To all you alum block users out there: Do you use one everyday? Do you use it in conjunction with aftershave? Is it beneficial to use? I've been curious to try one at some point and am looking for some insight.
I use Alum every day, I tend to use aftershave most days also, but that mostly because I head shave and my scalp need something lightly moisturizing. Here is what I find alum does: -Kills the bacteria that promote acne and slow healing -tightens pores to keep them clean and slow oil production, also gives a slightly tight feeling to the skin -if held in place long enough, it will stop bleeding from mild to moderate nicks, but isn't as good at this as a styptic pencil All these things can be done with other products, and the reduced oil production may or may not be something you want. If you're like me, this is the simpliest, cheapest, and most effective way to do all these things for your face. You can likely find one locally sold as a crystal type deodorant at an organic grocery. Be sure to get Potassium alum, NOT ammonnium alum if you go this route. I recommend trying it unless you have really dry skin, I've heard only negative things from people with dry skin who try alum. If you have oily skin, you NEED it.
Why potassium alum over ammonium? Is it a burn thing or is there more to it? I just discovered a good sized ammonium alum crystal that I didn't realized I had that I bought to try as a deodorant, but gave up because it just didn't work out for me. I've cleaned it off and did a quick douse in rubbing alcohol and it's just sitting their begging me to use it as an aftershave.
Shave - Rinse/clean w/ cold wash cloth - alum block - wait a few moments - wipe off w/ cold wash cloth - then AS
Moe - alum first. Rinse after 1-2 minutes, dry to the level desired and then apply AS if desired. Corey - I've never tried using the Ammonium alum, just heard it burns terribly. I can't recommend it, but no reason to believe anything worse than short-term stinging pain on your face would be the result. If you give it a go, please let us know how it turns out. Of course, I just grabbed a Potassium Alum block at Natural Grociers for ~$2.50 so it's not like it's a huge investment to play it safe.
Guys, Thanks! I've not purchased an Alum block yet, and don't want to pay shipping on just that item, so am waiting until I place an order for multiple items, or until I get to a place that has stores that carry them. I tried the only Indian Grocery in town,,,,,, but it had just closed it doors a month ago. I'll be in Atlanta in June, if I don't have one by then, I know of a couple Indian Groceries there to look. I also keep my eyes open everywhere I go now for shaving items. Thanks again, Moe
I use alum in the evening. I find right after shaving, my skin is just a bit too raw for alum. It tends to get red. After 10-12 hours, using alum feels much better. I use witch hazel as a first step right after a shave. Potassium alum is more gentle, better for after shaving. I found ammonium alum slightly more irritating.
I use alum just about every shave and had been even before I discovered wet/SE/DE shaving. Like Erik describe it just makes my face tight and does seem to calm redness down. It will sting a little though especially in places that got a little raw or nicks during the shave.
Art of Shaving in Lenox Mall - Atlanta Ga carries the Alum block for $16 in a plastic travel container
Stopped in a health store yesterday that I had not noticed before. I found a potasium alum version of an anti perspirant stick (all others i've seen were the amonium alum). It was 8.99, which was pretty steep for the amount you get, but I figured it was a way to try it before paying that much and shipping for a larger one. Besides, if it works out, will be the perfect thing to move to my travel bag.
You'll be amazed how long it lasts and it may not be as small by comparison as you think. The "big" block are typically about 100g. The "deodorant stone" I picked up recently was 85g for under $2.50.
After my final cold rinse I wipe the alum block around every inch of the shaved area. Leave it on while washing bowl and brush, and then pat dry. Then an application of a currently favoured AS. When that is dry, I may or may not apply a little scentless moisturizer, depending on how tight and dry the skin is feeling. Some will say that alum and AS is overkill. I just think of it as a belt and braces approach. Besides, I like both, so why not?
I live in Atlanta and would love to know where some good Indian markets are. $16 is WAYYYYY too much for alum. I attempt to stay away from Lenox as much as possible also.
They are all around the metro area but I dont seem to hang out in those areas too often. There is a road called Buford Hwy that has every nationality know to man along it. I might venture over there soon. REally just looking for some cool shave creams though.
