Yoga vs. Pilates – Which Is Right For You?

Most people whose physical activity centers around strenuous 5-on-5 basketball games or weekend soccer matches – or just lying on the couch watching basketball games and soccer matches – probably think that yoga and Pilates are the same thing.

And it’s quite possible that workout warriors who spend their days pumping iron at the gym may not be able to accurately define yoga or Pilates let alone explain the differences, even though classes in both disciplines might be going on just a few yards away.

What is Yoga?

Yoga was developed in India more than 5,000 years ago, and there’s a lot more to it than just striking strange poses in a park or on a mat. In fact, you can understand a lot about the discipline by looking at its name; the word “yoga” is derived from a Sanskrit word interpreted as “union,” and the practice is ultimately intended not only to unify a person’s body with their breath and their mind, but to unify the individual’s spirit with that of the world as a whole – leading to clarity and inner peace.

If you’re thinking about yoga simply as a way of getting exercise, you’ll be missing out on the central purpose of the discipline.

There is More to Yoga Than Stretching

It’s true that the stretching exercises (which are known as poses, postures or asana) you’ve probably seen practitioners doing have physical benefits like flexibility and strength.

But there’s a deeper purpose to these exercises: centering the mind on a goal encourages calmness and relaxation, improving the well-being of both the mind and body.

The asanas are only part of one path of yoga, even though they’re what come to most people’s minds. Other paths which can be followed include selfless service to others and unending devotion to the entirety of the universe.

What we’re talking about here, though, focuses primarily on the exercise system of asanas combined with breathing and meditation. Among the most commonly seen styles are gentle Hatha and Vinyasa yoga and the more demanding Ashtanga and Bikram yoga (the latter being performed in heated rooms). The Asanas for each style vary, and each pose focuses on producing a specific effect on the body and the mind.

In all of the styles, the body transitions between asanas with an emphasis on fluidity, focus, patience and breathing. The poses are usually performed on a yoga mat, although they can also be done outdoors on the ground or indoors on the floor if necessary. Sessions normally end with a meditation period.

What Is Pilates?

Pilates isn’t about spirituality as much as it is about exercise.

It’s a low-impact system developed nearly 100 years ago by Joseph Pilates, a German athlete and physical trainer who was deeply interested in Greek and Eastern systems of mind-body development.

He actually came up with the basics of what’s now known as the Pilates system while he was in a forced internment camp, and used some of those techniques (with bed frames and rings from beer kegs as rudimentary equipment) to help other detainees who were rehabilitating from injuries.

Shortly after World War I, Pilates moved to New York where he and his wife – and later his disciples – spread the word about the Pilates method. Among the early beneficiaries of his exercises were dancers whose studios were near his own, rehabilitating patients, and athletes. It wasn’t until the latter part of the 20th century that Pilates’ exercises gained widespread acceptance and popularity.

Pilates isn’t overtly aimed at spirituality in the manner of yoga. Instead the aim is to create a body which works optimally by improving both physical and mental health. This total body conditioning, which is the goal of Pilates, is achieved by performing exercises requiring the six principles of Pilates: centering, concentration, control, flow, breath and precision, while strengthening the body’s core and improving muscle strength.

Some Pilates exercises are done on a mat, while many others involve equipment such as a “reformer,” a floor-based frame with a sliding carriage designed to provide resistance against which the body can work. The rigor required by these exercises creates passive mental benefits like focus and a release of tension, along with the more obvious physical benefits of any well-designed exercises aimed at the abs, hips, thighs and lower back.

Physical Benefits of Yoga

If you’re comparing yoga vs. Pilates to determine which is right for you, it’s pretty obvious that you’re primarily interested in the physical benefits of each. We’ll start with yoga.

We’ve already mentioned that each yoga asana is targeted at a particular body area or result. Not all poses will contribute to the effects we’ll mention, but well-designed yoga programs will hit most or all of these targets.

At the top of the list is flexibility and range of motion, with the shoulders (eagle pose, cow face pose, bridge pose), hips (eye of the needle, pigeon, double pigeon poses), back (two-knee twist, thread the needle) and hamstrings (forward bends, triangle pose, wide-legged straddle) benefiting the most from yoga stretches.

