Rinse off alum?

[czgunner]

I've noticed people say to apply alum after a shave, let it set for a bit (30 seconds?) and rinse it off.
It's hard to explain, but when I go to rinse it off, it doesn't feel like there is anything there to rinse off. My skin feels "non-slick" almost like it's been washed with one of those old soap bars that would dry out your skin and make it feel almost "tacky" with zero slickness.
I'm sure that doesn't make sense, but regardless, does the alum actually rinse off?

 

[garyg]

I've been using alum for a dozen years or so - I've always let it sit longer than 30 seconds, usually rinse it after cleaning /rinsing my brush & razor, or if showering after it gets rinsed then. Sometimes I have forgotten to rinse, can't say I've noticed any problem when I have. But logically I want it rinsed before using aftershave - maybe there's a scientific reason to rinse, I just don't know it ..

 

[timetofly]

Agree with @garyg

 

[NorthernSoul]

I've noticed people say to apply alum after a shave, let it set for a bit (30 seconds?) and rinse it off.
It's hard to explain, but when I go to rinse it off, it doesn't feel like there is anything there to rinse off. My skin feels "non-slick" almost like it's been washed with one of those old soap bars that would dry out your skin and make it feel almost "tacky" with zero slickness.
I'm sure that doesn't make sense, but regardless, does the alum actually rinse off?

The alum does rinse off (or its concentration is diluted). You created an alum+water solution when you first applied the alum, so it will feel smooth and "squeaky clean". It's better for the skin to rinse, though, after the alum has done its job.

 

[Ratso]

I always rinse with cold water after applying alum. Now that you ask, I’m not sure if it rinses off.

 

[czgunner]

Thanks for all the quick replies.
I've take to cold water shaving and I'll rinse the alum with the same, unless warm does something better.

 

[NorthernSoul]

Thanks for all the quick replies.
I've take to cold water shaving and I'll rinse the alum with the same, unless warm does something better.

Before shaving, warm water is better at dissolving skin oil and will saturate the whiskers faster than cold. For rinsing, I don't think cold/warm really makes much difference.

 

[ajkel64]

I rinse my Alum off after every shave. I shave before I shower so off it goes. I apply the Alum after my shave and leave it on while I rinse everything off. Then when I step in the shower off it goes.

 

[Mr. Shavington]

It is salt. You should rinse it off.

 

[Dobric]

If you apply more alum you will see salt residue on your face. Rinse it off after 30s or 5min whatever, but rinse it...

 

[czgunner]

Thanks everybody

 

[dmshaver]

What a great place! A question is asked in one corner of the world & discussed civilly globally over several days. Well done!!!!!

 

[Eshebert]

I was one that did not do the research and was leaving it on. It’s amazing what you learn here, as stated above, rinse it off.

 

[bonjing]

I just wipe it off, we’ll more of scrub my face, with at cold wet towel after I’m done cleaning my gear.

 

[Rhody]

I always rinse with cold water after applying alum. Now that you ask, I’m not sure if it rinses off.

I rinse it off too with cold water.
I modified my routine and do not wet the alum block before I apply it. This I feel reduces the chances of that sucker going flying down to the floor. I do rinse the block after use and dry it with a towel as carefully as I possibly can.

 

[China shaver]

I apply dry alum to wet face after a good rinse, then leave it on whilst I rinse and clean my gear. I then rinse my face thoroughly with cold clean water( I enjoy the 'squeaky clean' sensation), dry and store the Alum block (I find it continues to dissolve if left wet). Dry my face, apply the various other post shave products and I'm done.

 

[Dobric]

I always dry my alum and clean the tray, but for pourpose of this post, I left it wet for a few days. Alum is salt, it will leave residue, even if you don't see it.

Acumulated residue from wet alum.

 

[Curkio]

I get tight skin if I leave it on

 

[njpaddy]

Back in the stone age (early 1960s), drug stores carried powered shaving alum for weepers and cuts. Dip a wet finger in the alum, apply to weeper or cut, and brush it off when dry. Much better than styptic pencils, which don't work as well but mean bigger profits for the companies. I still have some leftover alum from back then. Can't remember the last time I used it. I just keep it around to annoy my wife, who can't stand I kept it and has threatened for over 50 years to throw it out if she ever finds it. She won't.

Most powered/crystal alum (McCormicks or generic) sold in some grocery spice aisles works much the same way. I tried an alum block. Hated the block on my face, so I pulverized some to use for weepers and use the remaining block for deodorant.

 

[SalS]

Thanks everybody

Alum is one of these traditional shaving products that basically has no modern application. Historically it was used as an antiseptic but those were times when hygiene was poor. It is very hard on your skin and shouldn’t be used at all.