Alum Block v. Witch Hazel

**ada8356** · 06-29-2006, 01:46 PM

I curerntly use an alum block after my cold water rinse... does WH do anything for me at this point? I'm pretty sure the two products serve the same purpose but I would like some more professional (ie experienced) input.

Thanks!
Aaron

**mrob** · 06-29-2006, 02:03 PM

I think the alum block is supposed to function more as an astringent--it stops or staunches blood flow, like a styptic pencil--while the WH, while a mild astringent, is used more as a toner and to refresh and moisten the skin, sometimes in anticipation of the application of an aftershave or moisturizer.

At least that's my understanding.

**Suzuki** · 06-29-2006, 02:13 PM

Some similarities, some differences, mrob has it right, but here's a little more info.

Here is what one site says about alum:

Alum, a natural mineral found in Europe and used by the Egyptians more than 4,000 years ago, is a shaving essential for any well-groomed man. Its antiseptic properties calm razor burn and soothe irritations, and help stop bleeding in the event of a nick or cut.

It is also an astringent.

Witch hazel - from Wikipedia

Witch Hazel Hydrosol is used in skincare. It is a strong anti-oxidant and astringent. It has been recommended for psoriasis, eczema, cracked or blistered skin, for treating insect bites, poison ivy, and as the treatment of choice for varicose veins and hemorrhoids (such as Tucks Hemorrhoidal Pads, and Preparation H).

It is also an active ingredient in some eye-drop medications like Optrex

I use both - the alum helps with any nicks and I think it helps with redness and irritation generally - the witch hazel is more soothing, largely because I use Thayers, which is alcohol-free and has aloe in it.

Hope this helps.

**piperc** · 06-29-2006, 06:21 PM

So, when using Alum, do you rinse it off prior to the application of aftershave? I notice a little bit of 'gumminess' after using alum and then applying aftershave.

Chris

**woodbane** · 06-30-2006, 05:35 AM

Originally Posted by piperc

So, when using Alum, do you rinse it off prior to the application of aftershave? I notice a little bit of 'gumminess' after using alum and then applying aftershave.

Chris

I was going to ask the same question as I just acquired an Alum block. I've tried putting JASON Witch Vera on as my aftershave after using the Alum and it seemed to react kinda funny, I ended up with the flaky white paste all over my face.

However, with other aftershaves it has been fine....go figure.

I'd still be interested to see whether we're supposed to rinse it off though. Let's wait to hear from some of the longer serving members, I'll bet they'll chime in.

**NMMB** · 06-30-2006, 05:45 AM

Originally Posted by piperc

So, when using Alum, do you rinse it off prior to the application of aftershave? I notice a little bit of 'gumminess' after using alum and then applying aftershave.

Chris

Chris & Andy (and anybody else who might care),

I don't exactly rinse the Alum off ... but I guess that I do rinse it off in a way. When I use alum, I use it directly after my cold water rinse. Then, a few minutes later, I usually apply WH of some variety, which I suppose would rinse away at leeast some of the Alum residue, if there is any. This is my method and I've experienced none of the "gumminess" or "flaky white paste" that you chaps mention.

**Suzuki** · 07-01-2006, 04:14 AM

I do the same as NMMB - no flakes.

I don't think a splash of cold water would interfere with anything, just play around and experiment to see what works for you.

**guenron** · 07-04-2006, 05:49 AM

One additonal salubrious application of alum is that of a laxative. When administered properly, it covers both ends of the personal health spectrum...

**htownmmm** · 07-04-2006, 06:03 AM

Originally Posted by guenron

One additonal salubrious application of alum is that of a laxative. When administered properly, it covers both ends of the personal health spectrum...

Ron,

u are a fount of information(although i dont know if this is something i really wanted to know)!

Marty

**guenron** · 07-04-2006, 06:18 AM

Originally Posted by htownmmm

Ron,

u are a fount of information(although i dont know if this is something i really wanted to know)!

Marty

Marty,
Just be careful when applying that block to the visage.. Too many encounters with the open mouth, well, and the rest is ...

**Justso** · 07-05-2006, 06:54 AM

Ron,

The question I have about Alum blocks is this...it's a mineral found in the earth..Is "Alum" short for "Aluminum"??? Does it contain trace amounts of aluminum in it? If it does, it's out for me. I even refuse to use deodorants that have aluminum in them.

Or am I out in left field somewhere?

**NMMB** · 07-05-2006, 07:09 AM

Originally Posted by Justso

Ron,

The question I have about Alum blocks is this...it's a mineral found in the earth..Is "Alum" short for "Aluminum"??? Does it contain trace amounts of aluminum in it? If it does, it's out for me. I even refuse to use deodorants that have aluminum in them.

Or am I out in left field somewhere?

You refuse to use any products with Aluminum? Well, you aren't the only one... Is this for fear of aluminum causing cancer or Alzheimer's disease? Alum is not short for aluminum, but there will be aluminum in alum (as a part of the molecules). See this for some more info. Out of curiosity, do you drink/eat beverages/food from aluminum cans?

**Justso** · 07-05-2006, 07:17 AM

NMMB,

I try to make a practice of not drinking out of alumnimum cans. However, in a study I read a while back (I'll try to find it again), it said that the concentration of aluminum actually ingested from consumables from aluminum cans is so trace that it's almost a non-issue. Whereas, with anti-perspirants, that's an active ingredient specifically used for stopping perspiration.

Yes, it is fear of many health risks. I had a long talk with my physician, who is a cardiologist as well as an internal medicine specialist, and his opinion was that blocking the free flow of urea out of the body from the sweat glands is bound to cause some long term health risks. When your body sweats, it's also sweating toxins out of your system. I find that deodorants do the trick just fine, no need to block sweat.

And beer, hell, let's not get silly. Glass longnecks are the only option

call me nuts..

**NMMB** · 07-05-2006, 07:52 AM

I was curious as to your motivation. I expected that it was health-related, and now I know that it was/is. I've read a few things re: aluminum and have decided that it doesn't scare me much when there are so many other things to worry about... but, I'm not a Dr. so I won't give any health advice on this topic.

and as for the beer... well, like you I hate to drink my beer from a can.

**guenron** · 07-05-2006, 11:26 AM

Originally Posted by Justso

Ron,

The question I have about Alum blocks is this...it's a mineral found in the earth..Is "Alum" short for "Aluminum"??? Does it contain trace amounts of aluminum in it? If it does, it's out for me. I even refuse to use deodorants that have aluminum in them.

Or am I out in left field somewhere?

Hi!
I've managed to lose this post twice, so I'll make it short.
1. Is "Alum" short for "Aluminum"??? No.
2. Does it contain trace amounts of aluminum in it? No, there is no elemental AL in alum.
Let's make it painless. Alum, a compound used by the ancients, is a hydrated crystal (contains lottsa water molecules (24 if recall) in its lattice). It also contains two "metals," one an "alkali," and the other a trivalent metal form both as sulfates. Neither of these are elemental, and as a matter of fact the alkali metal is sometimes ammoniacal sulfate. If memory serves again, the trivalent metallic is found as aluminum, chromium, iron, et al.
The styptic stick many use is typically made by dehydrating the crystal (heating to force off the lottsa water molecules) and using a binder to shape and form the resulting powder.