School me on aluminum block.

Gents,

I have an aviation background, and did a brief stint in aircraft overhaul. I wouldn't consider myself "sheet metal skill," but have bucked a few rivets in my career. The "sheet metal skill" qualified guys that I've had the pleasure of working with are true masters, taking years to perfect their craft. Some things they create with aluminum is absolutely amazing. (I now work in "semi retirement" engine shop, 72* year round comfort.) It's actually no where near retirement, but it is very high seniority and many wish they could hold it.

Having said that, it's been known for years that aluminum dust isn't very pleasant for the human body. The list of ailments caused from repeated exposure is long and frightening. Minimum of a dust mask (depending on job situation) is worn by these gents I spoke of.

Being new (+/- 3 weeks) to DE shaving, I'm curious about the aluminum block that's used after a fresh shave. I understand that it gives "feedback" about the quality of your shave.

Is it a different compound of aluminum?

I understand that it's not "ingested," but am curious as to whether there is a risk after repeated exposure. There must be some sort of absorption that causes the skin to react. (?)

No, I'm not a germ-a-phobe, or overly cautious. I do however try to take steps to avoid intentional poisoning.

I digress...I'm one of the last 48 people in the US who still smoke cigarettes. (Quitting in on the horizon, AGAIN for the "umpteenth time.")

Thanks in advance for the explainaiton,

Beav

I have the exact same question as you. I'm pretty sure it's a different compound but i do wonder about that stuff i'm putting on my face. I don't use it a lot but still...

When talking about Alum blocks, we're not talking aluminum.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alum

Alum is found in powder form in your typical styptic pencils. Pretty sure you'll be alright! Although I've heard people not enjoying using them, maybe you'll be one of them. However it's not something that's too expensive to try.

Good luck and be safe!

It's potassium aluminum sulfate. In small amounts it's used in baking powder. Like everything else, a little is no issue. When you apply it to the skin, it is an astringent/styptic. People use it as underarm deodorant as well.

yeah I thought alum blocks would be better then styptic pencils so I gave it a try. it burned me so much more then the pencil. It really wasn't for me. Not to mention that it didn't stop the blooding for me. every person is different I guess though. just odd. worth a try.

It is also an ingredient in many of the "ordinary" deodorants. About 20 years ago, there was a suspected link with Alzheimer's, but I was told by my father's Geriatric Specialist that the link was debunked.

Ok gentlemen, thanks for the clarification.

Seem like it's okay to try (maybe.)

(Wife specifically buys deodorant that is void of aluminum.)

Chlorine is nasty stuff but when you combine it with Sodium you have table salt.

I just started shaving with a DE razor yesterday and I used the Alum block yesterday and today.

I only notice a slight tingle/sting when I use it. I had a few nicks today from shaving so it stung more than yesterday but the stinging sensation went away quickly and did not cause me any further discomfort/irritation/redness.

After applying, I let it dry on my skin and rinse it off after a few minutes. I don't think I can leave it on my face without washing off since you feel your skin tighten and I thought it felt uncomfortable.

I also noticed an improvement in my acne even after only one day of use.

Beav said:

...No, I'm not a germ-a-phobe, or overly cautious. I do however try to take steps to avoid intentional poisoning.

I digress...I'm one of the last 48 people in the US who still smoke cigarettes. (Quitting in on the horizon, AGAIN for the "umpteenth time.") ...

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I don't have the necessary qualifications to school anyone on any subject so all I can do is suggest google the subject or even better contact your family physician.
There is a fair bit of controversy around this subject so, read as much as you can before deciding.

About smoking... quit. NOW.


POTASSIUM ALUM, EWG

Alum is different than styptic. Styptic contains alum, and others ingredients as well. So alum will only stop very tiny nicks and cuts. But it does others things as well. It works well for tightening up my skin after shaving, as well as letting me know where I got too close a shave.

Some people's skin gets irritated by using it. But it really is quite harmless. Any store with a large spice section carries alum as it is used in pickling and other foods.

yyz123 said:

I just started shaving with a DE razor yesterday and I used the Alum block yesterday and today.

I only notice a slight tingle/sting when I use it. I had a few nicks today from shaving so it stung more than yesterday but the stinging sensation went away quickly and did not cause me any further discomfort/irritation/redness.

After applying, I let it dry on my skin and rinse it off after a few minutes. I don't think I can leave it on my face without washing off since you feel your skin tighten and I thought it felt uncomfortable.

I also noticed an improvement in my acne even after only one day of use.

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Don't be surprised if it clears up a lot after switching to wet shaving. I've noticed a huge difference in my skin since I made the switch.

GolFisHunt said:

It is also an ingredient in many of the "ordinary" deodorants. About 20 years ago, there was a suspected link with Alzheimer's, but I was told by my father's Geriatric Specialist that the link was debunked.

Click to expand...

It's rather funny that certain people started using alum as a "natural" deodorant to avoid aluminum that was though to cause Alzheimer's.

I always wondered how many people still use aluminum pans and pots or even aluminum foil without ever asking if it is safe.
Is ingestion of aluminum safer than rubbing a block of potassium alum on skin?

dabrock said:

It's rather funny that certain people started using alum as a "natural" deodorant to avoid aluminum that was though to cause Alzheimer's.

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Why is it funny?

I absolutely love the alum block. On a good shave I don't feel any irritation when I apply it. But it will let you know if you removed a layer of skin you didn't realize! But it tones the skin like nothing else I've tried. I LOVE the way my skin feels when I rinse a few minutes after rubbing the alum block on my face!

VerbaVolant said:

Why is it funny?

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Because they are using aluminum but think because it's a natural crystal it's somehow safer.

VerbaVolant said:

I always wondered how many people still use aluminum pans and pots or even aluminum foil without ever asking if it is safe.
Is ingestion of aluminum safer than rubbing a block of potassium alum on skin?

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I thought most people were told not to use aluminum cookware, which really isn't a great medium anyway. In the military some of the older soldiers claimed to have "aluminum pot syndrome" when they had trouble remember things. Of course, with all the chemicals you tend to be exposed to in the field it's hard to tell what does what.

It's not aluminum. It's a substance with aluminum atoms bonded to other atoms. Table salt has chlorine atoms in it but it's not chlorine. Carbon is in sugar and in charcoal but neither are the same.

That's one nice looking brush.