Man shaves the contours of his 5-day beard

AFTERSHAVE: THE RIGHT CARE AFTER SHAVING

Many men use aftershave for care after shaving. Different product variants offer different advantages. For example, an aftershave balm cares for the skin particularly intensively and provides moisture. There is an aftershave for sensitive skin, with or without fragrance and for skin concerns such as dry skin or skin prone to impurities. Learn in this article, what aftershave is and how to use it correctly.

03 Apr 2024

From BIOTHERM

01 What is aftershave?
02 What are the different types of aftershave?
03 What is aftershave used for?
04 How and when do I use aftershave correctly?
05 Is aftershave the same as aftershave water?
06 What should be considered when buying aftershave?
07 What are the alternatives to aftershave?
08 Conclusion: Using an aftershave is the best way to care for your skin

WHAT IS AFTERSHAVE?

The name already gives it away: an aftershave is a product that is applied to the skin after shaving. The corresponding means can be used both after a dry shave and after a wet shave. They are suitable for the care of a 3-day beard or a 5-day beard just as well as for the conclusion of a smooth shave. At the same time, you can use an aftershave not only on the face but also for the body. The formulas contain ingredients that have the following effects on the skin, among others:

Re-greasing
Disinfecting
Astringent (contracting tiny injuries such as micro-tears or cuts in the skin).
Moisturizing
Strengthening the natural skin protective barrier

Depending on its composition, an aftershave may be suitable for certain skin types or skin needs. Through the application, the skin should be cared for after shaving, soothed and supplied with important nutrients. An aftershave can promote the healing of minor injuries and make your skin soft and supple.^[1]

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF AFTERSHAVE?

Many different types of aftershave for men are available on the market. They differ both in terms of the ingredients used and the dosage forms. These include:

Aftershave cream
Aftershave balm
Aftershave as gel or liquid gel
Aftershave in the form of foam or spray
Aftershave body lotion for men

Their formulas differ by targeting specific skin needs. In addition, aftershave may contain certain fragrances and essential oils. These fragrances and oils give the skin a feeling of freshness after shaving and can make perfume unnecessary. Those who have very sensitive skin should look for aftershave without fragrances.

HIGH-QUALITY AFTERSHAVE PRODUCTS FROM BIOTHERM

With the soothing and nourishing, alcohol-free after-shave emulsion by Biotherm for dry skin, you are also on the safe side with stressed, sensitive or delicate skin. The formula of this aftershave for men contains moisturizing active ingredients, which optimally care for your skin after shaving and give it a soft and supple feeling. In addition, the emulsion forms a fine, protective film after application, which protects the corresponding areas well from environmental influences and helps to preserve the natural moisture of the skin.

Those who prefer a non-greasy aftershave balm for men will be delighted with the Confort Balm from Biotherm. It provides optimal care after shaving. This balm is absorbed immediately and makes your skin silky-soft. Its formula has a soothing and nourishing effect at the same time. It is suitable for all skin types and also as an aftershave for sensitive skin. If your skin is prone to blemishes or acne, this aftershave can help improve skin texture with regular use, as it moisturizes the skin without leaving a greasy film. Any irritation, redness or razor burn caused by shaving will be soothed by this aftershave balm.

WHAT IS AFTERSHAVE USED FOR?

You may be asking yourself, what is the point of aftershave? Men who use an aftershave enjoy both nourishing and luxurious effects. An aftershave soothes the skin. This can be injured during shaving by the smallest micro-cracks or cuts. These tiny injuries are not always immediately visible. However, they can provide an entry point for germs or inflammation. Therefore, aftershave usually contains ingredients that have a disinfecting and astringent effect. It may also contain plant extracts or other active ingredients that promote wound healing. Modern aftershaves also care for your skin and provide moisture and valuable nutrients. In the form of an aftershave cream or aftershave balm for men, this product can also protect the skin from environmental influences throughout the day.

HOW AND WHEN DO I USE AFTERSHAVE CORRECTLY?

It's really easy to use an aftershave properly: Simply shave as usual and apply the aftershave in a thin film on the skin after a wet or dry shave. To do this, you can either gently spread it with your fingertips or lightly pat it into the skin. If you want to prevent skin irritations after your body care or after your intimate shave, aftershave can be applied under the armpits or, if necessary, also in the intimate area. For these areas, it is best to use an aftershave for sensitive skin, which should also be free of fragrances if possible, for very sensitive skin.

Tip: By the way, you can already care for your skin during shaving and protect it from irritations, redness and razor burn from irritation and razor burn. The self-foaming Gel Shaver shaving gel with the unique ProComfort technology from Biotherm Homme is ideal for sensitive or stressed skin. Its formula has been tested for its compatibility with all skin types under dermatological supervision. It contains mild, repairing and antibacterial active ingredients that have a beneficial effect on your skin.