Next comes increased strength developed by bearing your body’s weight in ways you’re not accustomed to, for extended periods of time. The tree pose and the well-known downward facing dog are two asanas which will build muscle strength.

Overall muscle definition and tone is another major benefit of many yoga poses, particularly if done in the proper sequence or with the proper variations. Examples are doing bunny hops from a downward dog pose, doing heel lifts while in a tree pose, or gentle twists out of a low lunge position.

Even if you don’t do asanas specifically designed to improve muscle tone, it will still improve from a regular yoga routine. One-leg poses (awkward chair, half moon pose, standing splits) and inversions (headstands, shoulder stands, plow pose) are terrific for this purpose and will also help improve your balance.

Additional physical benefits to any yoga routine include improvements in breathing, energy and cardio health, a more balanced metabolism, and weight loss over time. Stress relief isn’t something that’s physically obvious, but it can help ease back and neck pain and headaches, as well as helping with concentration and sleeping difficulties.

Physical Benefits of Pilates

Since Pilates exercises focus on the body’s core, that’s where you’ll find the most obvious improvements when regularly doing Pilates workouts. Exercises like the knee fold tuck, side balance crunches, circle planks and oblique reaches will do wonders for core strength while Pilates for beginners exercises like leg lifts, heel taps and bridging will greatly help with core stability.

The hundred, the criss-cross, and the rainbow are examples of Pilates exercises which will help build strength and tone muscles throughout the body.

Pilates is also ideal for spine stabilization and better posture; you won’t be surprised to learn that exercises like the spine stretch forward, performed either on a mat or against a wall, are intended to improve stability and posture.

Many Pilates workouts are done with the help of specialized equipment like the reformer, the Wunda Chair and the Cadillac, or standard equipment like an exercise ball.

The reformer is the one seen most often in studios (and in home gyms) because the resistance it provides as you maneuver the carriage back and forth challenges your body’s muscles to reach new levels of strength. Flatter abs and toned muscles are easier to achieve with the help of reformers or other equipment, and more challenging workouts are possible by adjusting the amount of tension or how much of your body is on the equipment.

Other benefits of Pilates include better coordination and balance, improved circulation and lung function, and spine stability as well as the positive effects of lowered stress and better concentration. Befitting the origin of the system, Pilates is also ideal for physical rehabilitation patients.

Yoga or Pilates for Weight Loss

Many people considering yoga or Pilates are doing so because their primary goal is to lose weight.

Unfortunately, there’s no clear-cut winner when comparing the two for this purpose.

If you choose Pilates for weight loss, you’ll find a slight advantage over yoga; regular Pilates workouts will burn about 175 calories during a standard workout, while Power Pilates (a very strenuous and rigorous iteration of the original Pilates workout from the early days of the program) will burn anywhere from 250-350 calories. By comparison, a Hatha Yoga session will burn around 145 calories, and Power Yoga (an intense yoga program) burns about 250 calories.

There’s a slight advantage to Pilates for weight loss, but not a definitive one.

Yoga vs. Pilates: Which Is Right For You?

It’s quite possible that these descriptions have already helped you make the determination which choice is the best for you. If not, here’s a further summary of yoga and Pilates.

Philosophy

Yoga is a holistic and unified program involving the mind, body and spirit. Pilates is primarily an exercise program which “secondarily” works to connect the physical and mental aspects of the body.

Target body areas

Yoga aims to promote flexibility, coordination and relaxation throughout the body. Pilates is primarily meant to structure the body’s core and overall muscle strength, as well as balance and coordination. If you’re primarily focused on your abs or thighs, Pilates is a better approach to do that.

Mental/emotional health

Yoga has been shown to have major positive effects on the sympathetic nervous system and hormone levels, leading to stress reduction and emotional control. Pilates has been shown to have similar effects, but apparently at somewhat lower levels; it’s also said to facilitate the development of new brain cells.

Workouts

Yoga will be performed on a mat most of the time. Pilates utilizes both a mat and several dedicated pieces of equipment (although Pilates for beginners is primarily conducted on the mat, with the equipment factoring in after a period of time). Most yoga routines will be slow, deliberate and fluid; Pilates workouts are also somewhat graceful, but are more likely to let you build up a good sweat (although Bikram yoga, performed in a heated room, will definitely give your sweat glands a workout).

