I just started using Alum for the first time after my shaves. For some reason I have the feeling that my face is now more dry, even after I moisturize.
Has anyone else had this experience?
Has anyone else had this experience?
Alum: Does Everyone Love It?
- Thread starter Squash
- Start date
I have been a wet shaver since I started shaving. I can honestly say I have ever used an electric razor. Only recently though have I begun using an alum block as part of my procedure. I haven't noticed any dryness. From my understanding there are 2( maybe more?) different kinds of alum, perhaps that is the reason?
Yep, yep...totally love it! However, my skin is oily, so the dryness from the mineral salt heps me. Also, for those of use that are aged, the mineral salts help to tighten the skin. ;-)
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I just started using it after DE wetshave and before witch hazel, my skin seems to be VERY happy!
I picked up one to see what the buzz was all about. Honestly, I don't get it. Like witch hazel, it has its fans. However, I'm content to wash off the lather, splash on some aftershave and head out the door.
yeah, I'm not a huge fan either (also not a huge fan of witch hazel). Alum leaves my skin really dry and tight. I'd rather use some aqua velva and a moisturizing balm
B
buyandhold2018
I sell an Alum Stick and I'm the first to admit that no product is right for everybody.
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I'm not certain about love but I certainly like to follow-up a good shave with an alum block. I rub it on while my face it moist, almost borderline wet, so as to avoid any dryness.
I like Alum, but it isn't part of my daily routine. I personally prefer just using a nice splash. On those days when I find I have nicks that need treatment I'll reach for the Styptic 80% of the time, the Alum 10% and the Witch Hazel 10%.
Me neither...
+1 Tried it once and my skin was really dry & tight! I got rid of the stuff.
Not a fan either, dried my skin out something terrible. Chapped my lips, too.
Dont know about everyone, but I sure do love it. It's a great aid to evaluate the quality of your shave: if you were rough, it'll let you know! Keeps my skin feeling good and helps with the post-shave disinfection, too.
I use it as part of my daily routine. I've never noticed any dryness either. I may just have an oily face though. I like how it cools and tones my face after shaving. I use it right after shaving with cold water and rinse it off after about 10 seconds.
Alum is a really good astringent (tightens/dries out skin), however it shouldn't be drying your skin out to the point where it is noticeable, especially after moisturising.
Try leaving the alum on for a couple of minutes whilst you wash your razor etc. then splash your face with cold water to rinse of any remaining alum salts. By this point, all the good things that alum does to your skin will have already happened, so there's no point in leaving the residue on.
Then apply your moisturiser/aftershave etc. Give it a go and let us know if you notice any difference.
The B&H Team
Try leaving the alum on for a couple of minutes whilst you wash your razor etc. then splash your face with cold water to rinse of any remaining alum salts. By this point, all the good things that alum does to your skin will have already happened, so there's no point in leaving the residue on.
Then apply your moisturiser/aftershave etc. Give it a go and let us know if you notice any difference.
The B&H Team
Right!
the key is to wash it off after having put it on.
If you leave it on your face it will dessicate you!
I used to use it. As others have mentioned, I found the feedback on the quality of my shave useful. But I also enjoy alcohol based splashes which do similar things (give feedback, seal minor nicks, disinfect). I dropped the alum as I'm always looking for ways to simplify my shave and I wasn't getting enough benefit from it's use. This is especially true when combined with spashes which I'll never deem unnecessary!
Yeah, I come and go with it too. I used to use it all the time, then stopped, now I do it every once in a while just for fun.
No. I cant use it much, just apply to one small area if i nick myslef. Very rare these days.
It burns my skin and leaves it redder and slightly sore - even if ive been very careful with the razor.
Not drying to my skin though.
It burns my skin and leaves it redder and slightly sore - even if ive been very careful with the razor.
Not drying to my skin though.
Quick hint about alum. If you don't rinse it off well I've found that if I apply other things like an aftershave balm afterwards the balm gets a bit chunky. Somehow the alum is interfering with it's absorption.
This is doubly true for styptic!
This is doubly true for styptic!
I just got some in my eye so ask me later.
