV Blue splash tones my skin. Just like the bottle says. I couldn't live without it.

rafikz

05-09-2008, 02:38 PM

If alcohol wasn't so drying to my skin, I would use Aqua Velva Green everyday : smells amazing, is refreshing, cheaper and much more economical than balms...

I know I can follow with moisturizers, but I would have to use much much more than usual, and sometimes having to reapply during the day / before bed..

The best thing for my dry skin is alcohol-free balm followed by rich moisturizer.

lowhawk

05-09-2008, 04:30 PM

rafikz

05-09-2008, 04:34 PM

I'm with you daddy-o.

:wink:

Be careful though...some balms have alcohol (for example, Nivea Cooling and Replenishing balms)

chtinavion

05-09-2008, 04:46 PM

lowhawk

05-09-2008, 04:47 PM

:wink:

Be careful though...some balms have alcohol (for example, Nivea Cooling and Replenishing balms)
I always make sure of that

rafikz

05-09-2008, 06:27 PM

The normal nivea mild balsam too! Only the sensitive one does not. I realized this for some days, after reading this question, "alcohol or not".
I wanted to write, of course, no alcohol! And was a lot surprised after reading the bottle again.
I don't know anymore what's good or not!

I always make sure of that

It's a shame because the "Mild" (now called "Replenishing") used to be very moisturizing...

Heck, it was 3 times more moisturizing than the Sensitive !

Too bad because I love its scent.

And now it's marketed for " normal to dry skin "; wrong !!!

Perfect_shave

05-09-2008, 11:51 PM

I haven't used an alcohol based aftershave yet and am hesitant to. Balms leave the skin silky smooth and supple. Completes my shave.

Tales101

05-10-2008, 05:49 AM

I enjoy the alcohol burn to pick me up in the morning and I don't think anything can replace that. Especially if you have a nice A/S like Proraso it just soothes so well. That being said I do often apply a moisturizer afterwards as well.

Jarmo P

05-10-2008, 11:58 AM

I see no reason to add Nivea balm to my freshly shaven clean face. Except perhaps in winter. If I would notice some dryness. But usually on winter it is my back or legs that get dry from central heating, not my face.

An alcohol scent splash on the other hand feels refreshing, like the tingle and of course it should not tingle too much or the shave has not been then a good one.

RoyalKooparillo

05-18-2008, 01:14 AM

Anyone do both?
Splash followed by a balm?

I do during winter months. As of spring I only follow a splash with balm on neck. I will prob find that a balm will not be needed in summer.

+1. I've been using Pinaud's Clubman during the warmer months, and it leaves my skin feeling wonderful. I find that it only stings if I've had a bad (rough) shave. A little GR Unscented ASB on the neck and I'm golden.

Texas spring/summers + ASB all over = shiny, greasy skin by midday.