Workout structure

You’ll find that a Pilates workout is basically structured, while most yoga sessions will be less structured with the sequence and choice of asanas left up to the teacher/instructor/guide. Some yoga styles are the exception, as Bikram and Ashtanga sessions are more likely to have structured plans.

Meditation

The end, and sometimes the start, of a yoga session will involve a set period of meditation. If you want to combine Pilates and meditation, you’re on your own.

Rehab

Pilates was originally created to help patients with physical rehabilitation and is still recommended by medical professionals for slow and effective rehab. Yoga is more suited to emotional and mental rehabilitation.

Pain Management: Pilates is generally viewed as the better option for dealing with issues like back pain because it will build the strength of the affected muscles, although there are several recent studies showing that yoga can help with pain in the short-term. If the pain is periodic, yoga could be a better choice because it builds the flexibility which can prevent recurrences.

Yoga vs. Pilates: Why Not Both?

Those on the cutting edge of workout development are now often recommending an exercise program which includes both yoga and Pilates. Since each discipline has its own advantages, an integrated approach can provide both the flexibility and grace developed through yoga and the stronger, lean and toned muscles Pilates helps develop; the combination can lead to higher levels of stress reduction and mental fitness. A number of workout centers are now providing these hybrid programs, which could be worth checking out if you’re still not convinced whether yoga or Pilates is better for you.

If you have decided Pilates is the way to go, you might want to check out the Top 5 Best Pilates Reformers List.

If you want to get started in bodybuilding, or are an experienced gym-goer who wants to improve in a certain area of the sport, getting the right information you need can be a challenge.

Personal trainers are expensive and asking the muscular guys and girls in the gym (who seem to be so confident in what they are doing) can be intimidating.

The Groom+Style team has worked hard to find you five great, entertaining,  bodybuilding YouTube videos. 

These videos can help you improve your current workout regime by exposing you to different exercises, strategies and techniques so you can take your lifting to the next stage – no matter what level you have currently achieved. 

Bring it on!

Why Should You Body Build?

Before looking at body building strategies, let’s remind ourselves why we lift.

Great Physique and Great Health

One obvious benefit of bodybuilding is given away with the name; you are literally taking the body you have been “given” and re-building it into the one you desire. 

It happens slowly, but if you are patient and dedicated, over a period of years, you can actually create a fitter, healthier, more muscular version of yourself.

Bodybuilding has been attributed with a significant number of health benefits; such as decreasing the risk of developing coronary heart disease, obesity and reduced cholesterol levels. 

It will keep your muscles strong and flexible, thereby decreasing the risk of arthritis and osteoporosis, as well as ensuring you have healthy bones and joints.  After a solid workout you will sleep better, and feel great after releasing any psychological tension that has built up.

Mental Health Benefits

Regular exercise has been shown to increase the levels of serotonin in our bodies, this powerful little chemical contributes significantly to feelings of well-being and happiness.  Serotonin works to reduce levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.  Bodybuilding has also been shown to improve memory and cognitive functions, particularly for those that are older.  No less important are the benefits of increased self-esteem and confidence; if you look great, then you feel great too.

Combining Bodybuilding with Good Nutrition

To reap the full benefits of any bodybuilding program you will need to educate yourself on nutrition. 

For your muscles to grow they will need the correct fuel.  Foods that are rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables; as well as foods rich in iron, such as lean meat; and foods rich in vitamin B, such as milk, compliment bodybuilding perfectly. 

Please read Fitness: A Complete Guide to Protein, if you are interested in understanding this topic further.

1)      Bodybuilding for Beginners

With over 4 million subscribers, this channel is the most subscribed-to trainers on YouTube. The video focuses on eight common exercises to get you started with bodybuilding, which are; pushups, bent over rows, upright rows, squat & press, curls, close grip pushups, mountain climbers and toe touches. 

The channel provides information on cutting fat, gaining muscle and defining your abs.

