Shaving is something most of us do regularly. But let’s be honest. How often do you end up with nicks or irritation? Quite common, right?

That’s exactly why you need to try out the alum block. Read on to understand what it is, how to use it, and why it’s a must-have for your shaving routine.

What Is an Alum Block?

An alum block is a small crystalline block made of potassium alum— a type of mineral salt. Due to its healing properties, it was traditionally the first remedy for minor cuts. That makes it a good post-shaving solution for treating pesky nicks and cuts. Being completely natural, the alum block is suitable for all skin types. 

How to Use an Alum Block for Shaving

Using an alum block may be quite tricky if you haven’t yet tried it before. Check out a step-by-step guide to get started:

1. Wet The Alum Block: First of all, complete your shaving routine and rinse off with lukewarm water. Then, wet the alum block with cold water to activate it. Never soak it. A little moisture is enough to make it glide smoothly over your skin. 
2. Apply To Your Skin: Hold the wet alum block and gently rub it over your shaved areas. Move it smoothly to cover the irritated spots. As you apply it, you might notice a slight tingling on the cuts. That’s a sign that the alum works on your skin to kill the bacteria.
3. Wait and Rinse: The alum needs time to close your pores and disinfect any minor cuts. To do that, leave the residue on your skin for about 2 minutes. Afterward, rinse your face with cool water to get a refreshing feel.
4. Moisturize: Remember, alum is slightly drying. So, it is always a good idea to apply a moisturizer to lock in the hydration and keep your skin soft.

Why Should You Use an Alum Block?

So, why bother with this extra step? Well, the alum block offers real benefits to improve your shaving experience. Let’s have a closer look at that:

• Stops Bleeding Quickly

If you’ve ever nicked yourself with a razor, you know how painful the bleeding from those tiny cuts can be. Luckily, the alum block’s astringent properties can tighten the blood vessels. It seals the cut to reduce the blood flow instantly. So, your face remains clear as the need for bits of tissue to stop bleeding is avoided.

• Reduces Razor Burn

Razor burns are quite common for skin-sensitive people. The alum block helps in soothing the irritation caused by calming the inflammation. Its cooling effect provides instant relief from that uncomfortable burning sensation. Even the redness and swelling can be reduced to a great extent. 

• Acts as a Natural Antiseptic

Shaving creates micro-cuts on your skin. Such spots are left vulnerable to bacteria and infections. You can use an alum block over there to disinfect your skin. Due to its antiseptic properties, it can even kill bacterias before they penetrate into the inner skin layers. And the best part is that all of these are done without any harsh ingredients.

• Tightens Skin Pores

The alum block helps tighten pores and firm up the skin. Soon, your face will have a fresher look with a glow. Closing the pores also reduces the risk of dirt clogging them, which in turn reduces the chances of acne and blackspots to half. 

• Eco-friendly

Unlike disposable aftershaves, alum block is a completely natural solution. It’s free of any side effects. Plus, a single block can last for months with proper care. That means you can save your pockets from branded cosmetics. 

Conclusion

In fact, alum block is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many other hidden gems out there that can improve your shaving experience. At Struggle and Style, we offer such exquisite natural products to give you the smoothest shave every time. Book an appointment now!