The Importance of Using Aftershave for Protecting Your Skin
Aftershave is more essential to your skincare routine than you might think. It offers hydration and protection for your skin after shaving, helping you feel smooth, soothed, and ready to face the day. Let’s dive into some of the most common questions about aftershave, including what it does, why you need it, and how to find the best one for your skin type.
What Is Aftershave?
Aftershave has been a staple of shaving routines for generations, designed to seal and protect the skin after it’s been razored. Historically, aftershave was a simple alcohol-based solution—notorious for its intense sting. While alcohol is still found in some products, modern aftershaves often feature a variety of skin-friendly ingredients aimed at providing hydration and tackling common post-shave issues.
So, what is in aftershave today? Many formulas now include ingredients like aloe vera for hydration, oils for nourishment, and antioxidants for skin protection. These innovations make aftershave much more than just a finishing touch—it’s a vital step in your grooming routine.
Do I need aftershave?
What does aftershave do? Its primary purpose is to rehydrate the skin after shaving. The act of shaving can leave your skin feeling dry, tight, and even a bit irritated. That uncomfortable sensation is often due to a lack of moisture. In the past, men might have slapped on cologne—cue the infamous "Home Alone" scream—but we’ve come a long way since then.
Using an alcohol-based solution can dry out the skin even more, leading to discomfort and irritation. Today, aftershaves are formulated to be gentler, using hydrating ingredients to leave your skin soft, soothed, and moisturised. A good aftershave not only helps to calm freshly shaved skin but also prepares it for the elements it will face throughout the day.
What is the difference between a cologne and an aftershave?
The key difference is in their purpose.
What’s aftershave for?
It’s a skincare product designed to soothe and protect the skin after shaving. A cologne, on the other hand, is purely a fragrance product designed to make you smell great.
While aftershave often has a pleasant scent, its primary focus is on skincare benefits—hydration, soothing, and protection. Meanwhile, cologne’s job is to deliver a longer-lasting fragrance. Fun fact: colognes typically have a fragrance concentration of 2–4%, while eau de toilettes (EDTs) ramp this up to 5–15%.
When it comes to caring for your skin, aftershave lotion or balm is your best bet. The right formula will provide the hydration and protection your skin needs, leaving you feeling refreshed after every shave.
Bulldog Skincare Aftershave Balm: Your Skin’s Best Friend
What is the purpose of aftershave balm? Bulldog’s Original Aftershave Balm is specially designed to leave your skin feeling soft and moisturised without any sticky residue. Packed with skin-loving ingredients like aloe vera (known for its hydrating and soothing properties), omega-3-rich camelina oil, and antioxidant-rich green tea, it’s a must-have for men’s skincare after shaving.
Got sensitive skin? No worries! Bulldog’s Sensitive Aftershave Balm has you covered. Featuring oat oil harvested in the UK for its skin-softening properties and sustainably sourced baobab oil for intense moisture, it’s perfect for even the most delicate skin. In fact, 90% of men who tried it said it left their skin feeling soothed—we’d say that’s a pretty good endorsement!
Can Aftershave Balm Double as a Moisturiser?
While a good aftershave balm will have moisturising properties, it’s not a substitute for a dedicated moisturiser. For the best results, follow up your shave with a moisturiser tailored to your skin type. This will give your skin an added layer of protection and hydration to keep dryness at bay.
What Is the Best Aftershave Balm?
The best aftershave balm is one that suits your skin type and contains quality ingredients. Many men shy away from aftershave, assuming it’s still the sting-inducing alcohol-based formula of the past. But modern options—like Bulldog’s Original and Sensitive Aftershave Balms—are gentle, effective, and packed with natural ingredients.
Whether you’re looking for hydration, smoothness, or protection, Bulldog has a formula to suit your needs. Why not give one a try and see how it can help you start your day with smooth, healthy-looking skin?