Although this video is aimed at beginners, all of these are useful exercises that can be incorporated into any workout routine.  For experienced gym-goes it can never hurt to be reminded about lifting fundamentals.

If you are restricted with time, then with this video and a set of adjustable dumbbells you have all you need for the beginnings of an effective workout routine.

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2) How to Train for Mass – Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Blueprint Training Program

This is a brilliant video from bodybuilding.com featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger; the former professional bodybuilder turned Terminator, turned Governor. 

You only need to take one look at Mr. Schwarzenegger to be assured he knows what he’s talking about (chemical assistance aside). 

This inspiring and motivational video looks at Arnold’s favorite exercises and training techniques to train for pure mass.  Want a body like Arnold’s?  Have a look at his blueprint.

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3) My Chest Workout – Scott Herman

This video from Scott Herman (who has amassed over 200 million views with his training videos) is bringing you a 17-minute chest workout, packed full of useful tips and advice for getting your chest stacked.

He works through nine different exercises, and shows you the effect that it has on his chest by looking at before and after shots. He takes a no-nonsense, work-hard approach to help you fast-track your training exercises.

He also includes several links to useful videos on eating high protein foods and information which can help you with your sleep routines.

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4) Back & Biceps Workout to Gain Muscle Mass @hodgetwins

The Hodge Twins bring comedy to working out (and eating). 

In this video they show a series of workout routines to help develop mass in the back and biceps. 

The various exercises are explained in detail, along with the number of sets and reps required.  In a light-hearted comedic way, they make working out fun!

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5) Truth about Pro Bodybuilder Diets

Marc Lobliner, a successful body builder, brings you this video explaining what professional bodybuilders actually eat – rather than the many diets that feature in magazines, which he says aren’t always true.

In his shouty voice, he drills home exactly what you should be eating and why. He also talks about what effect your weight and metabolism can have on the different exercises.

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What You Should Know About Bodybuilding

The Groom+Style team hope you enjoyed this collection of videos.  In addition here are ten handy tips, for beginners or experienced lifters, to incorporate into their bodybuilding plan:

1. Lift progressively heavier weights from session to session, in small controlled increments, to continuously subject your muscles to increased levels of stress. Otherwise your gains will plateau.
2. Eat at least one-gram of protein per pound of body weight per day; a vital element in helping to achieve your goals. Food with sufficient levels of protein include eggs, cheese, oatmeal, chicken, carrots and peanut butter.
3. Be sure to get plenty of sleep – not only will this keep you mentally in check, but it will also help with your protein synthesis.
4. Keep mentally positive both before, during and after your routines. If you approach your routines with confidence, this will reflect in the amount of effort that you put in and the results that you achieve.
5. Manage stress by avoiding smoking or drinking – be sure to eat well and take time to unwind each day.
6. Think about incorporating a small amount of aerobics into your bodybuilding routine; which is essential to muscle growth. This will also help with the removal of waste products, such as lactic acid, from the body, as well as helping with the transporting of oxygen.
7. Fat consumption is often avoided when someone is bodybuilding, but it is, in fact, worthwhile to include some saturated fats within your diet as it can boost testosterone levels, which in turn helps with muscle gains.
8. Don’t over train.  In an effort to speed up gains, some lifters end up overtraining.  Please be patient, bodybuilding should be looked at in years, not months or weeks.  Overtraining can lead to injury and in some cases increase your blood pressure and decrease your appetite. Limit your sessions to 45 minutes and take days off in between sessions.
9. Some supplements can greatly help with your bodybuilding routine. Do your research, but look at incorporating minerals, creatine, and l-glutamine into your diet.  Do stay away from the juice!
10. Continually educate yourself on the art of bodybuilding, things you should and shouldn’t be doing, and ways that you can improve your workouts.  For example read this additional article if you want to know how to increase your big 3 lifts by 30%.

Follow the steps and videos included in this article and you’ll be fast-tracking your physical and mental gains in no time at all! Just remember to be sensible and stay safe, happy lifting!

Coconut Oil For Acne Treatment – 7 Easy and Powerful Tips To Combat Breakouts

What is coconut oil good for?  The benefits of coconut oil are numerous; it can be used to promote hair growth, moisturize the face and skin, and as a shaving cream alternative. But did you know that coconut oil can be used as a natural acne treatment?

