Why cold rinse before AS?

**Gentleman** · 09-12-2010, 02:15 AM

Good morning everyone,

I've read several times on this forum, that most people cold rinse their faces after the shave and then put on alum, as, asb or skin food. Why is that?

My thoughts are like this: when you warm rinse your face after the shave, then your pores are clean, but still open. If you put on alum, as, asb or skin food, (because of the open pores) these goodies will be absorbed by your skin better and then don't perform a cold rinse.

Does this sound logically?

Who can shed some light on this matter, please?

**Barber-Eile** · 09-12-2010, 02:25 AM

I'm open to correction but as far as I know these "goodies" are beneficial ON your skin, not IN your skin. The point of the alum and alcohol in AS is to further close your pores so if you do most of the work with a cold rinse or cold towel then these are the icing on the cake.
If you watch Mantic59's video of Tips From A Master Barber Part Two he describes the reason why you should do this in much better detail than I can.

As a rule of thumb though, putting anything in you warm, opened pores is more likely to irritate them and to also cause ingrowns. You want the products on your skin with the pores closed.
I hope that makes some sense! The video will help more. Sorry I can't link you but I'm writing on my phone.

**Gentleman** · 09-12-2010, 02:53 AM

Hi!

Thanks for the advise! I saw the video, but i couldn't hear all what was being said (due to the quality of the video). I think it has something to do with being too harsh on the skin and infection-avoidance!

Just tried it and it feels better! :D

**HoosierTrooper** · 09-12-2010, 06:12 AM

The idea that pores open and close has never seemed possible to me because it would require some type of muscle action. A quick google search turns up several discussions that say it is a myth or old wives tale.

Pores can be blocked by dirt, dead skin cells etc that can be removed by cleaning, but I think this might be a good place to stop perpetuating the myth that pores can snap shut or open.

**Barber-Eile** · 09-12-2010, 06:19 AM

Pores are the holes. They do not open and close but then the skin around then is warm it is softer and looser and thus is given the effect of a more open pore. When the skin is cooled it is tauter and thus is contracted more and the holes are tightened. There was a great thread about this on here not too long ago. I understand that saying "open and close" is technically wrong but it's just handier rather than correcting everyone who talks about them. I'm lazy that way

**ateace** · 09-12-2010, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by Barber-Eile

Pores are the holes. They do not open and close but then the skin around then is warm it is softer and looser and thus is given the effect of a more open pore. When the skin is cooled it is tauter and thus is contracted more and the holes are tightened. There was a great thread about this on here not too long ago. I understand that saying "open and close" is technically wrong but it's just handier rather than correcting everyone who talks about them. I'm lazy that way

I agree with Barber-Elle.

My reasons for a cold rinse are that 1.) it feels good and 2.) it lessens the potential alcohol sting and makes any fragrance more subtle.

**RazoRock** · 09-12-2010, 08:46 AM

blood flow to the skin is reduced in these conditions due to vasoconstriction caused by the cold water

My theory is (and it's only a theory)... reduce blood flow and tightening and skin with a cold water rinse; this will do a little of the work, then use alum or WH or after shave to dis-infect the area (close weepers) and tone.

**hipfan** · 09-12-2010, 10:12 AM

My main purpose for doing a cold water rinse is to minimize any present or latent irritation which might be occurring. I guess it's the blood constriction thing mentioned above. Seems to work.

**fair enough** · 09-12-2010, 11:09 AM

Cooling the skin with water tends to constrict capillaries near the surface, reducing redness and inflammation.

**Trawlerman** · 09-12-2010, 11:30 AM

A splash of cold water on the face after shaving acts as an ASTRINGENT.

The skin absorbs the warm water from the shave and swells slightly. The main purpose for using warm water is actually for the hairs themselves to also absorb the water, become softer and thus easier to cut. When the skin swells it also allows the hairs to stand proud a little.

When you splash water on your face it obviously has the effect of cleaning off any soap residue but it reduces the slight swelling on your face. The subsequent addition on A/S or Alum cleans and disinfects any small nicks or cuts you may have as well as soothing any irritation.