Ask Aaron Q/A: Cold Weather Shaving & Moisturising The Skin
Aaron is asked a question about skin irritation (after shaving) during the cold weather & what can be done to alleviate the problem
Jorge Flores, from Mexico, asks:
“Dear Aaron. I’m from Chiapas, Mexico, and frequently have to travel around my country, but the weather in the cities can be very different. It’s either very, very, very hot or very, very, very cold, so my question is this: When I have to shave in the cold weather my skin becomes very irritated and I don’t know if there is a product on the market that exists to help overcome this problem. I appreciate your answer.”
AARON SAYS
“Senor Flores,
The irritation you are experiencing is probably due to dryness from shaving and the cold, dry air. The product I would suggest to help is an aftershave balm such as the Blubeards Revenge balm or one of many others, and if you still continue to experience discomfort, a moisturizer such as the Men-U moisturizer.
Both shaving and dry air can rob the skin from moisture and you want to add and keep moisture in be using a balm and/or a moisturizer to combat the discomfort. Let me know if you continue to have trouble but using these products should alleviate the problem!
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Styptic Pencil vs Alum Block
Aaron is asked a question about the advantages of using an alum block over a styptic pencil
Michael Behan, from the UK, asks:
“Like lots of shavers, if/when I get a small cut or nick whilst shaving, a styptic pencil will stem the bleed. What advantage is there in using an alum block, which costs twice as much as a styptic pencil?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Behan,
While they styptic pencil and the alum block both take care of nicks, the basic purpose is different. Most people use the alum block as part of an aftershave routine, and the styptic pencil is a spot treatment. I hope this helps!
Happy Shaving,
Aaron”
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Stop bleeding from shaving cuts with an alum block!
We’ve all cut ourselves shaving at some point but how many of us know about the wound constricting properties of the alum block, the original antiseptic aftershave?
This little, crystal-like stone serves to contract the tissue surrounding the wound that stems the blood flow, helping to soothe irritation and close up nicks or cuts.
Good quality alum blocks also have 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.
A worthy alternative to the alum block is the styptic pencil, which is specifically designed for individual cuts and nicks.
The styptic pencil is made from the alum block crystal, but then its powdered form is concentrated into a stick.
Tom Trueman, the face of British shaving company the Shaving Shack, believes using an alum block is an essential part of a quality shave.
He said: “Finish your shave in style with an alum block. Made from the finest ingredients, our alum blocks have antiseptic and astringent properties to help close pores, reduce razor burn and prevent minor bleeds.”
And according to Tom, storing an alum block is relatively straightforward. “After use clean the alum block thoroughly with water, dry it and store in a dry box,” he explains.
“However, if you allow the alum block to remain moist or exposed to moisture it will simply dissolve, so take care.”
Tom also warns that people who have dry or sensitive skin should not use a block, as the minerals used are astringent, meaning they will draw moisture out of the skin.
He also stresses that an alum block should never be used before a shave, only after.












