Alum block

[northpole]

What's an alum block ??

Is it the same as a styptic pencil?

[Steelforge]

It's a crystal, similar concept to a styptic pencil but its a lot harder and lasts longer. Also the effect is not as strong as a styptic pencil.

You use it after you've shaved and it closes the pores, reduces reddening, and stops very small nicks and weepers. I don't use mine very often now, I prefer Proraso a/s splash which does the same kind of thing but has other things in it to make your skin feel good afterwards. With the alum block I think you're supposed to use a moisuriser or skin food afterwards.

[northpole]

It's a crystal, similar concept to a styptic pencil but its a lot harder and lasts longer. Also the effect is not as strong as a styptic pencil.

You use it after you've shaved and it closes the pores, reduces reddening, and stops very small nicks and weepers. I don't use mine very often now, I prefer Proraso a/s splash which does the same kind of thing but has other things in it to make your skin feel good afterwards. With the alum block I think you're supposed to use a moisuriser or skin food afterwards.

Thanks

Have you tried the Proraso a/s milk? I'm tempted to try it.

[Steelforge]

Thanks

Have you tried the Proraso a/s milk? I'm tempted to try it.

Yes it's very good, but it's not really a toner or astringant like an alum block or an alcohol based a/s. I use Proraso a/s splash immediately after shaving to close the pores and tone the skin, and then I sometimes use the milk later in the day if my skin is feeling a little dry - though not always.

Proraso a/s splash is quite hard to get in the UK, but you can buy it on Ebay at a very reasonable price.

100ml
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Proraso-Afters...QQcmdZViewItem

400ml
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Proraso-Afters...QQcmdZViewItem

[thebigspendur]

Actually the alum block is the mineral alum, very pure. The septic is part alum but contains other things to stop bleeding. Very different purposes.The purpose of the alum block is to tone up the skin after shaving and it helps close up the pores. I find it softens the skin also. I always use it after shaving and then use witchhazel followed by an aftershave.

[Flanny]

alum block is made out of the same stuff that the pencils are generally.

Besides, unless you really slice yourself open witch-hazel is more than sufficient

[Bruno]

This is slightly , but there is another application for alum that might help some...

Several years ago i suffered severe eczema in my knee pits. I would literally scratch myself until the skin was gone.

I found that alum helped. It dries out the skin and soothes. The skin still comes loose, but you can brush it off without scratching and itching.
How did I find out? Well, if nothing helps, you'll try EVERYTHING.

If the skin is already open from scratching, applying alum feels like being flayed alive. Afterwards, I couldn't bend my legs for hour without severe pain.
Still, it was better than the itch. People who say that you should not scratch when it itches have never had eczema.

In the end, the eczema turned out to be caused by colorants in the soup I ate at work. Took me only a couple of years to find out...

[rase]

I bought an alum block. I haven't used it yet. What is the proper technique for using it?

[michel]

Also a bit

First time I heard of alum was over 6 years ago when my first daughter was born. The obstetrician told me to get some Alum at the drugstore to made the hemorrhoids go away after they arose giving birth.
IT WORKED EXCELLENT!
After that I learned that it was also used to stop bleeding when shaving. So I bought this big crystal of alum... and this same crystal workes great until today for stopping any smal (or bigger) cut that I've "deliverd" to my face in the last years.

Michel

[Flanny]

I bought an alum block. I haven't used it yet. What is the proper technique for using it?

Dab a bit of water in the spot you're going to shove against the cut then work that part into the cut. Some people just press right onto the without working it and hold it for 10 to 20 seconds or so.

I'm sure everyone has their own technique but that's a general way.