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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.
I also have very, very sensitive skin. But I've found that it al comes down to the combination of things you use or do.
Pre-shave, hot, cold, lotion etc.
Shaving cream, soap, gel etc.
Which DE, which blades, old blades, new blades
Alum compressed tick, or block
Aftershave balsem, gel, pafrume, nothing
Everything has it's part and influence.
I wash hot or use hot towel for prep,
Loads of creamy soap, massaging a lot
Shave with Merkur blades, 1 with grain, 1 against, 1 were it needs to cut left-overs ;)
Then a quick wash with warm water to remove residue, then I get my ice cold alum block ( By Muhle ) out of the water ( cold water ) and rub it over my face gently.
Then some aftershave cream and I'm smooth as a baby's butt, and happy all day without any irritation :)
I us TOBS Jermyn shaving cream which is perfect for my lady-like skin
TOBS Jermyn after shave balsam, just a few drops leaves it perfect.
And I have a skin that gets red after using clippers/electric grooming ( don't know the English words for that :) )
Hope you have some help out of it.
+1 on the witch hazel. Go for an unscented version to avoid any irritation caused by scents.
I used to have the same problem with neck irritation, but now after a few months of DE shaving it's pretty much a thing of the past. What I found, mostly by trial and error was that good prep is essential, really get your whiskers soft. Blade choice is important, I found the sharpness of feather blades stopped all the tugging and pulling helped a lot. Blade choice is largely subjective though, so try a few and see what works for you. A good post shave balm is a must, I like the real shaving co balm, ridiculously cheap but really soothing once again YMMV. But for me the key is pressure. Just let the weight of the razor do the work and take your time. It's also worth spending a bit of time working out how your facial hairs grow and which direction the grain is then you can get your WTG, XTG and ATG passes worked out. With a bit of practice you will be getting BBS irritation free shaves consistantly. And probably get moaned at 'cos you've got a mountain of soaps,creams, balms and blades in the bathroom :D.
Is there any place local to get alum blocks? I never see them in my local drug stores.
Correct me if i'm wrong but the "thai" deodorant rocks are labeled as 'alum' and are a mineral salt. You can get these at most natural food/health stores for under $8. Someone chime in and verify if it's the same material as 'alum' for shaving??
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.
What would be the downside if it was ammonia alum?Quote:
Originally Posted by thebigspendur
Yes it's the same stuff, at least the one that I bought. Check the label though. I threw away my plastic cover / label long ago as it served no purpose so unfortunately I can't tell you the brand, but as I remember it was a common brand that I bought at the local Whole Foods. As to the ammonium or potassium alum difference debate, I've always been suspicious that there is a real difference. Supposedly potassium alum is less harsh. Anyone here ever tried them both and can verify this?Quote:
Originally Posted by brooksie967
I buy the ones labeled "Thai". Also a few places are saying very similar things: Most popular natural deodorants in that aisle are the Crystal Deodorant Stones and sprays. A traditional body deodorant made from natural mineral salts usually including potassium or ammonium alum. These minerals are non-toxic and have molecules too large to pass through the skin – nothing is absorbed into the body that could cause disease or an allergic reaction and they do not leave behind any noticeable residue on skin or clothing.
Potassium alum, potash alum or tawas is the potassium double sulfate of aluminium. Its chemical formula is KAl(SO4)2 and it is commonly found in its dodecahydrate form as KAl(SO4)2·12(H2O). Alum is the common name for this chemical compound, given the nomenclature of potassium aluminum sulfate dodecahydrate. It is commonly used in water purification, leather tanning, dyeing, fireproof textiles, and baking powder[citation needed]. It also has cosmetic uses as a deodorant, as an aftershave treatment and as a styptic for minor bleeding from shaving.
Ammonium alum is not a major industrial chemical or a particularly useful laboratory reagent, but it is inexpensive and nontoxic, which invites many niche applications. It is used in water purification, in vegetable glues, in porcelain cements, in deodorants and in tanning, dyeing and in fireproofing textiles.[4] The pH of the solution resulting from the topical application of ammonium alum with perspiration is typically in the slightly acid range, from 4 to 5.[5]
Ammonium alum is a common ingredient in animal repellant sprays.[6][7][8]
Looks to me like they'd both be pretty safe, no?
Consider using less pressure. It sounds like you just started DE shaving and it takes awhile to get used to the tool. Using pressure to get a closer shave is common with carts, but is useless will a DE as all you get are cuts and razor burn. I use post shave products also, but most irritation can be reduced by using less pressure. Good shaving.
Quote:
Originally Posted by KyLund
Seems like you got some pretty good advice from here. I had a similar problem when I started I wasn't keeping a good angle with my skin and I kept on getting the same razor rash as you. Once I worked on my angle it went completely away
Try the following web site.Quote:
Originally Posted by gcbryan
amazon.com
and search for Bloc Osma Natural Alum Block. On the right side of the screen you will see a link to "Deals for Salons" under "More Buying Choices".
There it costs $7.62 with free shipping. I ordered one but haven't received it yet. I understand it's a bit small in size but it should last a long time unless you drop it on the floor or don't allow it to dry out between uses. Also the smallness of size allows for better maneuverability around one's face.
Best
Peter
Asian markets,Look in the spice section,$1.29/lb.Quote:
Originally Posted by gcbryan
I found some in my local Indian market.
Turkish barbers usually have blocks for some 2-3€