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| | [[image:Gettingstarted_03.jpg|thumb|right|325px|An Alum block]] | | [[image:Gettingstarted_03.jpg|thumb|right|325px|An Alum block]] |
| | ====What It Is==== | | ====What It Is==== |
| - | Alum, or aluminum potassium sulfate, is a crystal which actually has many uses. In the case of shaving, it’s used as an antibacterial and astringent, or as an alternative to a styptic. | + | Alum, or aluminum potassium sulfate, is a crystal which actually has many uses. In the case of shaving, it’s used as an antibacterial and astringent, and as a styptic for small razor cuts or nicks. |
| | | | |
| | An alum block must be wet when used, or applied by rubbing over wet skin. It will tighten skin and close small cuts/"weepers", and speed the healing of razor burn. Alum was originally very important because of its antiseptic properties -- in the age before widespread antibiotics, an infected razor cut could be serious trouble. In fact, one of the first patients treated successfully with penicillin was near death from an infected shaving cut [http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/wong/bot135/Lect21b.htm]. | | An alum block must be wet when used, or applied by rubbing over wet skin. It will tighten skin and close small cuts/"weepers", and speed the healing of razor burn. Alum was originally very important because of its antiseptic properties -- in the age before widespread antibiotics, an infected razor cut could be serious trouble. In fact, one of the first patients treated successfully with penicillin was near death from an infected shaving cut [http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/wong/bot135/Lect21b.htm]. |
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| | [[Category:Aftershaves]] | | [[Category:Aftershaves]] |
| | [[Category:Shave Accessories]] | | [[Category:Shave Accessories]] |
| | + | ====External links==== |
| | + | [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alum Wikipedia entry on alum] |
| | + | |
| | + | [http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1397/what-is-alum-and-will-it-make-someones-mouth-shrink-like-in-the-cartoons Straight Dope article on alum] |
Revision as of 15:19, November 6, 2009
What It Is
Alum, or aluminum potassium sulfate, is a crystal which actually has many uses. In the case of shaving, it’s used as an antibacterial and astringent, and as a styptic for small razor cuts or nicks.
An alum block must be wet when used, or applied by rubbing over wet skin. It will tighten skin and close small cuts/"weepers", and speed the healing of razor burn. Alum was originally very important because of its antiseptic properties -- in the age before widespread antibiotics, an infected razor cut could be serious trouble. In fact, one of the first patients treated successfully with penicillin was near death from an infected shaving cut [1].
How To Use
To use alum, one should either wet the face, wet the alum block, or both; rub the block over the skin a few times and wait a minute. One can then rinse the face and apply balm, aftershave, and/or cologne as usual.
Care of Alum Block
Because the alum block is a crystal, and because it is water soluble, the solution of water and alum can re-deposit on the edges of the block, causing sharp or rough edges. Drying the block after use, and/or wrapping the block in an absorbent cloth or tissue, can keep the edges smooth.
Other Uses
Alum crystals are also used as deodorants, because of the same antiseptic and astringent action that makes them useful for shaving.
Keep Away From Children
Like many shaving supplies, keep alum away from children. If you think a child has eaten or swallowed your alum, seek immediate medical assistance for the child.
External links
Wikipedia entry on alum
Straight Dope article on alum
