Alum & Aftershave Balm

**Dennis** · 09-22-2006, 09:59 AM

I recently added the alum block to the morning routine. I usually do the hot water rinse, the cold water rinse, and then the alum. I wait pretty much until the alum dries and then I apply ASB if needed (lately that is a yup) and then my EdT o' choice. I have noticed the alum takes all the fun out of my usual favorite balms - they do not feel the same at all and it actually feels like you are applying something like straight witch hazel to the face. The effect is not so much with Coral Skin Food as that is thin, gummy-ish stuff to begin with. So lately it has all be CSF, but I am missing my old balms, but I like the alum, but, but... Anyone else notice this?

Dennis

**Steelforge** · 09-22-2006, 10:11 AM

I've stopped using Alum for a few days. I don't usually get any nicks these days and I've found the Alum seems to bring out a lot of redness around my neck if I use it. I'm not sure why, maybe my skin doesn't like it. I just do the warm/cold splash now, pat dry and go straight to GFT Coral, it works for me.

**ada8356** · 09-22-2006, 10:13 AM

I usually rinse my face with water or a toner before applying the ASB. I've noticed that some balms 'break down' when they interact with the alum (Baxter and Proraso Pre are two that come to mind).

**SLider** · 09-22-2006, 10:23 AM

I've gone off the Alum too due to redness on the neck... I just do hydrosol/WH and some ASB

**NMMB** · 09-22-2006, 02:52 PM

OK, I have to admit that I am an Alum junkie of sorts. Most days my shave doesn't feel complete unless I use my alum bar. However, I almost always use WH after the alum and before I apply my balm/mpisturizer... and there are certain balms that I make sure to use some extra WH and wait extra long (namely T&H ultimate comfort) as it appears to react negatively to the alum. That said, I still love the alum.

**GeeQue** · 09-22-2006, 03:03 PM

After the alum dries, shouldn't it be rinsed off anyway ?

I usually end up with a talcum like film on my face...I couldn't imagine walking out of my house like that !

**Elmo** · 09-23-2006, 01:37 PM

I dropped the alum after I discovered thr Thayers witch hazel(no alcohol). I save the alum bar for the occasional cut

**jbasl** · 09-23-2006, 02:07 PM

I usually do a cold water rinse followed by the alum bar, then i wait a bit and do another cold water rinse and clean the alum off my face. I then coat my face with some Thayer's and cut some a/s balm with thayers and put that on. The alum does a nice job tightening up the face and closing the pores and by putting some Thayer's on my face after i clean up it helps spread out the a/s balm. I tend to use the unscented Thayer's most often (unless i'm doing a themed shave...there is nothing like some MB lavender bath soap followed by some Taylor's lavender cream, followed by lavendar WH with some Llave Castle Forbe's a/s balm).

**Queen of Blades** · 09-23-2006, 09:06 PM

Originally Posted by GeeQue

After the alum dries, shouldn't it be rinsed off anyway ?

I usually end up with a talcum like film on my face...I couldn't imagine walking out of my house like that !

I use the alum block on my face (NO, no shaving going on there), it is suppose to be good for taking care of pimples. Which I suffer from one or two a week, since having a baby. I didn't have pimples as a teenager, but goodness gracious as a mother I do!

I no longer wash my face with any products, just water. Then, I rub on the alum block, followed by Thayer's Rose WH. !00% better!

No pimples, and no residual powder from the alum block.

I also use the alum block on bug bites. Works great at stopping the itchiness.

**jduffy** · 09-24-2006, 07:14 AM

The many uses of alum block.

Great stuff to know and remember.

**Leisureguy** · 09-24-2006, 09:22 AM

My practice: cold-water rinse at the end of the shave, rub alum block over wet skin. Then rinse out and put away brush, razor, and bowl. Then dry my face (without rinsing), and apply aftershave. No residual dry alum, and it feels great.

Good idea of alum bar on bug bites...