How exactly do you use an alum block?

[MPruett]

Okay... after reading some rather cryptic comments on here about using alum blocks after shaving, I went down to Whole Foods and got myself one of the crystal deodorant sticks.

Even though it's ammonium alum, I decided to use it anyway (it sucks as a deodorant, BTW).

I left my face damp after rinsing off the post-shave cream residue, and just rubbed the thing all over my face. I let it sit long enough to clean out my brush and bowl and put in my contacts. It didn't really sting at all- just a little tiny bit; certainly not like what an alcohol based splash feels like.

Then I washed the remaining alum off my face- it had a weird feeling; like absolutely NO glide to it- the friction of my skin vs. my hand had increased dramatically.

Anyway, after rinsing the remaining alum off, I put on my balm.

I guess my question is- am I doing this right? I got the impression it was supposed to sting or do something other than change my face friction characteristics. Should I leave it on and just put the balm over the top of it?

Inquiring minds want to know...

 

[holiday]

Thats pretty much exactly what I do. It only seems to sting when I have a rough shave or nick myself. I think the friction thing you mentioned is due to it being an astringent and drying out your skin. I use the alum all over my face even on days when I don't shave. It seems to keep my skin smooth and helps with spots and blemishes. I suffer quite badly from this as I have very light skin and any redness shows up.

 

[tsmba]

Sounds like you're using it correctly. I usually get a light sting every time I use it, though its not unpleasant. Even a bleeding nick isn't what I'd call painful. To me, it gives my skin a "squeaky clean" feel. If you have ever used Speick aftershave you might have an idea of what using an alum block feels like. Speick contains alum.

 

[sigmasix]

From my research 'Potassium' Alum blocks are the way to go rather than ammonium alum, but I guess it does the same job really ... Maybe you can get a potassium alum block for cheap online (maybe $8) instead of using a deodorant stick alum block, as maybe it has extra chemicals your face might not need.

I personally after my shaving passes, do a wet rinse of my face with cold water, alum block (no wipe off, wait till dry), witch hazel, then ASB. I have been getting less sting as I've narrowed down my blades and shave better sometimes, but I'll probably use it every day for as long as I shave, it does a good job of cut/irritation soothing and skin toning.

I'm not sure if it's best to rinse off the alum block treatment from your face but I've found no problem letting it fully dry, then going on with my routine. With only one exception, TOB Herbal ASB goes all weird and chunky if use it after alum or witch hazel, but if I use it alone it works great?

 

[Jarmo P]

I've never used one or saw the need either.

 

[MPruett]

I figured as cheap as they are (the one I got at Whole foods was $1.50!), I may as well try it.

And, if ammonium alum stings, you ought to try doing the same rub-all-over-your-face with a styptic pencil! That was something else, that's for sure. If I knew any S&M people, I'd recommend that they shave something then do that for their fun!

 

[bluepunk18]

I figured as cheap as they are (the one I got at Whole foods was $1.50!), I may as well try it.

And, if ammonium alum stings, you ought to try doing the same rub-all-over-your-face with a styptic pencil! That was something else, that's for sure. If I knew any S&M people, I'd recommend that they shave something then do that for their fun!

I suppose nearly everything is worth a try, if you're willing to stick to it long enough to see if it really does work for you or change anything. I haven't found it locally yet, but I'm looking...

 

[Big Red Dog]

I purchased mine from West Coast Shaving for $8 and it comes with a nice container. Once I have finished shaving, I do a cold water rinse and then wet the alum and rub it as well over my face. I have seen a nice improvement in my skin, so much so that the gf has even made mention of it! It also helps me to know if I had a great shave or not, because most days now I have little to no stinging associated with its use. I would highly recommend one should be in every shave den!

 

[christopherh]

Picked up a potassium alum deo stick at whole foods this weekend after reading this thread... very tingly... I kind of liked it. Not sure if it's for me though. I'll keep trying it. At least I know my face won't smell like BO.

 

[r0ckrat]

This link just came across Twitter from Fendrihan:
http://www.fendrihan.com/laboratories-osma-alum-block-p-479.html?manufacturers_id=43

Thought the product description was apropos to the discussion.

(Been using an deodorant crystal for about a week myself.)

 

[Chimensch]

I use my alum block every time I shave, but not on my face. I use the friction effect you noticed to help me stretch the skin when it's wet and soapy or my face is sweating. I rub my wet fingers on the alum block and it gives them a great grip to stretch the skin, which is essential for straight shaving.

 

[Tom Ford]

Spot on, that's the way you use it.

 

[The Knize]

Yep, you are doing it right. I use a Thai crystal deodorant stick. I wonder whether it is potassium or ammonium?

I actually shave. Wipe off the lather with a wet towel, more often than not, wet the the crystal stick, apply, then rinse out my bowel and brush, and then generally brush my teeth. I then rinse off the alum with bay rum or witch hazel or both, and then, usually, put on some Lucky Tiger vanishing cream or corn huskers or something, and throw on a hot towel.

I really like the alum block. No telling what is doing what of the things I use on my skin. But something or all things are doing wonders. I think I miss the alum when I do not use it. Besides the antiseptic qualities, I read somewhere that it leaves the skin with the correct pH. Feels good to me, anyway.

 

[fidjit]

I left my face damp after rinsing off the post-shave cream residue, and just rubbed the thing all over my face.

Yep , exactly what I do after my cold water wash

I then rinse off the alum with bay rum or witch hazel or bothI read somewhere that it leaves the skin with the correct pH. .

And I do this too

My face has cleared up immensley since wet shaving ( one of my driving forces for starting ) and even more since using the Alum block

 

[MPruett]

Quick update:

I got one of the potassium alum blocks from Tulumba, and tried it out today, so now I can compare the potassium and ammonium alum blocks.

In a nutshell, they both do the same thing, but the ammonium alum is just a more intense formula- more sting, more astringent, etc...