Thread: Skipping the Alum

I have been using Alum since I started wet shaving. I also use it on my finger tips to aid grip when stretching. I have always applied the alum post shave with cold water then removed the Alum after a few seconds with a cold water splash.

Lately my shaving technique has got much better with a straight and the alum doesn't sting much but I do notice it tightens my face. I have also noticed lately that I am suffering with dry skin more regularly. I used to think when I DE shaved the tightening and the drying was more to do with my poor technique then the product but now I am unsure.

I am wondering has anyone decided to skip the Alum and found their skin improves? Comments please

I never knew about alum for the first 3 yrs. And have since decided that if I went that long without, that I dont really need it.

Alum can dry the face but it also acts as an antiseptic which helps keep the pores healthy. I use it after every shave but always finish with a quality shaving balm which unlike aftershave will rehydrate the skin. In fact I may go a little overboard Proraso pre and post leave to soak in then apply the balm. This works for me

I guess you could stop using alum and see if your dry skin condition ceases or start using an AS balm. I always had fairly oily skin and zits which stopped when I started using alum block regularly and no AS balm. I can see if you had normal to dry skin to start with using alum might dry your skin out a little too much.

Bob

Alum is also an excellent deodorant.....I have not bought mainstream deodorant since discovering alum. It als is good for post shave touchup as it gets the stray whiskers to stand tall.

Funny you should mention alum's use as a deodorant. The alum I use post shave is sold as a deodorant locally and saves me ordering "shaving" alum block on line.

Bob

Yeah, that alum is pretty versatile stuff. Definitely a nifty old school secret.

I've never used Alum Block. I use Styptic pencil when I need to, which is very rare these days, and use moisturizing balms after my shaves instead of after shaves.

I used to use alum, but stopped as I didn't like it very much, I know razorfeld thinks alum adversely affected his skin, I would just give it a break for a week or so and see how you go.
I gave mine away, which cheered up a fellow member here
Steph, brut aftershave makes a pretty good underarm deodorant, I imagine it's what magnum P.I. would smell of

Looking at the replies so far all I can say is the use of any product used in a shaving regimen that has an adverse effect on you should not be used. I also think most pre and post shave products are not strictly necessary either depending on a persons skin condition. Since everyone does not have the same skin condition/type you have to experiment which combination of pre and post shave products do or do not work for you.

Specifically in the case of using an alum block post shave for me it has a beneficial effect that I discovered after not using it in over 40 years of shaving. The main use of it for me is not as a replacement for a styptic pencil although I do have a styptic pencil that is very rarely used.

There is also the case where a pre or post shave product has no effect, good or bad, and/or you just plain don't like it so why even use it.

Bob