Aftershave lotion is a product that is applied to the skin after shaving. Cleanses and closes the pores of the skin, softening them to reduce itching and possible razor bumps.
Think of shaving as the act of dragging a sharp metal across one of the thinnest and most sensitive areas of your body (the skin).
Shaving irritates the skin and causes micro-abrasions, which can be contaminated by germs, especially if we have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
The blade comes into close contact with skin pores when it shaves at the base of the hair, opening them up and exposing them to bacteria that may gather on the blade.
Benefits of the Aftershave
Aftershave cleans and shuts the pores on the skin, preventing microorganisms from entering.
It also prevents infection by sealing nicks and wounds that develop during shaving. Aftershave lotions also contain fewer scented oils since the scent is not designed to stay on the skin all day.
So can aftershave be used as cologne? Well, you can use it as your personal mark but as we said before it is not designed to stay in the skin all day so it’s better to use it with an Eau de toilet of the same brand.
What’s the History of the Aftershave?
The history of aftershave is as intriguing as the aroma.
One of the earliest versions dates back to the Romans, who devised an antiseptic solution based on medicinal herbs to avoid infection and even death caused by shaving.
Although there are certainly fewer dangerous bacteria on your razor (we hope), aftershave is still used to soothe and repair skin after cleaning.
Most are mildly fragranced with the same notes as a cologne, eau de toilette, or perfume, allowing for layering to extend the scent’s longevity.
What’s the Difference Between Cologne and Aftershave?
Aftershave is mainly applied to nicks and cuts that occur from shaving. It helps accelerate the healing process. Cologne, on the other hand, is used to augment your natural scent.
Although aftershaves often have a scent, this scent isn’t as strong and doesn’t last long as that of cologne.
The use of both is equally different. While you apply cologne to your fabric, you’re applying aftershave directly to your skin.
You apply aftershave immediately after shaving, on the area where you have the cut for it to be effective. Whereas, you can apply cologne anytime you want but mostly when you’re stepping out to meet people.
Another thing is that the ingredient is not the same. Cologne may not have any ingredient from your aftershave, that’s why you can’t use it as one.
However, there is a small amount of fragrance in aftershave so they have a scent that lingers for a while. However, the concentration is much lower, so the scent doesn’t last long as cologne.
Finally, the scent in cologne is stronger than a typical aftershave as a result of a higher concentration of aromatic compounds as a result of the higher grade of fragrance in them.
Should I Use Cologne or Aftershave?
That’s simple. The two are different things. While one can be used as the other, the other can’t. You can use your aftershave as a cologne, but not the other way round.
Can You Use Cologne and Aftershave at Same Time?
If you have both, you can use them at the same time. In fact, if you’re used to spraying cologne, you’ll have to use both, you have no choice.
When there is a nick, you spray the aftershave to soothe and heal the skin. Then once you don your cloth, you spray cologne, as usual.
Finding Alternative Cologne for Your Needs
When it comes to a decent perfume, finding one that stands out without being overpowering is crucial. Although both aftershave and cologne have a modest proportion of fragrant oils, they are not the same.
Although aftershave contains fewer fragrant oils than cologne, both provide an initial burst of freshness that builds quickly, leaving a delicate trail.
It’s meant to be worn with an eau de cologne or perfume, with the cologne remaining on its own. Both were created with the purpose of being used freely, therefore the goal is to splash rather than spray.