Face routine at Night: Feedback Overkill or Useless?

[Jerry4roo]

I remember reading somewhere that at evening, I should wash my face, tone it with the Alum block, and use a moisturizer

So here is what I am doing: I whip up some Col Conk Bay Rum (face lather), like the smell and think the Glycerine and Avocado Oil will aid in moisturizing, apply it on beard and whole face with the brush, then Alum Block, then after rinse and towel, apply Nivea Double Action Balm before bed. Nice smell and the wife enjoys it!

Is this overkill?
Does the Col Conk really clean my face?
Should I just use Dial bar soap and a AS splash for frangrance and freshness?


I do this to heal any bumps from shaving and prevent pimpels that make DE shaving more difficult.

[SteveWY]

I would think that washing your face, lathering and shaving (X-passes) would more than "clean" your face. I don't know that another lathering would do anything more. The alum is a good idea if you need that. I like to finish with a cold water rinse, dry, witch hazel splash (added benefits of astringent for cleaning & healing) and then some ASB if I need soothing and moisturizing. If I don't need the extra TLC I just go with AS splash. Of course, if you wife likes your routine and the way you smell at bedtime you probably should stick with what works!

[Jerry4roo]

Oh, I should be clear: I shave in the morning. This is just a "healthy" skin question.

I will try some witch hazel and the balm. Thank you, SteveWY

[newkie]

That sounds like a good way to get extra practice on your lathering skills! I'm sure it's more gentle than plain soap, but there are lots of soap-free face scrubs which might be a bit quicker.

Not sure you need the alum block if you aren't actually shaving but I might be missing some benefit it has for your skin.

[JoshuaNY]

I think its a good idea to wash your face to get rid of the daily grit and grime and moisturize at night. I do it most days, but not always.

It really depends on your face what is best to do. Try a day without the alum block and see if their is a difference. If for some reason I had a rougher shave then normal and my face is a bit tender I will use some witch hazel after I wash my face at night and follow that with a moisturizer.

Also, depending on the season decides which moisturizer I use. In the summer I use a lighter lotion, in the winter I bust out the Cetaphil Cream.

The shaving soap will clean your face well enough and then you dont have to purchase another product. I find Dial bar soap can be a bit harsh on the face.

[DMT]

I wash my face with a soapless face wash and hot water then finish up with a cold water rinse and some moisturizer. Using an alum block sounds a bit over kill to me, but as we always say YMMV so if it works for you then stick with it.

[Radium]

I wash my face with Ivory soap during my nightly shower. It sure sounds like you`re over killing but then again there is so many ways to skin a cat.

[Jawaburger]

I concur, your shaving soap is probably better than the other soaps you listed to clean your face at night. If you feel as though your face is not too greasy or dirty, you can even try to wash your face with just water (no soap or cleansers). Just splash and rub gently.

I prefer witch hazel instead of alum, and I only moisturize at night if I feel like I need it. I always do in the winter, but midsummer I will often pass on the moisturizer. Of course everyones skin is a little different, so you will have to play around to see what makes your skin the healthiest. I will always moisturize after a shave though.