Can an Alum Block.......

[bbobbdd]

I've used an Alum Block as part of my "routine". Recently I noticed that after application, it does all that it is supposed to do, BUT it seems to irritate\redden my face before I wash it off.

Has anyone here had a reaction to the Alum? If yes, what happened and how did you treat it? Do you still use the Alum Block?

Thanks for your input!

 

[EclipseRedRing]

I have never had an adverse reaction to alum but I no longer use it after shaving - to be honest I am not sure what purpose alum is meant to serve, at any rate it did nothing useful for me so I stopped using it. I like to keep things a simple as possible so my post shave is now a rinse with water, pat dry, and a generous application of aftershave or cologne - in winter I may use a balm. I now use the same alum as an underarm deodorant and it is quite the best deodorant I have ever used.

 

[BigJ]

I stopped using alum routinely for a similar reason. So, you might omit the alum block .from your routine for a few days to see what happens.

 

[WThomas0814]

Alum is a relatively recent add to my routine. I may get a touch if temporary redness, but it goes away quickly. I like the tightness u get in my face from it, plus the feedback is educational.

FWIW, I put it on immediately after a post shave cold water rinse, then leave it on for the duration of my cleanup (rinse/dry brush and bowl, disassemble/rinse/dryreassemble razor, tidy shaving area), then wipe it off with a cold washcloth. It may be on for 5+ minutes.

 

[VerbaVolant]

...Has anyone here had a reaction to the Alum? If yes, what happened and how did you treat it? Do you still use the Alum Block?...

Yes, I had a reaction to an alum block immediately after application. It was an ammonium alum block that I had to dispose of, for this very reason. Irritation went away next day, on its own.

Yes, I still use it occasionally, and I enjoy it. I only use potassium alum and always rinse it after a minute or two.
It works wonders for me.

I also use potassium alum daily as a deodorant.

One thing to consider is that potassium alum solubility in water increases with temperature. When applying, always use cold water so to avoid applying too much.

As it goes with everything in life, use at your own risk.

 

[sternej]

When I used it wrong, which basically for me was leaving it on too long (two or three minuts) it was very drying to my skin. Now about 20 seconds to apply to a cold rinsed face, then 20 or 30 seconds fully rinsed off. I like the toning quality. Use it every shave now

 

[NorthernSoul]

Alum as used in shaving is normally potassium alum. It is an astringent. An astringent causes skin to tighten slightly and can help constrict small cuts. Alum is also a salt. It stings if applied on an open wound.

If you are reacting to alum, you might try witch hazel. You really don't need both.

If you use alum, you don't need to leave it on the skin long. Just a few seconds, then rinse it all away with cool water.

 

[bmiller3230]

For me, if alum burns excessively or causes redness, its usually an indication that something was off with my shave. Either my blade or the soap or my technique.

But, I don't discount that someone could develop a sensitivity to it either. Maybe as NorthernSoul said try witch hazel instead which causes no burning sensation. (but I do use both because I have sensitive skin and am prone to irritation after shaving, no matter how good it was [belt and suspenders])

 

[Fen]

I have been using Alum on and off since I started wet shaving. I thought it was normal that the skin got red when it was used, but I wouldn't say I am the most skilled in shaving, sometimes it burns a bit more than other times, but the result has always been a brief temporary redness when used. Always thought this happens if something went wrong on certain spots of the shave.

Then again, I have been pretty used to seeing that, considering that back when I shaved when I was 16 with just an electric, I was red for almost two days after on some spots, if memory serves me right.

So, this is an eye opener, if the case is that you're not supposed to become red in the skin (if something happened during the shave) after use, to me.

 

[musicman1951]

I don't intentionally do anything that irritates my face, I have this funny "pain avoidance" quirk. I have dry skin, so alum is not a great product for me. I use Thayer's WH w/aloe, followed by a moisturizer.

 

[Darth Scandalous]

I don't use alum. I don't like the way it feels on my skin. I don't use witch hazel either, same reason, although it's less annoying to me. If it's irritating your skin, don't use it. You don't need our permission.

 

[JCinPA]

Use Thayer’s Witch Hazel instead. Does largely the same thing, very unlikely to have a reaction.

I use the unscented with aloe. They also have rose and cucumber which are pleasant, but I use the unscented then an A/S splash.

 

[bbobbdd]

Use Thayer’s Witch Hazel instead. Does largely the same thing, very unlikely to have a reaction.

I use the unscented with aloe. They also have rose and cucumber which are pleasant, but I use the unscented then an A/S splash.

I am using my Thayer's now, no alum. The rash appears to be clearing. I going to stay very basic to see if it was the alum or possibly something else.

 

[AshleyC]

Yes, I had a reaction to an alum block immediately after application. It was an ammonium alum block that I had to dispose of, for this very reason. Irritation went away next day, on its own.

Yes, I still use it occasionally, and I enjoy it. I only use potassium alum and always rinse it after a minute or two.
It works wonders for me.

I also use potassium alum daily as a deodorant.

One thing to consider is that potassium alum solubility in water increases with temperature. When applying, always use cold water so to avoid applying too much.

As it goes with everything in life, use at your own risk.

Where did you get an ammonium alum block, as opposed to potassium?

 

[tejolot3]

I only use it if I've drawn enough blood that it doesn't stop bleeding by the time I've finished shaving—i.e., more than just a weeper. At this point in my life, that means I don't use alum more than a few times per year.

As others have mentioned, it's best to only use cold water for both applying alum and for rinsing it off. And, as others have mentioned, it's best to only leave it on for a short while before rinsing.

 

[Lockback]

I confess I've never tried an alum block and feel no reason to try it.
I'm lucky; my face doesn't seem to react badly to shaving. I do use Pinaud Clubman or Gillette Gel post shave, however.

 

[nemo]

I use an alum block only to help seal a small cut or weeper -- rare for me -- but it does seem to halt the bleeding in my case.

Yeah, it kinda stings!

 

[tejolot3]

I use an alum block only to help seal a small cut or weeper -- rare for me -- but it does seem to halt the bleeding in my case.

Yeah, it kinda stings!

Bigger ones require a styptic pencil, but itty-bitty ones do fine with an alum block.

 

[Wombat ESQ]

Bigger ones require a styptic pencil, but itty-bitty ones do fine with an alum block.

are they not the same thing?

 

[JCinPA]

I think they are similar compounds, but (I'm no scientist) the Styptic Pencil is, what? More concentrated? Alum works as an astringent and tightens the skin after a shave, but if you get a nick, the alum block won't help with that, the styptic pencil will. We have so many scientists here, one will be along shortly. But the styptic pencil seems to clot stuff really fast.