Alum and Witch Hazel

[Ru4scuba?]

Well,

Just started using both. My alum block came in the mail yesterday. After my shave, I'm now doing the following routine:

Warm Rinse
Cold Splash
Alum - yeah...theres some sting there!
Wait 5 min...clean up the mess my shave makes
Cold Splash
Witch Hazel...today, after the cold splash, it looked like the witch hazel did a bit of pilling on my face into little balls. Anybody else have this?
Get dressed
Proraso ASB

Its like 20 degrees here in the DC area...so an ASB is definitely warranted. I also noticed that after the Alum my face got really tight. You could really feel the sting and the pores closing up.

[pj_rage]

I've been wondering if there's a difference / need to use alum and witch hazel both? I've recently picked up some witch hazel and as a result put buying an alum block on hold because I figured it would be over kill. What are your thoughts?

FWIW I've had the witch hazel form some little balls like you say.

And yeah, it's pretty cold here in the DC metro area!

[maierar]

Are you sure you are getting the most from your ASB after a triple pore-closing treatment (cold water, alum, WH)?

[Ru4scuba?]

PJ,

First off...when using the Alum you FEEL it! I was amazed at the sting felt. Further, my face got VERY tight shortly thereafter. I waited about 5 minutes, rinsed and then went with the Witch Hazel. Rinsed and followed up with Proaso ASB.

Maierar,
Good question...hard to tell. At this point, I'm trying to clear up a neck rash that developed on Day 2 of DE shaving. I dont know from what...technique? Soap allergy? But so far, so good...the Alum and witch hazel have really helped out this issue. My neck looked better today than it has all week.

We'll see after shave # 6 tomorrow

[maierar]

Do you wear a tie? If so, how soon after you shave do you button your collar and put on the tie?

[Tommy_C]

Witch Hazel...today, after the cold splash, it looked like the witch hazel did a bit of pilling on my face into little balls. Anybody else have this?

Actually, no. I have never experienced that. What brand of witch hazel are you using? I am using Thayer's Original Witch Hazel with Aloe. I always find that it makes my skin feel great. In fact, I have so enjoyed the toning feeling of the witch hazel that I have actually stopped using my alum block. Now I just use witch hazel and my alcohol based splash.

[SilkySmooth]

I use witch hazel almost daily. Alum is another story. I only use it when I really nick myself, which is rare. Some people swear by it and use it daily though.

[pj_rage]

Actually, no. I have never experienced that. What brand of witch hazel are you using? I am using Thayer's Original Witch Hazel with Aloe. I always find that it makes my skin feel great. In fact, I have so enjoyed the toning feeling of the witch hazel that I have actually stopped using my alum block. Now I just use witch hazel and my alcohol based splash.

I'm using the same witch hazel. For me it seems to do it when I over apply and rub it in too much. Maybe it's like the aloe drying out and collecting? It's very slight.

[Ru4scuba?]

I usually put on my shirt and tie minutes after I apply my ASB....not long at all.

WRT Witch Hazel pilling on the skin. I think it happens when you apply it to a cold face. Thats when it does it to me.