Alternative to alum post shave

Hey ya!

Been having a break from the alum I found I get a few acne spots here and there, nothing wild but since I'm no teenager I don't fancy'em ;-)

So I'm back on the alum for testing. Downside is (which is why I partially stopped) I get red skin up to half an hour after and then it settles. It's not sore or anything, it just looks like I've shaved with a bad cartridge.

So my question is, are there any alternatives to the alum?

I've thought about witch hazel but it's not available here so I'll need to find a vendor that'll ship overseas. Next up is an alcohol based after shave splash everyday, but I don't fancy all that perfume, so unless there exists a splash without perfume, then it's not a viable solution.

Any recommendations?

Thanks in advance

 

Hi. I use an alcohol based splash after shave. I use a strong Eucalyptus/Menthol one too. But believe it or not the fragrance doesn't last that long. Like 15 - 20 minutes at most. So if you can wait that long after your shave to go out? Or, talk to Queen of Blades here; she makes the custom splash aftershaves. Maybe she can do one for you with no essential oils?

 

Have you tried Nivea Post Shave Balm? It's alcohol free and has little or no scent.

 

Just curious, Do you get the half hour of redness if you use alum without a shave?

 

I've been using Neutrogena Post Shave Lotion. It really helps calm my face,

 

I've mentioned it to you before, I think, Martin, but I like the Aveeno Active Naturals ASB. It's fundamentally unscented, and could only cause redness if you have an undisclosed allergy.

 

The Nivea balm is my favorite but it's scented and not antiseptic or what it's called in english - the propertie where it fights bacteria.

The Aveeno is unavailable here, I'm affraid.

 

I'll try that tonight!

 

I had a problem using alum blocks. I get a rash for a few hours. I have very sensitive skin and i asked my barber. One thing he told me was to wet a towel and place it in the freezer before i start shaving. Then use the towel on my face before i put a balm on. I find it soothing. It also closes the pores like an alum block dose.

 

The towel in the freezer thing sounds great. Thanks for the information.

 

First, welcome to the Den.
Be sure to sign up for our July Newbie Give-Away.

Or you could just rub an ice cube on your face. I know one or two of the guys around here do that.

 

A little update. I never got around to try the alum before a shave so I don't know how my face will react to that. However instead of leaving it on for severel minutes while cleaning the gear I've reduced that time to a minute tops. I then rinse it of like I usually do.

No problems with that approach and the blemishes are gone too.

 

I was looking for information on the Aveeno since their products are usually of good quality and it is inexpensive. Searched the forums and viola! Here is the info. Thank you. Based on your recommendation I am going to buy some.

 

I don't know if this is available where you live, but the Lab Series has some soothing scent free products. I use this occasionally, but I prefer scented aftershaves. If I experienced a little razor burn or a harsh shave, I would probably use this though.

 

I believe Lab Series are available in Germany, so I'll have a look after it next time I'm there.

 

If alum helps, but you don't want to use a block, I'd recommend Myrsol Metilsol. It's a alcohol based splash that also has alum in it. Very healing and mild herbal (thyme) scent that dissipates within 15-20 minutes.

 

I have no problem with the block nor the alum itself anymore, per earlier post. It works really well now.

But I'm still on lookout for a scentless (not just little scent but zero scent) after shave splash.

 

I tried the ice cubes and i think i like it better the towel in the freezer.