How to use Coconut Oil for Acne Treatment

Coconut oil contains four active ingredients that can help fight against acne – lauric acid, caprylic acid, vitamin E and healthy fats. Lauric acid and caprylic acid both have antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties that can combat acne. Vitamin E aids in removing acne scars, whilst healthy fats moisturize and lubricate the skin.

1. Face mask

Face masks are an important part of a skincare routine. A coconut oil face mask will soothe and nourish your skin, accelerate its regeneration, and help remove acne and pimples. Individuals with dry skin can also use the face mask to tackle dull skin tone.

Ingredients:

1. Fresh aloe juice – 5 Tbsp
2. Honey – 2 Tsp
3. Virgin or extra – 2 Tbsp

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients and apply the mask to your face, avoiding the eye area
2. Leave for 20 minutes
3. Rinse off the mask with lukewarm water and pat dry your skin with a washcloth

2. Moisturizer

Moisturizing oily or acne-prone skin may seem counterintuitive, but it’s not. Moisture in the skin helps keep pores open thus preventing the formation of blemishes and pimples, and aids in removing excess oil.

Directions:
Gently massage coconut oil onto your face in circular motions. You can do this before bedtime to allow your skin time to absorb and repair while you sleep.

3. Cleanser

The cleanser is the most important part of a skincare routine as it eliminates dirt, makeup residue, and other impurities from your skin. It also improves the absorption of other skin products. Coconut oil is a gentle yet powerful cleanser, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.

Directions:
1. Gently massage organic coconut oil onto your face
2. Apply a warm washcloth onto your face to open up the pores
3. Wait for 15-30 seconds, then remove oil with washcloth making sure not to scrub
4. Splash water on your face to remove excess oil

4. Exfoliant

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells and other impurities from your skin. It accelerates cellular rejuvenation and evens out your skin tone. Exfoliation is also important for acne-prone skin. Harsh exfoliants will stimulate excessive sebum production. Coconut oil is a naturally mild exfoliant, making it suitable for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin.

Ingredients:
1. Virgin or extra virgin organic coconut oil– 1 Tbsp
2. Baking soda– 1 Tbsp
3. Essential oil (optional) – 2 drops

Directions:
1. Apply exfoliating scrub
2. Rinse the scrub off your face with lukewarm water and a washcloth
3. Pat dry your face

5. Overnight treatment mask

Overnight treatment masks with coconut oil can help reduce redness, rashes, and acne due to its antiseptic properties.

Ingredients:
1. Virgin or extra virgin organic coconut oil– 1 Tbsp
2. Tea tree oil – 2 drops

Directions:
1. Mix the tea tree oil with the coconut oil
2. Combine ingredients until a serum is formed
3. Spread serum evenly onto your face before bedtime
4. Wash off serum with lukewarm water and washcloth in the morning

6. Spot acne treatment

Acne spot treatments are very practical. They tackle breakouts while leaving the surrounding skin intact.

Ingredients:
1. Virgin or extra virgin organic coconut oil – ¼ cup
2. Lemon essential oil – 10 drops
3. Lavender essential oil – 10 drops
4. Tea tree/melaluca essential oil – 10 drops

Directions:
1. Soften coconut oil slightly in a jar by placing it over a bowl filled with hot tap water until it melts
2. Stir in essential oils, then place into the refrigerator
3. Gently wash your face
4. Using a cotton swab, apply the mixture onto acne in the morning and before bedtime

7. Food

Coconut oil can be used both internally (eating coconut oil) and externally to treat acne. In fact, experts recommend internal and external use as the best way to get rid of acne. Two to five tablespoons per day are recommended for noticeable changes to your skin. There are several ways in which you can incorporate coconut oil into your diet (coconut oil recipes); the team at Groom+Styles favorite is to add a 1-2tbsp with a heap of fruit and mix in a top of the range blender.

Guest Author Bio
Annie Lizstan works as a health and beauty consultant for online websites and as an independent researcher by profession. She completed her studies at the University of Arizona and lived in Wasilla, Alaska. She likes to explore ideas about health, fitness and beauty. She has experience researching as a passion as well as profession. You can connect with her on Twitter.

