Thread: Why use Alum

Ps, thank you for moving this to the correct forum, (Still learning my way around )

alum is antiseptic and will help prevent any nicks or tiny abrasions from getting infected. this is really important if you sometimes have some irritation and bumpiness after shaving, because if you don't use a good antiseptic then those can easily turn to whiteheads. my experience since starting to use alum is that, when i DO get any irritation or bumps, it's milder and less often reminiscent of acne.

as for sealing nicks with an alum block, just rub it over the nick for a lot longer than you think you should have to, like 10-15 seconds. it has helped with small nicks for me when i've really rubbed it on them a lot.

It helps to close the pores I use it after every shave...love it!

Originally Posted by Catrentshaving

It helps to close the pores I use it after every shave...love it!

Pores doesn't close or open, it just feel like like that...

I use it for traction when shaving and as an astringent after, love it.

Last but not least it's a mighty fine shave test. If you are clumsy with a razor you face will burn. Little burn or none means you didn't abuse your skin.

By the way make sure you don't get ammonium alum that's for under arm perspiration. Potassium alum is for the face.

Thanks
I stopped in on the way home from work to AOS and got one of their Alum blocks, came in a nice plastic carrier... Used it this morning with almost no sting

I just ordered an Osma Block yesterday and it was shipped out in the afternoon, should have it by Friday. Here's to hoping I like it.

I use it. It's cool and refreshing, helps to reduce irritation and it's antiseptic. I just make it part of my routine. Warm water to rinse off the lather, cold water splash then alum block, aftershave splash and I'll rub in a little Feather Kanwa or Kiehl's moisturizer. Most days I can go about my life and not think about my face at all after this. YMMV.

It has many uses:

After a shave it can measure the shave quality
i.e. if it stings or burns the shave was harsh
because the edge was dull or the angle wrong
or shave prep less than it might be.

It is a modest antiseptic and can keep a harsh
shave from getting infected or angry to the point
that tomorrows shave is doomed.

It is a modest styptic and will staunch small weepers.
A styptic pencil lets you apply precise pressure that
is important for small cuts and nicks.

It is a modest face antiperspirant.

Some love it some hate it.

It does not go bad and lasts a long time.

For me it is seasonal. I like it for hot
August days...

Do rinse it off before you leave the
house or before your gal gives ya
a kiss.