WHICH AFTERSHAVE IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Not every aftershave is suitable for use on all skin types. For dry and sensitive skin, you should look for a mild product that provides your skin with plenty of moisture. Oily skin is best cared for with an aftershave that does not contain any oily or greasy ingredients. Now you may ask yourself: Does aftershave also help against pimples? This is actually possible to a certain extent, as aftershave usually contains disinfecting and anti-inflammatory ingredients. These can promote the healing of pimples and blackheads and soften the signs of acne or blemished skin. For combination skin and virtually all skin concerns, an aftershave balm for sensitive skin is definitely suitable.

IS AFTERSHAVE THE SAME AS AFTERSHAVE WATER?

This question is not easy to answer with yes or no. Aftershave can be but does not have to be aftershave water. The properties of classic aftershave lotion play a role. It is also applied to the skin after shaving to soothe, disinfect and give a pleasant scent. Aftershave water often contains a high percentage of alcohol, which can severely dry out the skin. However, there are also products available without alcohol, whose formula is based on plant extracts and skin-nourishing ingredients. An aftershave that is not aftershave water would be, for example, an aftershave lotion, aftershave cream or aftershave balm. These products offer the advantage that they not only soothe and disinfect the skin, but also nourish and moisturize it.

WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING AFTERSHAVE?

When buying aftershave, pay attention to the suitability for your skin type or for your skin concerns. If your skin is prone to irritation and redness after shaving, you should choose an aftershave for sensitive skin. These products do not contain alcohol or fragrances, for example. They are carefully tested under dermatological supervision and contain particularly caring and mild ingredients. In addition to these properties, the individual scent of the aftershave can be important for you. Do you like a more masculine note, or should the scent be as subtle as possible? Remember that aftershave is applied directly to the face and under the nose. The scent is more intense for you than, for example, a deodorant or a perfume applied to the neck.

WHAT ALTERNATIVES ARE THERE TO AFTERSHAVE?

If you are thinking about an aftershave alternative, you will find various recipes for it, which work with natural plant substances, for example. For example, pure aloe vera gel can be used as an aftershave. This gel has a nourishing and regenerating effect. It can also reduce inflammation. Other alternatives to a classic aftershave would be:

Apple cider vinegar (disadvantage: unpleasant smell)
Cold water or ice water refreshes, but does not have a disinfecting effect
Extracts from the witch hazel
Alum (can dry out the skin)^[2]
Toner or facial toner, such as micellar water
Coconut oil or jojoba oil for very dry skin

Many of these products or substances do not really offer the same benefits as a dermatologically tested and carefully formulated product. For example, many aftershaves already contain aloe vera, plant extracts and other nourishing ingredients. Experimentation with non-controlled substances also carries a higher risk of skin irritation and the development of allergies.^[3]

CONCLUSION: USING AN AFTERSHAVE IS THE BEST WAY TO CARE FOR YOUR SKIN

For optimal care of your skin after shaving, an aftershave for sensitive skin is perfect. It reduces signs of stressed skin and can prevent inflammation, razor burn and irritation. High-quality products intensively moisturize your skin, leaving it feeling smooth and soft. This also has a positive effect on your skin, which can appear fresher and more clarified using a nourishing aftershave.

[1]Cf. BährleSpringer Lexikon Kosmetik und Körperpflege. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2007. 12-13.
[2]Bährle-Rapp, Marina. "Alum." Springer Lexikon Kosmetik und Körperpflege. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2007. 17-17.
[3]URL: Cf. Grundmann, Oliver. "Aloe vera gel research review." Natural medicine journal 4.9 (2012).

Our Biotherm Skincare Experts

Regina Koegler

Brand Trainer, Our Skincare Expert

What does your skin really need – and why does skincare sometimes feel like a game of chance?

I’m Regina, and as a Brand Trainer at L’Oréal, I work with exactly these questions every day.

My passion is making the world of skincare easy to understand – without complicated technical terms, but with clear explanations you can apply directly in your everyday life. Because skincare isn’t a trend, it’s a system.

For many years, I’ve worked extensively with skin needs, active ingredients, and modern skincare concepts. I’ll show you why your skin changes, what terms like “hydration,” “collagen,” or “skin barrier” really mean – and how you can tailor your skincare to them in a targeted way.

My approach: Your skin works like your body.

You can train it, strengthen it, and build it up over the long term.

The Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine for Women Over 50

As you approach 50 and beyond, your skin naturally loses firmness and glow. Hormonal changes from menopause means collagen production goes down, dryness increases, and skin sagging starts setting in. More wrinkles and fine lines start to appear.

But only 20% of the signs of aging are inevitable – you can act on the rest.