Shaving is one of those tasks that men have a wide range of feelings about.

While some love the feeling of a freshly shaved face, others would prefer to let it grow long and free like a wildflower.

Regardless of whether shaving is loved or hated, a daily or weekly event, one thing is certain and almost ritualistic, which is aftershave.

Originally, the purpose of aftershave was an antiseptic; however, nowadays, it serves a number of purposes. Aftershave was initially used to keep cuts from getting infected.

However, with modern razors and electric shavers, cuts are less prevalent now than they were before. So aftershave as an antiseptic is not as urgent today as it was in the past.

Lots of men prefer to use an astringent as an aftershave because it prevents infection and also opens up pores to prevent acne.

While aftershave is readily available in many stores, there’s nothing quite like making your own aftershave that is perfectly suited to the unique needs of your skin.

How Do You Make Homemade Aftershave?

Creating your own aftershave is more economical; however, the bonus is that you can tailor it to your own personal needs and style.

Commercial aftershaves are heavily scented for the comfort of most men; however, when you create your own, you can make the scent as light or as heavy as you like.

Your skin is also unique, and this means it needs a unique blend of ingredients that are all tailored to the type of skin you have.

Lately, men are becoming more aware of the number of additives and chemicals contained in their hygiene products such as shampoo, conditioner, and antiperspirant.

Therefore, men are becoming more interested in the idea of creating their homemade aftershave and natural products.

Some men want an astringent, a scented astringent, or a moisturizing aftershave. There’s always some basic ingredients, and you need to know what they do and how they work before starting.

Most of the ingredients are relatively inexpensive and readily available. So you can easily whip up a batch, see how you like it, and tweak it until it suits your needs.

Eventually, you’ll be able to create a concoction that meets your own personal and customized needs.

What Can I Use As A Natural Aftershave?

Depending on your skincare routine, using aftershave may or may not be a necessary process.

Aftershave gives you a sense of accomplishment and designed to mark the end of the shaving process. It also leaves skin refreshed, toned, and cool.

Some commercial aftershaves, however, tend to have an overpowering scent, and this tends to put en off.

There are, however, some pure and natural alternatives that you can use, which have the same soothing effect and are also readily available.

So here are some natural aftershave alternatives:

Apple Cider Vinegar

When Apple cider vinegar is diluted in water, it acts as an aftershave lotion. By mixing equal parts of apple cider vinegar with water and applying it to the skin, it brings soothing relief after you shave.

The smell can tend to be a bit heavy, so you may want to combine it with some essential oils.

An essential tip is that you should create the mixture a few days in advance.

Store it for about four or five days in a cool dark place and make sure that you shake the jar before you use it.  Use a soft cotton ball to apply it to the skin.

If you’re not sure if your skin is going to take to the apple cider vinegar mixture, try it over the weekend so you can see how it’s going to turn out.

So ensure that you take your time and test it to see exactly how your skin takes to it before deciding to use it.

Alcohol

One of the most effective ways to clean your face after shaving is by using alcohol. You shouldn’t splash it since it can get into your eyes, but you should apply it easily by dabbing it onto your face.

One of the disadvantages of this natural alternative is that it tends to dry the skin quickly, so you should dilute it in water and use a hydrating cream afterward.

Water

It may sound a little obvious, and weird to lots of people to use water, given that you use it anyway to wash away what’s left of the shaving cream.

However, water is an important step in the shaving process. It is recommended that you wash your face with warm water so it can open up the pores and wash away any impurities that’s left after shaving.

Then you should wash your face with cold water to close the pores.

So the good news is that washing with warm water opens up your pores and releases impurities while the cold water closes your pores so that bacteria cannot get into them.

Ultimately, using water as an aftershave would improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.

Alum

Alum was initially used as an antiseptic and constricting agent by the ancient Egyptians.

You should rub a little bit of the substance on wet skin and leave for two minutes, so it can take care of damaged skin and nicks.

The disadvantage with Alum as is the case with alcohol is that it tends to dry the skin out so you should always  apply moisturizer after using the Alum.

