After shaving, you have several products to finish off the process: aftershave balm/cream, aftershave gel, and aftershave lotion. How do you decide which is the better option? It comes down to convenience rather than skin and hair benefits (of which all the products offer the same).
Read on to find out why aftershave gel may be suitable for you. Also, you can try out the recipes to create your own gel.
What’s The Difference Between Aftershave Gel, Balm, and Lotion?
In the shaving world, you have shaving cream, gel, and lotion. It’s the same when it comes to post-shave care. So what’s the difference between them, and why does it matter to you?
Aftershave cream is thicker than gel and lotion due to its butter content. You have to soften it in your hands before applying. Due to the nature of the cream, it can feel heavier on your skin and beard.
If you want something lighter and easier to apply, then consider aftershave gel. Squirt a bit into your palm and then work it into your face and whiskers. It’s easier to wash off than cream (which needs a rigorous cleansing to remove all traces). You still get the health benefits that natural aftershave cream offers.
A spray of an aftershave lotion is quick and simple. You aren’t having to massage anything into your skin or facial hair. Aftershave lotion is the most convenient option in post-shave care. However, the scent can be stronger than that of balm or gel. That is something to think about if you aren’t into fragrances that much.
What Oils Should I Use In Homemade Aftershave Gel?
It depends on what you prefer. When creating DIY Aftershave Gel (or even cream or lotion), it’s optional if you want a fragrance, and that’s where essential oils come in. They give the gel a captivating smell.
This has a woody smell and plays well with other essential oils. It’s sourced from Australian Blue Cypress and can help stabilize the overall fragrance of your homemade aftershave gel. It also has antibacterial properties.
Lavender oil
Here is a popular fragrance in a lot of aftershave recipes. Its smell instantly invokes comfort and relaxation. If you are struggling to grow a beard, then Lavender could help.
Peppermint oil
Another favorite choice of scent. The fragrance is refreshingly cool. This essential oil can reduce the itchiness of the skin and aid in growing a thicker beard.
Cedarwood oil
If you are wanting a forestry-like smell, then consider cedarwood. Like Blue Cypress oil, it has a woody scent. If you struggle with oil problems in your beard, then cedarwood oil may help. It aids in restoring the natural balance of oil in hair.
Patchouli oil
An oil that delivers an earthy, musky scent. It can make a great combination with lavender or blue cypress to deliver an overall smell of nature. For those who have issues with dandruff, beardruff, or eczema, patchouli oil can help. Beardruff is a term for dandruff in your beard.
Other oils to use with homemade aftershave gel
Creating DIY aftershave gel is more than just fragrance. With that in mind, there are vegetable oils that are important aspects of the gel. Castor oil can help with beard growth as long as it has the ability to penetrate into the hair follicles. Also, it acts as a moisturizer for both your skin and whiskers.
Olive oil is a major moisturizer because it functions as a humectant. That means that it can attract water from the air and direct it toward your skin. On top of that, it’s gentle on sensitive skin.
How To Make Aftershave Gel
Now that you have a basic background behind some of the ingredients of homemade aftershave gel, here are a few recipes to have a go at.
In a bowl combine 10 drops of your essential oils with 1 ounce of aloe vera gel. Stir the ingredients meticulously so they mix.
Pour your gel into a container.
Told you it was easy!
DIY aftershave gel
In this recipe, you use a carrier oil (jojoba) to help with the absorption of the essential oils. This enhances the benefits to your skin and facial hair.
Ingredients
Jojoba oil
Aloe vera gel
Slippery elm
Vitamin E oil
Valor essential oil
Rosemary essential oil
Instructions
Pour 1 ounce of jojoba oil into a bottle.
Add 5 – 7 drops of the essential oils. Shake the bottle to mix the contents.
Put in ½ an ounce of slippery elm, ¼ teaspoon of vitamin E oil, and ½ an ounce of aloe vera gel.
Give the bottle another shake to combine everything.
Homemade aftershave gel for sensitive skin
Here is a recipe that is designed with sensitive skin in mind. Around 50 – 60% of men suffer from this problem, so this aftershave gel will provide post-shave comfort.
Ingredients
Aloe vera juice
Olive oil
Mineral water
Lavender essential oil
Lemon essential oil
Instructions
In an opaque glass container combine ¼ cup of aloe vera juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of mineral water, and 5-7 drops of the essential oils.
Mix the ingredients well.
How Do I Use Homemade Aftershave Gel?
Now that you have your aftershave gel made use it by massaging it into your face and neck. You only need a small blob.
Allow the oils to penetrate deep beneath the skin’s surface. This allows the nutrients and antioxidants the oils contain to be delivered to your hair follicles.
What Is The Best Way To Store Homemade Aftershave Gel?
Light can break down the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the oils within your gel. To prevent that from happening and to prolong the life of your product, keep it away from light.
Keep the gel in a darkened container. If that’s not possible, store it away in a dark place within your bathroom.
Mold and bacteria moisture. If they get onto your aftershave gel, then it can shorten the gel’s life. To avoid this situation, use an airtight container to prevent water from affecting your gel.
Rounding Off Making Homemade Aftershave Gel
Aftershave gel is one of several products that can be used to finish off your shaving. It can deliver the same strong scent as an aftershave balm but is lighter on your skin.
Essential oils not only provide the scent for the gel, but they also offer antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits. These offer protection, suppleness, and health to your skin and beard. Aloe vera is a staple ingredient of any aftershave product due to its soothing properties.
You want to prolong the life of your DIY aftershave gel. So, like a mogwai from Gremlins, keep it away from light and water. Otherwise, things can get nasty.
Beards are becoming increasingly popular and fashionable. This is because they help men feel more confident and look better than ever before. Contents show 1…
