Since we are fast approaching the heat and humidity of summer, I didn't use my usual AOS lemon aftershave balm this morning. I opted to try the AOS lemon aftershave gel, instead. My routine is after the shave, I use cold water and an alum bar. I let that dry for a few moments, then splash on witch hazel, letting that dry. I then applied the AOS gel, went to get dressed, then went to tell me wife goodbye. That's when I got the "Honey, what's all over your face?" After looking in the mirror I had several places of white chalky curdling, I am assuming the gel reacted with either the alum bar or witch hazel. Or, did i put on too much gel? Anyone have any ideas or similiar experience with AOS gel?
Honey, what's all over your face?
- Thread starter xdkeys
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If it is white, fair chance it could be the alum block. I get that now and then when I use the styptic pencil; I usually let it sit to make sure it stopped the bleeding, then do a quick rinse on just that spot, then apple my aftershave.
However, if this hasn't been a problem for you in the past, then I would think the new gel stuff is doing something a little odd. Before applying it next time, be sure you rinse off the alum block residue. If the curdling still appears, it's the gel. If it goes away it was the alum block, waiting for an oppurtunity to solidify on your face.
However, if this hasn't been a problem for you in the past, then I would think the new gel stuff is doing something a little odd. Before applying it next time, be sure you rinse off the alum block residue. If the curdling still appears, it's the gel. If it goes away it was the alum block, waiting for an oppurtunity to solidify on your face.
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It must be the alum bar, I just let it dry, then splash the witch hazel. I'll try drying after I apply the alum bar, or try the gel one day without alum bar. Thanks.
you also have to be really rub that gel into the face leaving not a speck of whiteness. My Nancy Boy gel and Em's place balms do the same thing if I dont rub for a while and use less of the product than normally done.
Nancy Buy aftershave gels do the same thing in reaction to alcohol based splashes...it's like little boogers all over your face, lol. I'd just a) rinse your alum off before it dries (not a good idea to leave that on your skin...it's very drying) and b) let any splash dry before you apply the jel. If you want to thin it out a bit so it goes on easier, just use a few drops of water (or apply to a wet face). Hope that helps.
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I'll start rinsing the alum off, I thought you were suppose to leave it on, I could feel my skin tightning, I thought that was a good thing, I quess thats the skin drying. Little boogers exactly!
I usually leave my alum on while I rinse my razor and clean out the brush, then rinse with cold water and pat dry before applying a splash, so... say two minutes max.
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You should rinse the alum off after using the block. You don't want a white residue on your face after it has dried.
What kind of alum blocks are you folks using? Mine is a rectangular crystal and I have never gotten any white residue from using it. Styptic pencils, on the other hand, do leave a white residue.
As to method, mine is similar to GoldenMonkey's.
As to method, mine is similar to GoldenMonkey's.
I have a Shavex alum block, nice and pure. Dunno if it leaves any residue though, as I've never left it on my face. I also have a $.79 Royal alum block I got from an Indian grocery, and it looks and feels and works every bit as well as the $8 Shavex...go figure.
+1 on that too.
I'm sure Soapbox (ie: Official Chemistry Nerd 
) will be along in a second, but my bet is the alum... chances are (well, my guess is), that your products in combination are causing an insoluble precipitate (white gunk). I have the same problem if I use alum and then acne cream.
) will be along in a second, but my bet is the alum... chances are (well, my guess is), that your products in combination are causing an insoluble precipitate (white gunk). I have the same problem if I use alum and then acne cream.Similar threads
