Problem with alum block?

I was wondering if there is anyone else out there that has used an alum block and found that it irritated more then it helped. I used one for the first time yesterday morning and also today. Both mornings I have had worse razor burn than I have ever had before. I didn't do anything different then I normally do.

 

It might be your specific alum block in that there are two forms of alum block available: ammonium alum (which is man-made) and potassium alum (natural). Both are exactly the same functionally, but the ammonium (man-made) form can give some folks irritation and mild rashes. It may take a couple uses for this reaction to occur.

 

It's a Shavex alum block which is supposedly all natural. It felt good going on with the usual sting but after waiting a couple of minutes then rinsing it off I put on some AS and balm it was red and sore.

 

Apply the block to your face on a non shave day or twelve hours after a shave. This will isolate the exposure and allow you to see if it is the block itself or some other factor. Sorry it's giving you fits!

 

Hmmm... well, I'd skip the AS since that's redundant to the alum. Also, maybe you're allergic or sensitive to something in either the AS or the balm. I'd go process of elimination and see what happens.

 

Agree. +1

 

I'd skip the alum.

 

Are you anti-alum in general? Thoughts?

 

Personally I love the alum; it just feels so good going on and it makes my skin feel so good after I rinse it off. But received forum "wisdom" is that it's not so with everyone - lots of folks seem to get an increased irritation like you did.
Not that you're looking for advice, granted, but I'd say if the oven burns your hand, then don't stick your hand in the oven.

 

I used alum after every shave for almost a year. I asked myself at one point "what am I getting out of this step?" I eliminated alum and WH at the same time and refined my routine based on some research. Now, after my final cold water rinse, I leave my face wet and rub 4 drops of pure Tea Tree Oil on my face and neck, let dry, then rinse with cold water. I then finish with a combo mixture of Argan oil and Unrefined Shea Butter.

The Tea Tree Oil disinfects my skin and replaces the alum and WH and the USB and Argan Oil rehydrates and conditions my skin.

 

Intelligent minimalist philosophy... I dig it!

 

No alum today and no irritation.

 

I've never had a need to use alum. I'm still not sure what it's needed for. I rinse first with hot tap water to wash off the soap residue, then cold tap water to cool my face, followed by a tiny amount of nivea sensitive post shave balm, followed by my after shave of choice for the day...

 

Maybe alum isn't for you...glad you had a better shave!

 

Alum blocks irritate the heck out of my face, as well. I like the immediate tight feeling and how it stops very minor weepers though.

Lately instead of an alum block I use Bump Off Face & Beard Conditioner. You can get it at Sally's. The ingredients are purified aqua, boric acid, alum, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, fragrance (I can't smell the fragrance). You use it as a pre shave and after shave face conditioner. The alum does help with some weepers, somehow better than with an alum block. It feels moisturizing and comforting on the face instead of tight and irritating.

 

Yeah, I went back to my old way. Cold water splash, AS and balm. It's what works for me. I guess that why I get for wanting to be like all the cool kids.

 

I only use Alum because it helps my face. Having a killer shave and smelling like a million bucks makes you one of the cool kids!

Go with what works.

 

I dissolved a whole styptic pencil into 16oz of witch hazel and aloe, and it seems to be better than a traditional Alum block.