A healthy lifestyle coupled with the right skincare routine can reduce the skin concerns that women over 50 struggle with. You don’t need a 100-step skincare routine to look and feel good – a simple five-step routine using the most effective ingredients will go a long way:

1. Cleanse your face and neck twice daily with a gentle cleanser (eg. Aquasource Hydra Barrier Cleanser)
2. Use an all-in-one anti-aging serum made for mature skin (eg. Life Plankton Regenerating Serum)
3. Follow up with a moisturizer that has built-in SPF (eg. Blue Peptides Uplift Cream SPF30)
4. Reapply your sun protection throughout the day (with Waterlover Face Sunscreen)
5. Use a retinol-based serum in the evening for skin resurfacing (eg. Blue Retinol Night Serum)

And that’s it! Just five simple steps will give you glowy, firm skin. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of what skincare ingredients to look for and tips for application.

The ultimate 5-step anti-aging skincare routine for women over 50

Step 1. Gently cleanse your face and neck with a cream cleanser

Cleansing your skin is an essential first step to any skin routine – especially for mature skin. Cleansing washes away impurities, prevents buildup, and most importantly, preps your skin for anti-aging treatments and hydration. Cleansing improves the efficacy of any follow up products, since they can penetrate your skin properly.

For this reason, we recommend double cleansing your skin in the evening if you wear makeup.

What is double cleansing?

You first wash off your makeup with a makeup removing cleanser. If you’re wearing heavier makeup, opt for an oil-based cleanser. For light makeup, you can use a micellar water – a rinse-free convenient cleanser that has tiny oil particles called micelles that lift away impurities.

Then, once your complexion is makeup-free, follow up with a gentle cleanser to wash away impurities without stripping your skin.

In the morning, you can either cleanse once with a gentle cleanser. If you have dry skin, you can also splash your face with warm water in the morning if you’ve cleansed the night before.

Now that your skin is clean, you’re ready to move on to the next step – preventing wrinkles, dark spots, and dullness with anti-aging serums and treatments.

Step 2. Use anti-aging serums with healing active ingredients

The right serum can be one of the most effective additions to your skincare routine. The best face serum for over 50 will be concentrated with nutrient-rich actives, minerals, and phytonutrients that target your skin concerns.

If you want to treat a loss of firmness and dullness, go for our Life Plankton Regenerating Serum infused with Biotech Plankton™, a natural living ingredient that increases skin’s bounce, radiance, and tonicity.

It promotes skin cell regeneration, which is essential for getting that dewy, supple look when you’re over 50.

Apply to your face and neck every morning for more radiant, luminous skin. Our studies show that 83% of women noticed a more smooth skin texture after use.

In the evening, apply our anti-aging powerhouse Blue Retinol Night Serum. Retinol is one of the top skincare products for aging – its renowned for fighting wrinkles and clinically proven to improve skin texture and correct tone uniformity.

Blue Retinol specifically has a 2x higher efficacy rate than Pure Retinol, according to findings from our clinical study of 49 women after 4 months. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles fast.

Step 3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Hydration is key to maintaining soft, supple skin and preventing dullness. Moisturize both day and night with an anti-aging face cream after cleansing and applying your treatments and serums.

In the morning, opt for a moisturizer with built-in SPF protection. Sun damage is one of the main causes of accelerated aging. It contributes to dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. Protecting your skin around-the-clock with at least SPF 30 will help slow down the signs of aging and prevent future damage.

Our Blue Peptides Uplift Cream SPF30 not only has SPF 30 built-in, it’s also infused with Biotech Plankton™ that’s rich in 35 nutrients that promote collagen production. That translates to firmer, more radiant (and protected) skin.

If you have especially dry skin with rough and flaky patches, double up on the hydration by first starting with our Aqua Bounce Super Concentrate – a moisturizing serum powered by hyaluronic acid. This powerful ingredient is the go-to for treating dry skin and reducing water loss.

Apply this concentrate after cleansing and before applying other serums or moisturizers for maximum efficacy.

What about your evening skincare routine? You can go for a richer moisturizer that will continue to work its magic while you sleep. The Blue Peptides Uplift Night Cream is a luxurious-feeling night moisturizer that deeply replenishes the skin. Maximum hydration is essential for mature skin, especially when you’re using active anti-aging ingredients, such as Blue Retinol, in your routine.

The Night Spa has an ultra-rich, leave-on texture that feels so good as the last step of your skincare routine.

Step 4. Give your skin some TLC with weekly masks

Once or twice a week, you can give your skin to some extra TLC with a mask treatment. Here you can incorporate Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that makes your skin glow, reduces dullness and improves signs of aging.

The Aqua Glow Flash Mask is infused with the combination of Vitamin C and the Life Plankton we mentioned earlier – a powerhouse duo that intensely hydrates and brightens after one application