Number 1) worked!

I rinsed my face with cold water after the alum step, patted dry and then applied the balm.

My skin did feel tightned and all of the little nicks stopped bleeding but this was much more comfortable and there was now white powdery film.

I think I prefer the alum to styptic. The balm seems to open the nicks back up when I use the stuptic but with the alum they stay closed.

Thanks again guys.