Help me identify something

Tefral

Went to Turkey last summer, of course while there i got a shave. The guy who was shaving my face said he noticed my face is senstive afterward, so got out what looked like a bar of soap. he just rubbed it on my face, it stung a little so i imagine there is some antibacterial agent in it.

He gave me the little bar to take home. Since then ive been using it and to say its a little miracle worker is selling it short. Even if you get a little cut on your hand, if you wet the bar and rub it on it, the next day its healed.

For all the world it looks like a small bar of marble, it doesnt lather and theres no real smell off it. Its rock hard too..

Anyone know what this is??

Gran Hermano

Sounds like an alum block. I find it works best for me if if apply to wet skin, leave a few minutes then rinse off the residue with cold water.

http://www.shaving.ie/search.php?search_query=Alum&x=0&y=0

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alum

An alternative is to use a proper after shave or witch hazel as a splash. I tend to use alum rarely, I prefer Thayers witch hazel with aloe.

Tefral

Thats exactly it.. the stuff is brilliant..

i must give your recommendation a try too

Gran Hermano

An alum block is also useful in treating cold sores or mosquito bites. It's the same alum as used in those natural deodorant crystals/rocks you'll see in health stores. For individual shaving nicks and cuts try a styptic pencil. It's another salt compound and will sting like hell but stop the blood flow a lot better than sticking toilet paper on your face.

Amalgam

Gran Hermano wrote: »

An alum block is also useful in treating cold sores or mosquito bites. It's the same alum as used in those natural deodorant crystals/rocks you'll see in health stores.

Just to help visualise. I have both, here they are side by side. Roughly the same size too, my Osma block has taken a few knocks..



The ingredients for the deodorant just state: Natural mineral salts, Ammonium Alum.