Quote Originally Posted by ForestryProf
Anyway, an alum block has become a standard part of my post-shave routine. ... rubbing the alum block over my cold-water splashed post-shave face, closes the pores and tightens/tones the skin. Yes, if I've gotten too aggressive while shaving, I can tell where I've abraded the skin, but it does not have near the intensity of sting that a styptic has; nor will application of alum stop a real bleeder. After the alum, I give my face another quick splash then apply Coral Skin Food.
This is what I have done for years. I started using the block when I stopped using alcohol based aftershaves.