The redundancy of Alum & AS?

Hey gents (&ladies),

I recently added an alum block to my shave routine. I'm noticing my face is a bit dry after using both the alum & Clubman LV. Should I just add a moisturizer to my routine or phase out either the alum or AS?

Thanks,

EzrasDad

 

I use an alum block after every shave. I simply apply it generously to my wet face, let it stay on while I finish other tasks (wash out my brush, clean razor, etc.). I then wash my face off with cold water to remove any alum residue. I find the alum much too drying on my skin to keep it there. I finish with a post-shave replenishing balm that contains moisturizers & shea butter. No dryness afterwards; just happy, healthy skin.

The combo of alum and an alcohol-based aftershave can leave skin feeling dry.

 

Alum blocks, sticks, powders, etc. are also used to stop bleeding from small nicks and or weepers.

Some of the images have "disappeared" but the content is covered.

http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/stopping-the-flow-of-red.27542/

 

I apply Alum after each shave, and rinse. For me it shows me if I was careless in a particular area. And of course the healing effect.

 

I know alum helps with nicks/weepers, but as I luckily pretty much never get either although I have an alum block, I never use it...After rinsing off my face with hot and then cold water, I apply Nivea sensitive aftershave balm, let it air dry as I police up the vanity and brush my teeth, I follow the Nivea with the AS splash of the day...My skin feels great with no dryness or oilyness...

 

I use my alum to fight acne. If I don't use it, I get the occasional here and there.

 

Indeed. Alum is the 'great revealer' of any deficiencies in my technique and/or carelessness with a straight razor...

 

If I do use the alum block, I may follow up with a scented AS such as Brut, Clubman, Old Spice, etc.

 

I don't get much acne, but I'm using alum for the same reason. I don't really nick myself when shaving (knock on wood) but I'm trying to limit my breakouts by using the alum as an astringent.

I'm just a little worried I'm drying out my face too much.

 

That's a concern for me too. I splash on witchhazel, then use the alum. I let it dry then rinse with cold water and use an aftershave balm. It hasn't given me any problems so far in fact my skin feels better but is that too much astringent? Should I stop using one or the other?

 

Worth a read….
Is alum safe?

 

Scary...

What might be the alternative for both shaving and deodorant?

 

Possibly Witch hazel.
I have a friend who is allergic to most commercial deodorants and started using isopropyl alcohol, but converted over to witch hazel since the scent wasn't so 'medicinal.'
It isn't an antiperspirant, but it does contain adequate alcohol (14%) to help nullify stinky bacteria.

 

Hrm I was hoping for something easily available. Hmm perhaps I should switch to an alcoholbased after shave instead? But then I'm still a deo short

 

I don't use alum block, but I always use witch hazel.

 

This answered the question I was about to ask...thanks.