What Ingredients Can You Use In Homemade Aftershave

Creating homemade and natural aftershave is a matter of using a few base ingredients.

The good news is that they are inexpensive and readily available.

Astringents And Antiseptics

Witch Hazel

For decades, Witch Hazel has been used as an astringent to help open up pores and tighten skin. You can use it as an aftershave on its own or use a scent in it.

Alcohol

Alcohol works as an excellent antiseptic aftershave. Rubbing alcohol or even drinking alcohol works.

Since alcohol evaporates quickly, you’ll likely be smelling like a liquor store in a few minutes. Try experimenting on the weekends, so you don’t run the risk of bumping into your boss.

Zest

Lemon, orange, and grapefruit rinds contain antiseptic and toning properties, and the bonus is they have a great scent.

If you don’t want an overbearing scent, then balance it out with the herbs recommended.

Scents

Essential Oils

Essential oils add a tasteful scent to aftershave, and many of them have great health qualities in themselves.

Some great masculine scents are spearmint, rosemary, patchouli, sandalwood, bay, cypress, Oakmoss, black pepper, ginger, vanilla, and vetiver.

Alternatively, if you don’t want a heavy scent, feel free to use a lighter scent like Ylang-Ylang and experiment until you come up with your own unique blend.

Herbs

Helps bring a zesty aroma to your aftershave. Feel free to drop them in the bottle and grind them up before blending them into a balm.

Some great herbs are chamomile, rosemary, sage, lavender, cinnamon, ginger, bay leaves, cloves, and mint and thyme.

The fresher the herbs, the more aromatic it will be. So consider going to the grocery store and using fresh herbs or even try growing your own.

Flower Essences

While most people associate flower scents with women, scents like rosewater have been used by men throughout history.

Lots of flowers do not contain that lighten, fresh scent generally associated with women and therefore bring a delicate balance or counterpoint to some of the heavier herb scents like clove and rosemary.

Moisturizers

Aloe Vera

A gel-like substance that comes from the aloe vera plant is aloe-gel. Buying your own plant is the best idea if you want to get fresh aloe vera.

Alternatively, you can purchase 100% pure aloe vera gel. Aloe is excellent for soothing razor burn and bumps. It can also be used as a mild moisturizer for oily and combination skin.

Glycerin

Glycerin attracts moisture to your skin, which means it is a natural humectant.

It makes a great base aftershave since it is a suitable solvent, and most ingredients dissolve better in glycerin than in water or alcohol.

However, when diluted with water, it softens your skin, making it an excellent moisturizer.

Shea Butter

This is probably the best moisturizer if you have dry skin. It’s high in vitamin E and mimics the sebaceous oils found naturally in the skin.

For best results, use high-quality and fresh shea butter from reputable sources.

Step By Step Guide For Making Your Own Aftershave

Step One

Start by choosing your main astringent. This is basically the substance that shrinks tissues and, in this case, the pores.

The stringent is an important part of the aftershave since most people use warm water to shave, and this opens up the pores, and by using an astringent, it will close up the pores.

Step Two

In this step, you need to choose a secondary astringent. Since the main astringent may be too hard on the skin, the second astringent is more a mollifying agent, and when paired with the main astringent offsets the stinging sensation.

Step Three

Next, you need to choose an emollient, which is the substance that softens and moisturizes your skin. It is also known as mineral oil.

Step Four

Step four is where you need to decide if you want to put in a styptic pencil. This is any substance that, when applied to the skin, staunches bleeding.

If you are prone to nicks and cuts, this step is recommended.

Step Five

In step five, you need to add fragrances or essential oils. This is a great way to fragrance aftershaves. Some examples of essential oils are eucalyptus, lavender, and citrus oils.

Once you add all the ingredients, be sure to give the jar a good shake and probably leave the aftershave to sit for approximately 4 to 5 days before using it.

Conclusion

You probably heard the saying that clothes make the man, however nice aftershave doesn’t hurt either.

The bad news is that most store-bought brands contain heavy fragrances and chemicals that some people don’t want to slather on their faces.

The good news is that you can take more control out of what comes in contact with your skin by investing in a small amount of ingredients and whipping up a batch of your own natural aftershave.