Thread: 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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

+ 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....

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

Originally Posted by ben.mid

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.

Originally Posted by rupert87

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.