Is Using Witch Hazel After Shaving Safe?

Witch hazel is a skincare wonder, lauded by its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and astringent properties. Often popular in women's skincare routine or as a treatment for common irritations like insect bites, witch hazel is a silent backup in men's grooming, especially for razor burn, as a great natural aftershave that can soothe your skin after shaving.

This natural extract from the witch hazel plant offers many healing properties. Witch hazel cleans the skin, reducing irritation and promoting skin health in your post-shaving routine.

Use witch hazel properly for a refreshing and irritation-free shaving experience.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What is an Aftershave?
• Witch Hazel 101
• Using Witch Hazel After Shaving
• The Best Men's Aftershave With Witch Hazel
• Achieving a Shave Without Irritations
• Key Takeaways

What is an Aftershave?

Aftershave is the final step in a gentleman's grooming routine, applied after shaving to prevent irritation, soothe the skin, and stop razor cuts from bleeding. There are several types: aftershave lotion, aftershave splash, and aftershave balm, each tailored to specific skin types. However, it's important to note that aftershave isn't a substitute for cologne, and vice versa. They serve distinct purposes in a grooming routine.

Why is It Important?

Aftershave is vital for its role in soothing and protecting the skin post-shave. It helps prevent irritation by calming sensitive areas with its anti-inflammatory properties, and its antiseptic properties ward off infections from minor cuts or nicks.

Many aftershaves include moisturizing ingredients, like aloe vera, aiding in replenishing the skin's natural oils and maintaining a healthy complexion. Most of the time, there are also astringent ingredients, such as alcohol and witch hazel, for alcohol-free aftershaves. With healing, cleansing, and moisturizing benefits, applying aftershave has become crucial in a grooming routine, ensuring a clean shave and optimal skin care.

Witch Hazel 101

Witch hazel is already part of many aftershaves from popular brands such as Barrister and Mann, Fine Accoutrements, and many others. It is from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel plant and is famous for its medicinal properties. Aside from calming the skin down, it is also great for making shaving cuts stop bleeding.

Active Ingredients

Witch hazel contains natural compounds with anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. Tannins, a key component, help tighten the skin, reducing redness and inflammation. These properties make witch hazel ideal for soothing irritated skin after shaving.

Skin Benefits

The use of witch hazel as an aftershave offers numerous benefits. Some of it includes reducing redness and swelling, infections, and promoting faster healing of minor cuts, nicks, and even non-shaving related irritations, even diaper rash and bug bites—anything you need to reduce redness. Witch hazel can remove excess oil on the skin, making it suitable for various skin types, especially oily skin and skin prone to acne.

Irritant Advisories

While witch hazel is generally well-tolerated, it's essential to be aware of potential irritations, especially for individuals with sensitive skin. Some people may experience mild allergic reactions or dryness. Performing a patch test before regular use can help determine if witch hazel is suitable for your skin.

Using Witch Hazel After Shaving

First and foremost, if you are allergic to witch hazel, you should seek an alternative aftershave that is free from allergens. Prioritizing your skin's well-being is critical, and opting for a substitute without potential irritants ensures a comfortable and safe post-shave experience.

Nonetheless, using witch hazel after shaving is simple. Here's how:

Cleanse:

Begin your post-shave routine by washing your face. This step removes any lingering shaving cream or residue, ensuring a fresh and clean canvas for subsequent skincare.

Pat Dry:

Gently pat your face dry with a clean towel after cleansing. Avoid rubbing. This gentle patting prevents irritation and minimizes the risk of disrupting your skin's natural barrier, leaving you with a calm and refreshed complexion.

Apply Witch Hazel:

Next, apply a small amount of witch hazel aftershave onto a cotton pad or your hands and distribute it evenly across your face. Concentrate on the areas where you shave to harness the soothing properties of witch hazel, which relieves your skin and promotes a comfortable post-shave experience.

Allow Absorption:

Allow the witch hazel aftershave to absorb into your skin before moving on to any additional products in your skincare routine. This waiting period maximizes the benefits of witch hazel, letting it work its magic to reduce inflammation and irritation, leaving your skin feeling revitalized and balanced.

The Best Men’s Aftershave with Witch Hazel

Barrister And Mann Bay Rum Aftershave

Classic scent: Boasts a timeless fragrance that captivates with its enduring appeal.

Skin soothing: Specially crafted to calm and comfort, this aftershave provides gentle relief for sensitive post-shave skin.

Wakes up the skin: Invigorating and revitalizing energizes your skin, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready for the day.

Moisturizing: Witch hazel and other nourishing ingredients hydrate your skin, preventing dryness and ensuring a smooth, well-moisturized finish after each use

All-natural: Free from artificial additives, delivering a pure and authentic grooming experience for most skin types

Achieving a Shave Without Irritations

A common concern among men regarding aftershaves is the stinging sensation they may experience. While witch hazel is a natural option, it can still cause discomfort when applied to irritated skin, especially after significant nicks and cuts. It's essential to recognize that achieving a genuinely soothing post-shave experience begins with the shaving routine itself.

The primary culprits of irritation and cuts often result from shaving dry or using the wrong razor. To prevent such issues, adopt a wet shaving routine, a time-honored practice endorsed by barbers. Utilizing a straight razor or a single razor reduces the likelihood of mistakes and irritations, providing a more comfortable and enjoyable shaving experience.

How to Wet Shave

1. Begin by cleansing your face to remove dirt or oils, preparing your skin for a smooth shave.
2. Follow up with a hot towel facial steam to open up your pores and soften the facial hair, making it easier to shave.
3. Apply a quality shaving oil to create a lubricating layer that enhances razor glide and protects the skin.
4. Generate a rich lather using shaving cream or soap, ensuring thorough coverage for a comfortable shave.
5. Opt for a straight razor for precision. Hold it at a 30-degree angle and let the razor's weight do the work.
6. Shave in the direction of hair growth (with the grain) to minimize irritation and ingrown hairs.
7. Clean the razor blade after each pass to maintain effectiveness and prevent clogging.
8. For a closer shave, shave against the grain in careful strokes during your second pass, taking your time to avoid irritation.
9. Rinse any remaining lather residue from your face with cold water to soothe and close the pores.
10. Finish by applying your chosen aftershave to replenish moisture, soothe the skin, and leave a refreshing scent, completing your wet shaving routine.

Key Takeaways

Why don't you indulge in the soothing benefits of incorporating witch hazel into your post-shave routine? Consider trying the Barrister And Mann Bay Rum Aftershave, featuring natural anti-inflammatory properties. This well-tolerated formula promotes skin health, but a patch test is advisable for sensitive skin. Apply after washing off lather, patting dry, for an irritation-free experience. Pair with a wet shaving routine and a straight razor for a comfortable and refreshing post-shave ritual.