Alum Block

An Alum Block is a crystal-like stone that is moistened with cold water and gently rubbed over the entire face to act as an antiseptic for razor burn. It can also help to stop bleeding of nicks and cuts. The Alum block also has antiseptic properties that not only cool and refresh the skin after shaving, but also act as a balm. Simply wet the block, apply to face, and then dry with towel.

See also styptic pencil which unlike the alum block is specifically used for individual cuts and nicks and is made from the alum block crystal, then its powdered form is concentrated into a stick.

Acne Explained

Acne itself is caused by an abnormal response to the hormone Testosterone. Both men and women have Testosterone in their blood stream and this can sometimes have a profound effect on the skin causing acne. The symptons of acne predominantly start in early puberty and last until hormone activity settles down in the late teens or early twenties. However more severe cases of acne can continue well into adulthood leaving both physical and emotional scars on the unfortunate sufferer.

Acne pimples form when the skins sebacous glands are overreactive and produce too much of the protective skin oil, sebum. A spot then forms when a pore thorugh which a hair emerges is blocked by dead skin cells and the sebacous glands begin to produce too much oil. Skin cells normally shed themselves naturally about every 28 days, however in acned skin these cells shed a great deal faster and so increase the risk of pore blockages phenomonly.

This usually protective oil gets trapped in the hair channel itself, also known as 'keratinisation', and begins to solidify forming a 'blackhead'. Over time the sebum here gradually builds up around the hair folicle and its root and becomes especially vunerable to bacteria. The presence of such bacteria then produces puss which turns these 'blackheads' into 'whiteheads'. In turn the bacteria then begins to form and break down the sebum into very irritating chemicals which in turn cause:

• Redness
• Pain
• Swelling
• Puss build up, and
• Inflamation

In some severe cases cysts and painful swellings can then develop. These cysts can then rupture and cause deep scars and pitting of the skin.

 

Dr Shaves Top 10 Tips On How To Fight Acne

1. Identify the cause
Examine your lifestyle to identify any changes that occurred when the acne started.

2. Keep clean
Because acne is an infection caused by the skins pores getting clogged with excessive oil, washing with hot water and soap should prevent the infection from spreading and annihilate the problem altogether. However only wash twice a day, once when you first wake up in the morning and then, right before you go to bed at night. Be extremely gentle to your skin when washing - do not scrub or use any sort of rough cloth. Overwashing your skin will actually stimulate your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, thus increasing your acne.

3. Don't pick at it
Almost all Dermatologists will agree picking, squeezing, and popping will aggravate the acne, spread the bacteria and worsen the scarring. Trying to squeeze the puss out on your own might send it to deeper layers of your skin creating a larger, more serious infection.

4. Apply a honey mask to your face once or twice a week
Honey has antibacterial properties so it is great for disinfecting and healing minor blemishes. It is also gentle on sensitive skin.

5. Keep your hair off your face
If you have long hair or bangs, pull your hair off your face. Your hair contains oils as well, and will contribute to your breakouts. You'll also want to wash your hair everyday and after workouts.

6. Take a potent multi-vitamin
Acne can be a sign that something is wrong on the inside. Your skin depends on nutrition. It is a vital organ that is usually neglected. If your body is not receiving the right nutrition, it will fight back. One common way it will rebel is to produce excessive sebum, clogging pores, and reducing the ability for your skin to heal and fight bacteria.

7. Avoid wearing makeup
Leaving makeup products on your skin only contributes to clogging your pores, causing more pimples and blackheads. If you feel you must wear makeup, be sure it is water-based.

8. Wash your pillow case every other day
Your face lays on your pillow case every day. Your pillow case absorbs the oils from your skin and reapplies the dirt and oil. Thus causing breakouts. Keep your sheets and pillow cases clean.

9. Drink 8 glasses of water a day
Drinking water is essential for clean skin and your overall health. Water is essential for carrying waste material out of your body.

10. Include chromium in your diet
Chromium is well known for weight loss diets. But it is also excellent for healing infections on the skin. Taking a chromium supplement once a day will help heal your pimples quickly and prevent future breakouts.

And remember folks, take good care of your skin and it'll take good care of YOU!

Dr Shave

 

Traditional Fragrances

No Wet Shave is complete without the aromatic fragrance of an Aftershave.
Many Shaving Creams and Shaving Soaps complement each other with a Aftershave of the same fragrance.

Some Traditional Fragrances are:

• Sandalwood
• Extract of Limes
• Rose

 

 

Did You Know?

Aftershave-like substances were used in ancient Egyptian times to clean and deodorize a dead body before it was soaked in natron and wrapped in linen bandages.

Medicinal uses

Aloe vera has been used externally to treat various skin conditions such as cuts, burns and eczema. It is alleged that sap from Aloe vera eases pain and reduces inflammation by virtue of the mucopolysaccharides present in the inner gel of the leaf.

Aloe vera sap and other derivatives are added in the manufacture of makeup, moisturisers, soaps, sunscreens, shampoos and lotions, though the effectiveness of Aloe vera in these produces remains unknown.

It is supposed to be beneficial for dry, sensitive skin and eczema.

Shaving gel with Aloe vera can be an alternative to shaving soap. When rubbed into the skin the gel becomes thicker, raising the stubble ready for the shave.

It not only soothes the skin but acts as a lubricant which helps make the razor glide smoothly over the skin.

 

 

Did You Know?

Aftershave-like substances were used in ancient Egyptian times to clean and deodorize a dead body before it was soaked in natron and wrapped in linen bandages.

History

The alum block is the original antiseptic aftershave which contains mineral salts that were originally used by the Egyptians more than four thousand years ago for their healing and antiseptic properties.

How does it work?

The Alum block salts stop bleeding by constricting blood vessels and tightening pores.

Storing the Alum Block

After use clean the alum block thoroughly with water, dry it and store in a dry place such as a box. If you allow the block to remain moist or exposed to moisture it will simply dissolve

Tips

If you have dry or sensitive skin then we do not recommend using alum blocks as the minerals used are astringent which means that they draw moisture out of the skin.  

For a superior electric shave, dampen and apply before shaving to condition and ready skin. This actions tightens the beard and raises the whiskers ready for the shave. 

Dampened and smoothed across the face after shaving, it has a styptic effect, closing the pores and leaving skin silky soft.  

Never use the alum block before a shave, only after.