Post shave overkill?

[MWS]

Hey folks, quick question: I've been having great results an with alum block after my shave, but I've also heard that witch hazel will pretty much do the same (both are astringents). I've picked up a bottle to try.

Would you consider it overkill, redundant or a waste of product to use both after a shave?

Thanks!

 

[sanuginz]

It's all up to you on this one. I use both sometimes. Sometimes I only use one or the other. Sometimes I use niether. It's all whatever I'm in the mood for to customize my shave. However, my den will never be without them.

 

[ALL HANDS WORKING]

After using the alum block, I genrally rinse it off with Witch Hazel and then plain water, followed bya quick dollop of Nivea Sensitive Skin a/s balm.

 

[sigmasix]

both too ... I find they do slightly different things, like today I got a small cut from being lazy and the Alum just sealed it right up. I'm not sure the WH would do it the same, or with the same ease .. they're both so cheap I think just try it out and see what you like but I'll pretty much always use both

 

[taffy]

I use one or other, as has been said they are both cheap products to keep in your den.

 

[funkyb]

I'm sure YMMV, but I get more styptic effects from my alum and more general toning effects from the witch hazel. Sometimes I use one or the other, but more often than not I end up using them both and like it. It's entirely up to you!

 

[JPM]

I use both. I apply witch hazel over the entire area I shaved. I apply the alum block to any nicks or weepers.

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

I have used both. I think of Alum/Styptic Pencil being primarily to stop bleeding (maybe I have a misperception about this purpose of this). So, if I nick myself really bad and it hasn't quit bleeding before it's time for the aftershave, then I'll do a dab of that before the aftershave.

 

[dpmtherrien]

I use both. After the shave I do a warm/hot water rinse followed by a cold water rinse. Then I apply the alum block and leave it on while I clean up my area and gear. I'll do another cold water rinse, pat dry, and apply witch hazel.

If it works for you then in no way is it overkill.

 

[Wingnut]

I use both. After the shave I do a warm/hot water rinse followed by a cold water rinse. Then I apply the alum block and leave it on while I clean up my area and gear. I'll do another cold water rinse, pat dry, and apply witch hazel.

If it works for you then in no way is it overkill.

My exact ritual. It works for me, so I guess it's not overkill!

 

[Narck9]

I know this may have been answered before. What is the point of the alum block unless you cut yourself?

 

[heirkb]

I use both. After the shave I do a warm/hot water rinse followed by a cold water rinse. Then I apply the alum block and leave it on while I clean up my area and gear. I'll do another cold water rinse, pat dry, and apply witch hazel.

If it works for you then in no way is it overkill.

+2 on this. I think this works great. I use the alum cause I feel like it helps with irritated skin. I use witch hazel to tone and clean up

 

[mblakele]

I know this may have been answered before. What is the point of the alum block unless you cut yourself?

I think it depends on your skin. I started out using alum and witch hazel, but I decided that both were overkill for me. Now I only reach for the alum if I see weepers after the cold rinse. I still use the witch hazel every time.

 

[pauls51]

This is part of the fun in wet shaving; the experimentation of different aftershaves, creams etc.
I use an aftershave splash and then apply an aftershave balm. Some find this overkill but I find it works for me. So if it works for you and gives you the results your after then I say go for it!

 

[memoryleak]

FWIW, I found that witch hazel would make my face break out and the alum block would help clean up any skin eruptions because of its antiseptic quality, so I choose the alum. Then, I do an A/S splash (how's that for adding a variable to your thread)?.