Thread: Alum block?

So I've been using the DE my wife got me for Christmas and I'm having all kinds of irritation on my neck. This isn't a new thing since it has happened since my first ever shave.

So my question is this: is there an alum block recommended for sensitive skin? I read that it could help. I use Nivea sensitive skin aftershave but it doesn't do anything about the irritating bumps after the shave. Any input is greatly appreciated.

I use Alum, but I haven't suffered from the bumps you mention. I would say, get some and give it a try.

I don't believe there's any such thing as an alum for sensitive skin. Alum (aluminum sulfate) is an astringent which is derived from the latin meaning "to bind fast". It is used to quickly dry the skin, specifically to heal areas that are nicked or cut. Other forms of astringent are styptic pencils or witch hazel. I find witch hazel to be a little gentler than alum but I don't think either is necessarily for sensitive skin though if your bumps are caused by irritation/nicks one or the other might help. If you want to take a more gradual step into astringents, try witch hazel and see if that helps.

Alum is inexpensive enough to just try out and see if it helps. I used it as an aftershave astringent for months and finally gave it up because I thought it a little harsh. Be sure, though, if you try it to get the clear crystal alum made for aftershave use or even underarm deodorant use. The white powdery styptic pencil is for cuts and nicks only.

I'm not sure what type of DE your using. If it is adjustable, turn it down a bit so the blade has more of an angle to your skin. You want the blade to be on less of an angle to your skin. Also, which ever way you are moving the razor on your neck, change the direction a bit. If you now are shaving straight down on your neck, try a slight angle, IE: if you are shaving down from chin to Adams apple, try chin towards collar bone. A slight change in angle may allow the blade to cut the whiskers with less irritation.

The best thing I can tell you is that you want to eliminate the irritation from the shaving, not make it feel better after. Experimenting with your angles can really help.

Alum can help. I have tremendously sensitive skin and used to suffer from razor burn so bad I could only shave with disposables once a week. I suspect that it's your technique causing the irritation, but also if your using a glycerin based soap you could have a slight allergy. I know there are some EO/FO's in a couple of mammabears soaps that will just light up my face too. Lighten your touch, change blades more often, skip the atg pass for a little while and include the alum. After alum I rinse and use medicated witch hazel before an alcohol splash. I don't use balms because then I tend to get pimples no matter how good my shave. Hope you find a solution.

You can get an alum block from your local Indian grocery for a few bucks. Great stuff. Just make sure to have wet skin when you rub it all over your face and promptly rinse it completely off with cool water.

I have sensitive skin and use alum. I love it, works great. But if you are getting shaving bumps it's due to technique, not your post shave routine. You're likely shaving hairs below skin level, which tends to cause ingrowns which get infected and cause the bumps. Try to adjust your technique: cut out any ATG passes in trouble spots, keep your angle shallow and pressure at zero. That will go a long way towards alleviating your problem.

Just make sure whatever you use that it is Potassium Alum and not Ammonia Alum.

Go online to Tulumba. They sell Alum Blocks cheap. I usually buy about 10 at a time and they last a lifetime.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Just make sure whatever you use that it is Potassium Alum and not Ammonia Alum.

Go online to Tulumba. They sell Alum Blocks cheap. I usually buy about 10 at a time and they last a lifetime.

What would be the downside if it was ammonia alum?