Thread: Alum or Witch Hazel?

I splash on witch hazel after shaving and a cold water rinse, but have not tried alum. Based on what I have read in past posts, alum and witch hazel do the same thing.

I have easily closed up minor nicks and cuts with my Dickason's witch hazel. I also use Thayer's once in a while, which is also a great skin toner.

I'm with 'grouper on this one... Post shave, I rinse with cold water and rub my alum block on my face and neck. Then, I start cleaning up and when I'm finished, I use my hot towel (now soaked in cold water) to rinse/wipe the alum from my face. A splash of my aftershave of choice for that day and a tiny bit of Nivea Post Shave Balm for my neck (super sensitive skin there) and I'm right as rain.

The alum does several things:

1. It's an astringent, so it tightens up your skin and helps prevent "weepers" after a shave.
2. It has antibacterial properties, so you're disinfecting your face post shave (always a plus).
3. It is a coagulent, so will help stop minor nicks and cuts from bleeding (different from #1 above).

Witch Hazel has more use as an astringent, however, the little bit of alcohol found in most brands of Witch Hazel takes care of the antibacterial needs post shave. Most commercial aftershaves take care of this as well, since their alcohol content is fairly high (hence the burn).

The short answer to which one to use is whatever works best for your face (YMMV). You can use one, the other or both if your skin will tolerate it.

Yea, Alum is a great skin toner and has a mild antiseptic quality. It will also deal with minor nicks and cuts. I don't think witch hazel has as strong a toner quality but is also mildly antiseptic and will help with minor cuts/nicks. The advantage of alum for an old fart like me is the toning part and it takes up less room in the shelf, lasts longer than a bottle of witch hazel and is easier to travel with on aircraft, no possibility of leakage or security restrictions as on liquids. Either will do the job.

I think using alum has eliminated some skin problems I had too. Alum can also do double duty as a antiperspirant making it handy when traveling a lightly as possible.

Bob

I use them both, every shave for 3 years. Alum first,,,5 minutes,,,,dab off with a wet cloth,,,then heavy witch hazel,,,,let dry,,,,,,then aftershave.

Originally Posted by Hirlau

I use them both, every shave for 3 years. Alum first,,,5 minutes,,,,dab off with a wet cloth,,,then heavy witch hazel,,,,let dry,,,,,,then aftershave.

Yup, that's what I do

Originally Posted by Birnando

Yup, that's what I do

Ditto......plus in a pinch Alum makes a good deoderant if you haven't any.

Both are reasonably affordable. The best way to determine your preference is to test both!

I actually like both and use them separately or together before AS or in lieu of AS. I also use my Alum as deodorant and after a shower I will use it on my feet!

I have come to the conclusion after testing this theory for two months that my feet stay dry and pretty much odorless using Alum. I like wearing open footwear here (Vegas) in the summer and using my hands to apply alum to wet feet and toes has proven beneficial over the days when I haven't.

Alum cuts the burn of aftershaves also so you can enjoy your aftershave without that crazy sting some of them have.

I like my Alum block, I like my Alum block, I like my Alum block, I like my alum block. Did I say I liked my Alum block?
First time I used it was a revelation. I have sensitive skin, especially neck. Always some razor burn, even with a DE. Rub face and neck completely, waited 30 -40 seconds and used a cold washcloth followed by a choice of the minute of an after shave, cream or balm of some kind, or if going out in the hot sun a 30+ SPF sunscreen. No burn, no swearing, no looking in the mirror and thinking what a schmuck I am for putting myself through this torture, I need to go back to my full beard (what would my dermatologist say when he can't easily see where to freeze spots off?). Witch hazel, which I have used and like, just doesn't do the same for me that my Alum block does. (I keep capitalizing Alum. Must be careful, next step is all caps and that raises it the level of a deity.)

I love the joy of testing and finding out what works and doesn't work.

As I mentioned before, I use witch hazel. After reading these posts I decided to get some Shavex alum. I've been using the alum alone for 2 weeks now post my cold water rinse, but no WH. From what I see, compared to WH, the alum is easy to apply, does a slightly better job at closing minor cuts, and stings a bit more on the cut/nipped areas. I'll keep using the alum to see how long it lasts me, but I don't see any major reason for me to switch from WH to alum, or use both.

Originally Posted by Hirlau

I use them both, every shave for 3 years. Alum first,,,5 minutes,,,,dab off with a wet cloth,,,then heavy witch hazel,,,,let dry,,,,,,then aftershave.

That is what I used to do also but then dropped the witch hazel to simplify things.

Bob