Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 11
  1. #1
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Posts
    174
    Thanked: 16

    Default Alum reacting strangely with balms?

    I've recently started using alum again but since I gave it up, I've started using TOBS aftershave balm which, for those that don't know, is a sort of heavy moisturiser. The problem is, as I rub it on over the alum, it immediately loses its slickness, in fact it becomes rough and forms a sort of scum which can't be rubbed into the face. Anyone had a similar problem and know if this is something which will happen to all creams? It doesn't seem to happen with Trumpers Skin Food, but I prefer that as pre-shave.

  2. #2
    Senior Member AlanII's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    1,689
    Thanked: 244

    Default

    I always cold rinse the Alum off after its dried before applying balm and have no problems with the ones I use, is your routine the same? Have never tried TOBS though. Sorry if this isn't very helpful.

  3. #3
    I shave with a spoon on a stick. Slartibartfast's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Stay away stalker!
    Posts
    4,578
    Thanked: 1262
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    I usually put alum on, then dry & strop my razor. put it away, then rinse it off with cold water.

    Do not believe you are suppose to leave it on.

  4. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Posts
    174
    Thanked: 16

    Default

    I think I usually apply the alum, pat it dry, leave for a few minutes, apply AS, let that dry and then balm. I'll try washing off the alum next time...

  5. #5
    Pogonotomy rules majurey's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Norf Lahndon, innit?
    Posts
    1,622
    Thanked: 170

    Default

    Alum denaturises (probably wrong word) balms. I find it makes them very thin and runny and sometimes makes some precipitate (bits of solid matter). I bet it's to do with pH, but I'm sure a chemistry student/grad can chime in with an explanation.

    When I use alum, I wash it off almost immediately with cold water, thoroughly, then apply balm.

  6. #6
    Large Member ben.mid's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Oxfordshire, England
    Posts
    3,096
    Thanked: 763

    Default

    I let my face dry, then wash it off. It's done it's job by then & you don't have to keep it on. I can't stand the tightness when i do.

  7. #7
    zib
    zib is offline
    Hell Razor zib's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    Jacksonville, Fl.
    Posts
    5,348
    Thanked: 1217
    Blog Entries
    4

    Default

    + 1 with Ben, I don't leave it on either...

    You can try this, After I rinse the shave cream off my face and it's still wet, I use ALUM. After I clean my brush, and scuttle and dry my blade, The alum is normally dry too, I then wipe my face down with Witch Hazel and a cotton square. (The cotton will also tell you if you really did get BBS...)

    I don't leave the Alum on. After you've used Witch Hazel, You should have no problem with the AS Balms....
    We have assumed control !

  8. The Following User Says Thank You to zib For This Useful Post:

    ben.mid (11-19-2009)

  9. #8
    Large Member ben.mid's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Oxfordshire, England
    Posts
    3,096
    Thanked: 763

    Default

    Zib, that's my routine too, but i dropped the witch hazel.

  10. The Following User Says Thank You to ben.mid For This Useful Post:

    zib (11-09-2009)

  11. #9
    Senior Member AlanII's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    1,689
    Thanked: 244

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by ben.mid View Post
    I let my face dry, then wash it off. It's done it's job by then & you don't have to keep it on. I can't stand the tightness when i do.
    That's what I do, for the same reason.

  12. #10
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Chicagoland
    Posts
    844
    Thanked: 155

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by rupert87 View Post
    I've recently started using alum again but since I gave it up, I've started using TOBS aftershave balm which, for those that don't know, is a sort of heavy moisturiser. The problem is, as I rub it on over the alum, it immediately loses its slickness, in fact it becomes rough and forms a sort of scum which can't be rubbed into the face. Anyone had a similar problem and know if this is something which will happen to all creams? It doesn't seem to happen with Trumpers Skin Food, but I prefer that as pre-shave.
    True alum (hydrated potasium aluminum sulfate) is a floculant. This means that it will cause small particles in water to collect in a gell like precipitate. It is in fact used for this very purpose in water treating plants. Your balm is most likely an emulsion of water and various fats, and probably contains some fine particles to stabilize the emulsion. When it comes into contact with any residual alum on your skin, the alum causes this misture to flock, and you get the "scum" you are talking about. As several have said, wash it off before adding other products.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •