Does Aftershave Dry Out Skin? (Finding the Right One for Your Skin!)

Aftershave is a common aspect of most shaving routines. However, many shavers worry that aftershave might dry out their skin. Will aftershave dry out or irritate your skin? Are there any that don’t?

Alcohol-based aftershaves and may dry out your skin excessively. Its effects on your skin are dependant on your skin type and the aftershave you use. Some aftershaves contain aloe or other natural ingredients that moisturize the skin. There are many alternatives, and you can choose one without alcohol if your skin is prone to drying or irritation.

Read on to learn how aftershave reacts with different skin types, which aftershaves are the least drying, and the best ways to moisturize your skin. 

Will using aftershave dry out your skin?

Most shavers worry that aftershave will dry out their skin. How valid are those worries?

Some shavers might encounter dry skin after using alcohol-based aftershave long-term. However, there are many alcohol-free options on the market. Determine your skin type then pick out one that fits your personal needs. There is no one-size-fits-all aftershave option. 

These factors determine if aftershave will dry out your skin:

Skin type – Oily skin might interact better with alcohol-based aftershave than sensitive skin would. On the other hand, oily skin might react badly to moisturizing aftershave. 

Ingredients – Using alcohol-based aftershave is likely to dry out your skin. If you often have irritated or sensitive skin after shaving, consider mixing in other options, or avoiding alcohol-based aftershave altogether. 

Specific aftershave – There are so many aftershave options on the market. Splashes, balms, and lotions are just a few. Understanding the differences and which one works best goes a long way in finding an aftershave that will not dry out your skin. 

Not everyone will suffer from dry skin after using aftershave. Read on to find out how different skin types react with aftershave. 

How different skin types react with aftershave

Skin type is a key aspect to knowing how a shaver will react to aftershave. 

Sensitive skin reacts poorly to alcohol-based aftershave. However, it benefits from using aftershave with aloe vera, glycerin, or eucalyptus. These ingredients promote hydration for the skin and prevent skin drying. It also prevents breakouts or irritation. 

Oily skin reacts well to alcohol-based aftershave. With the skin naturally hydrated and moisturized, the drying effect that occurs in drier skin is limited. 

Dry skin reacts poorly to alcohol-based aftershave. If it is already dry, the aftershave will only increase the dryness. This skin type benefits well from glycerin, aloe vera and tea tree oils. These ingredients moisturize and hydrate the skin. 

Read on to learn what the most common drying ingredients in aftershave are. 

The most common drying ingredients in aftershave

Aftershave contains many different ingredients. Which ones are the most drying?

The ingredients that are the most likely to dry out your skin are:

• Alcohol – It dries out the skin, which can be a nightmare for those with dry or sensitive skin already. While this ingredient is great for protecting your skin after shaving, it can be harmful to the skin.
• Acetates – This ingredient can cause an allergic reaction and is known to cause dermatitis. 
• Fragrance ingredients – These include benzene derivatives, toluene and aldehydes. These can cause dryness and skin irritation. 

Read on to find out whether aftershave splashes, balms, or lotions are the least drying?

Aftershave splashes, balms, and lotions – which one is least drying?

Aftershave splashes, balms, and lotions are the most popular aftershave products. Which one is the least drying?

Generally, aftershave balms are the least drying option because they often contain little to no alcohol. Balms are great at hydrating and moisturizing skin. Unlike splashes and lotions, balms are more of a skin-care product than they are an aftershave. They are a great choice for shavers who want to use aftershave without drying their skin. 

Read on to find out more about aftershave splashes.

Aftershave splashes

Aftershave splashes are quite popular. How drying are they?

Aftershave splashes are generally the most drying. In most aftershave splashes, alcohol is the main ingredient. This dries the skin out, making it a bad choice for a shaver with sensitive or dry skin. 

Common ingredients include:

• High alcohol content
• Allantois
• Glycerin

Read on to find out more about aftershave balms. 

Aftershave balms

Are there any benefits to choosing an aftershave balm instead of a splash? Is this product less drying?

Aftershave balms are the least drying. They often have natural ingredients that promote skin hydration and that moisturize the skin. Aftershave balms are the best option for a shaver with sensitive or dry skin. 

Common aftershave balm ingredients include:

• Aloe
• Glycerin
• Tea tree oils

Read on to find out more about aftershave lotions.  

Aftershave lotions

How are aftershave lotions different from other forms? Are they as moisturizing as a balm?

Aftershave lotions are drying, but not as much as splashes are. They often contain less alcohol than splashes. Still, if you suffer from dry or sensitive skin, you should choose a balm instead of splash or lotion. Similarly, if you have acne-prone skin, aftershave lotions should never be used as they will cause breakouts. 

Common aftershave lotion ingredients include:

• Low amount of alcohol
• Glycerin
• Myristyl propionate

Read on to find out if a shaver should moisturize their skin after using aftershave. 

Should you moisturize after using aftershave?

If you’re worried about drying out your skin, you may want to consider using a moisturizer after applying your aftershave.

Instead of using two separate products, however, you may want to look for a moisturizing post-shave product such as an aftershave balm or a witch hazel-based toner.

Read on to find out if you should wash off aftershave?

Should you wash off aftershave?

Can you wash off aftershave to keep it from drying your face out?

You should not wash off aftershave. Aftershave is meant to be absorbed by the skin. Washing it off negates this. 

If you are concerned about your aftershave drying out your face, consider trying out an aftershave lotion or a non-alcohol-based product.

Read on to find out if aftershave could actually help with dry skin. 

Could aftershave actually help with dry skin?

What if you have dry skin but you still want to use aftershave. Are there any choices that could actually help with dry skin?

Depending on the product you choose, your aftershave can actually help hydrate and moisturize your skin. The best aftershaves for this are balms that contain aloe vera, tea tree oils, or glycerin. Be sure to avoid any aftershaves that contain alcohol. 

Read on to find the best way to hydrate your skin after shaving is.

What is the best way to hydrate skin after shaving?

After you finish your shave, you should take care of your face. That includes hydrating your skin. What is the best way to do that after shaving?

The best ways to hydrate your skin after shaving include:

• Using an alcohol-free aftershave
• Finding an aftershave that fits your skin type
• Using aftershave that contain natural ingredients

It can be difficult to find the best aftershave for you. Here are 2 aftershaves that are perfect for hydrating your skin after shaving:

• Nivea Men Sensitive Aftershave Balm – This $15 aftershave balm is alcohol-free and contains vitamin E, witch hazel extract and chamomile. It is proven to soothe and hydrate a shaver’s skin after shaving. 
• Proraso After Shave Balm Sensitive Skin – Proraso is most well-known for its signature barber shop-style shaving foam, and this $16 shave balm fits perfectly into the line. It contains oatmeal extract and green tea. This aftershave balm soothes the skin, prevents irritation, and moisturizes the skin.