I think I remember reading somewhere that Alum can be used as an antiperspirant and that it basically lasts 'forever'. Anyone tried that?
I use it all the time. HOWEVER, it is a deodorant not an anti-perspirant. You will still sweat, but the alum helps prevent the growth of odor-inducing bacteria. and yes, it does last "forever"... until you drop it and shatter the crystal.
Ah, thanks for that clarification. Do you feel ok with using JUST the Alum or do you also use something for perspiration? Is it the same Alum block/stick as used for shaving a certain version of Alum? Buy online?
I'm not a big pit-sweat-er, even while working out, so for me, it's not a big deal and I don't use anti-persp. YMMV, of course. The thing with the alum is that you want to apply it throughly to freshly washed, and still damp pits. It will take a few days for your body to adjust and it may or may not work well for you as far as odor is controlled. It also works best if it reaches skin, so if you're particularly forested, you may want to thin the forest a bit. You may or may not want to use a back up deo spray if you know you're going to be sweating heavily. Alum serves to prevent the odor-causing bacteria, it does not remove odor. It's the same alum as for shaving, but you can also buy it at your local drugstore in the Ammonium Alum form and also as a roll on as opposed to a block. Lafe' and "Magic Crystal" are Potassium Alum which is the preferred form. Potassium Alum is naturally occurring, whereas the ammonium alum is man-made. Both will do the same job, however, some folks (myself included) get pit rash from the ammonium form. An alum block is great for traveling as it can be used as an aftershave, as a deodorant, and if you have short hair, it can also be used as a hair dressing (makes crew cuts look particularly nice).
Happy to help! The thread below is a bit long and you'll have to read through it, but has some more info that might be helpful. http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/deodorant-for-travel.33431/ .
I think I'll pick up one of these. Price seems good for the size: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FA35K02/?tag=thshde-20 Their home page with some good info: http://www.gentjon.com/ And here's a write-up about it: http://www.themanual.com/grooming/gentleman-jon-alum-block/
Those look nice and a good price. You can also get some nice small ones (good for travel) from tulumba.com. Although they are of lower quality, the price is very nice.
Despite what they say on that page, alum is not an anti-persp. Also, if you're using it as a deo under your arms, let it dry in palce & do not wash it off. Otherwise, a good write up.
For the past couple of weeks, this is what I've been doing: I use Old Spice deodorant in a solid stick. I drop 2 drops of tea tree oil on top of the stick and apply. The tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic which kills bacteria and bacteria causes BO. The OS stick give a nice scent and so far I've noticed a big difference in my deodorant lasting longer.
LOL. And we thought Old Spice Deo was manly! Today's my first use of HTGM/PPF Pit Stick in Cavendish.
Crystal Roll on. I break out in a rash if I use any of the commercial antipirsperants, or deodorants. Clayton
