What is the deal with this ALUM stuff?

[xraydoc]

Okay here is the deal, I bought a block of this alum stuff and I'm kind of confused. I know it stops bleeding but I've heard of people using it everyday even when they DON'T cut themselves. I tried this and it left my skin feeling smooth throughout the day but really seems to dry my skin out. Can you use this with after shave and aftershave balm? If so, what is the correct order and do you wait in between applications? What is the proper technique? Any advice, tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

[mblakele]

Mostly I see it as an astringent. Witch hazel does enough in that department for me, but YMMV.

When I did use alum, I would apply it between a warm rinse and a cold rinse, waiting a minute or two in between. If I did not rinse off the alum residue, it would irritate my skin.

[cb91710]

Every day.

Shave, cold water rinse.
Alum on face (and separate block for pits, it's a GREAT deodorant!). Allow that to dry while I clean and strop my razor. Cold water rinse.
Witch hazel splash, allow to dry, followed by aftershave or aftershave balm depending on the temperature/humidity/skin condition.

Right now I'm using the Tabac balm because it's cooler, humidity is around <1% :biggrin: and I've been nursing a sunburn.

[xraydoc]

Thanks! I'm gonna keep using it.... for a solid month. Then re-evaluate. A deodorant?? I never would of guessed. I have to admit the alum does give a nice glass like smooth finish. Now that I know I can put some ASB on afterwards it may just become a staple. Thanks again.

[cb91710]

It is an antiseptic/antibacterial.
What makes your pits stink? Bacteria. Kill the bacteria and you kill the stink.
I hold the rock under running water for a second and then go over both pits.

Keeping them trimmed also helps.

[Gammon]

I have not had success using alum as a deodorant. Not sure why not though.

But, for my face, it definitely makes my skin tighter, smoother, and, overall just healthier-feeling, if that makes sense. I apply it with warm water, wait a couple minutes, then wash it off with soap, otherwise I get irritation.

[Rushman2112]

I've only recently acquired an Alum block - the guy in Planete Rasoir persuaded me to buy one - and I use it after the shave and the cold water splash. I rub the block all over which generally gives a pleasant tingly sensation, and then just pat dry with a towel. it seems to work OK for me so far.

[itsmedave]

Love my RazoRock Alum Stick. Best treatment for razor burn and nicks as far as I'm concerned.

[mdw15]

The alum works well for me after a cold rinse, coming out of the bath/shower, with the face still wet. I rub it on gently and let it dry for a few minutes; then I rinse it off with cold water. (The rinse is critical for me.) Then I apply the WH. Let it dry. Then trumper limes skin food.

Lately I have been skipping the alum and just using the WH and the skin food, which seems to be working fine.

[dpmtherrien]

The alum has antiseptic properties and is good for many things involving the skin. I've used it for so many skin problems when they pop up that it never ceases to amaze me with the things it can do. I've always found it best to rinse it off before using and AS or balm, but that what works for me and of course you'll have to try out different ways of using it for yourself. I've even used it on a cold sore when I didn't bring my prescription once when traveling. It worked great on the sore.

I'd say to try it on anything skin related, at the most it won't hurt anything.

[htownmmm]

Using a block for my face and another for the pits for 5 years and counting....


marty

[bassmanlarry]

I first started without an alum block, but I found it adds to my shave. I shave before showering, so my routine is shave, alum block with cold water, let sit while I dry my razor, blade, and clean my brush and bowl, apply Witch Hazel, shower, then apply after shave spash after showering.

[wallstreet77]

I baught a block of alum for 1 dollar last week and have been using it daily after my shaves. Really does wonders for my skin. By the looks of it, the block should last for about a year. Its great!! Basically, use this as CB91710 (Rich) prescribes above... ya heard!!

[xraydoc]

Thanks guys! Much better experience now, I use it right after I shave, just after a cold water rinse. I let it dry while I clean my brush et cetera. I then rinse it off, and apply some moisturizing aftershave balm. I get a nice tight feeling without drying my skin out. How long does a block last? I got a chunk if it from GFT and it looks like it will last forever! I will use it 4-5 x week. Thanks again.

[jerry550]

Alum is also good for making cartoon characters' mouths pucker as in the old Merrie Melodies Cartoons!