Alum Block before AS?

Is there a downside to use alum block before a after shave/aftershave splash? A alum block closes the pores. Will the after shave have full effect then?

(05-06-2012, 12:06 PM)Striky Wrote: Is there a downside to use alum block before a after shave/aftershave splash? A alum block closes the pores. Will the after shave have full effect then?

O,

I've always used alum followed by a cold water rinse before AS. It's always worked very well for me, but your question is a good one and I've wondered the same.

My explanation would be (this is only my stab) that alum, WH and cold water make the skin tissue contract and tighten, but pores generally don't open and close. So, you're good to go.

I also use alum block before AS, but just wondered if it had anything to say.

I believe the convention is to apply alum after the shave and leave for a brief period before rinsing the face and applying AS etc. I'm not so sure the alum needs to be left on the face and if it were ,would it be detrimental
l But hey my knowledge of alum is some what limited, but I must say used in the conventional way it really does finish off a good shave to perfection ....I like alum

I've been using an alum block since 1981. I love it. After I shave I use a cold rinse, and a quick alum rub, unless I have a bleeder, in which case I go right to the alum. I wet it with warm water and rub it all over my face paying special attention to the nicks. Then I use a cold water rinse and then either AS or a balm and toner. Usually Weleda. I don't know if that's the " proper" way but it sure feels good.
Regards!
Safaripete

For me it's alum > shower > aftershave.

I don't think using alum without rinsing it off is a good idea, since it'll leave a residue on your skin.

I also rinse off the alum block off the face before I put on AS/ASB.

Good to see my method is the same as yours

(05-07-2012, 10:12 PM)WegianWarrior Wrote: For me it's alum > shower > aftershave.

I don't think using alum without rinsing it off is a good idea, since it'll leave a residue on your skin.

You use alum before your shower & shave? What benefits do you notice from using it as a PreShave? I've only used it postshave & never even considered it before I shave. Now I'm curious.

Well, the whole sequence is pre-shave wash > alum > shower > A/S for moisturizing and scent. Sorry if that wasn't too clear.

I love the Search Box!


Found the answer to my question right here.

(05-12-2012, 06:43 AM)WegianWarrior Wrote: Well, the whole sequence is pre-shave wash > alum > shower > A/S for moisturizing and scent. Sorry if that wasn't too clear.

So where in the sequence goes the shaving part? 

I skip the alum altogether as I find alum to be an irritant. YMMV of course.

i use alum after every shave along with witch hazel, spend time putting stuff away and cleaning up  rinse face then a/s.  boellis panama scent is tops for me

(11-28-2015, 02:43 PM)lloydrm Wrote:

(05-12-2012, 06:43 AM)WegianWarrior Wrote: Well, the whole sequence is pre-shave wash > alum > shower > A/S for moisturizing and scent. Sorry if that wasn't too clear.

So where in the sequence goes the shaving part? 

He shave before he takes his shower.  I assume the shaving goes before applying the alum.

my sequence is: shower, shave, warm water to rinse soap, alum, cold water to rinse alum, aftershave splash, small amount of unscented balm.  works great

You can't go wrong with something that makes your face feel so good.

For me there is no down side to using an alum block post shave before the after shave splash. Alum is a mild antiseptic and tightens the skin. Wet your face, rub the alum over it, let sit a few minutes and then rinse it off thoroughly. If you mess up your shave through poor technique the alum will sting/irritate your face.

Bob

(12-02-2015, 04:21 AM)BobH Wrote: For me there is no down side to using an alum block post shave before the after shave splash. Alum is a mild antiseptic and tightens the skin. Wet your face, rub the alum over it, let sit a few minutes and then rinse it off thoroughly. If you mess up your shave through poor technique the alum will sting/irritate your face.

Bob

Agree!  Works just as well, also, if you use an after shave balm.  

Stanley

(12-01-2015, 08:12 PM)crenedecotret Wrote: my sequence is: shower, shave, warm water to rinse soap, alum, cold water to rinse alum, aftershave splash, small amount of unscented balm.  works great

Ok - several have alluded to the application of a post shave balm after using the alum block and rinsing it.

Just to be clear - does the use of the alum block reduce, or otherwise alter the effectiveness of post shave balms (like Truefit & Hill, Cade, AOS, Trumpers, etc.)?  What I'm reading is that it doesn't, that alum is just another step in the process (and a good one, from what I'm gathering), used primarily to disinfect the skin after shaving.  Is that basically accurate?