Did you know that hikers apply rubbing alcohol to their feet and and guitar players to their fingers, to harden their skin? What a great idea if it makes hiking and guitar playing easier!
I’m not convinced; however, that the benefits have the same value when applied to the face. Sure, as a last resort it can disinfect a cut, but there are so many less painful options… right?
Effects of alcohol on the face include:
- Painful burning
- Darkened skin
- Dry skin
- Hardened skin
So sure, the old adage of “if it’s burning, it must must be working” is correct. But only if the above results sound like fun!
In some cases, the purpose of certain alcohols are necessary. For example, fatty alcohols are used to thicken and stabilize product formulations, so as to not irritate the skin. However, alcohol typically found in aftershave splashes and ingrown hair prevention products can actually damage your skin when used frequently.
Here’s a list of alcohol ingredidients to avoid.
- Isopropyl or Isopropyl Alcohol
- Ethyl Alcohol
- Ethanol or Ethanol Alcohol
- Ethanol B
- SD Alcohol
- Denatured Alcohol or Alcohol Denat.
- Methanol
- Benzyl Alcohol
Now you know …!
I cannot over emphasise the importance of this advice! I have been giving the self same advice for many years.
After shaving, we need to FEED and MOISTURISE the new skin cells using a quality aftershave balm – not remove any last remnants of moisture and incinerate them with alcohol!!
You can still smell great with your (or your partners) favourite cologne – simply splash some behind your ears and on your neck.
Well done for yet another well written piece Craig!
I was @ Kaizen talking to Jackie in Pembroke Pines Fl. about a barber that i been following on Facebook and mentioned your name..It was funny cause she knew exactly who i was talking about and goes on to say that she knew u personally which was even more cool.. If your ever around the way again doing anything informative please let me know I’d like to attend..i admire your work and the things your doing . and would like to model myself as such.. Thank u my brother and keep up the great work..!
Oh wow! How cool is that? I definitely know Jackie and the Kaizen Academy team. Sam, I sincerely appreciate your kind words. And, I absolutely will make it a point to inform you on the next time I will be doing anything barber related in your neck of the woods!