Here is why skin type matters when buying aftershave and why you should consider it.
Whether sensitive skin is the issue, or some products just don’t seem to suit you, it is certainly important to check your skin type before purchasing aftershave – or any other male grooming products for that matter. Whilst some men can cope with almost any aftershave on their skin, others only have to experience a meager facial dab of a product to irritate and dry the skin out, leaving them looking anything but perfectly groomed. As such, you should be aware of why skin types matter when purchasing aftershave; what you need to take into account when making your choice; and how grooming correlates with style and appearance.
In the beginning…
In the past, aftershave was nothing more than an antiseptic that was dotted onto men’s skin after a shave at the local barbers, or when the barber visited your home if you were wealthy. Containing huge percentages of alcohol, (up to 90% in some cases) they were designed to close small cuts to the skin and ward off any bacterial infections. Scented? Certainly, but not to the complex degree they are these days – aftershave has evolved significantly over time to produce something a little less drying, and a little more pleasant than their predecessors.
Know your products
Before you decide which is best for your skin, it’s important to understand the different types of aftershave available. The list below should help you to decide which is better for you.
Aftershave
It’s a long way from the “standard” aftershave of old, and now contains around 1-3% of pure fragrance – the rest being made up of water. Gentle enough to cleanse the pores after shaving, there are a variety of different scents on the market to suit all tastes.
Aftershave Balm
If you have sensitive skin, you’re more than likely better off with an aftershave balm. If you’re suffering from rashes using even the gentler aftershaves, then choosing a balm may be better for you. Researchers have learnt that 60% of anything applied to the skin is absorbed into it, so combining soothing moisturiser with a low scent content may be better for your skin and help to avoid any skin flare ups. Some of these aftershave balms, such as Kyoko for Men Aftershave Balm, even help heal any razor damage that may occur.
Eau de Cologne
Packing a bit more of a punch – and lingering a little longer and stronger – Eau de Cologne contains a higher fragrance content than aftershave, so it’s not usually recommended for sensitive skin. Generally, men’s Cologne contains around 3-5% pure fragrance, with the rest water.
Eau de Parfum
“The daddy” of fragrances, Eau de Parfum packs a punch with 9-15% pure fragrance, which may be far too much if your skin is sensitive. However, if you have oily skin that doesn’t hold a scent for too long, this is a pretty good choice for you, as it will linger a little longer. The fragrance oil is absorbed into the oil on the skin and, as body heat rises, the fragrance becomes more noticeable.
How to find the right type of aftershave for you
There are a huge number of different aftershaves, aftershave balms, Eau de Parfum and Eau de Cologne’s available, and good suppliers of quality aftershaves such as Henry Tibbs carry a huge selection of men’s grooming products for all different skin types. If you’re struggling to choose one for you, perhaps it would be wise to try a few travel sized aftershaves on your skin, and then work up to Eau de Parfum or opt for an aftershave balm if they don’t sit as they should on your skin.
Choosing aftershave is a very personal choice; so don’t be afraid to experiment with different types, until you find one that becomes your own signature scent – just right for your skin type.
