Thread: Alum block causing dry skin

Does anyone have any experience with an alum blck causing the skin to dry? I've applied the block with cold water over my face, but I find if I leave it on my face will tighten up and remain dry for the remainder of the day.

I use an alum block with cold water after every shave. I let it sit a few minutes then rinse it off with more cold water. Yes it does tighten my skin up and dry it out. For me that is no problem as I have naturally oily skin and could stand loosing some of that oil. If you skin is too dry you could use an after shave balm to compensate for the dryness.

Bob

Alum is not meant to be left on the face. You get the effects of it by putting it on and letting it sit a few min then wash it off and apply aftershave, balm or moisturizer.

Thanks for the replies, I'll make sure to wash it off after application. Any lurkers, take note not to do as I've done!

Its not going to ruin your face if you don't rinse it off...I seldom rinse my face after the block, just blot my face dry most of the time. Pick up some Nevia aftershave balm and you will be good to go either way.

It used to dry my skin when i left it on, now i rinse after a few min then apply a splash

Originally Posted by sinnfein

It used to dry my skin when i left it on, now i rinse after a few min then apply a splash

Yes I too rinse it off... after about 10 minutes, then apply aftershave balm. At first, I would not rinse the alum off but now find it's best to rinse it off. Although, there are some that can leave it on without problem. Just have to find what works for your skin.

Guys, IMHO you are thinking to hard. I use it every shave. Cold water then rub alum block on the face. let sit for a bit then pat dry with the towel. ASB is the moisturizer. Why we use it.

This just begs the question...does it make sense to dry your skin out then moisturizer it? Why not just get a good moisturizer and skip the alum?

Originally Posted by WoppA

This just begs the question...does it make sense to dry your skin out then moisturizer it? Why not just get a good moisturizer and skip the alum?

The alum is an astringent...it helps to close the pores as well as act as an antiseptic. Not always a good idea to put moisturizer (oils) into open pores.