Uses and Benefits of The Alum Stone
Alum, also known as aluminum potassium sulfate, is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used for various purposes for centuries. It has both practical and medicinal applications, but it’s important to use it cautiously and consult a healthcare professional when using it for medical purposes due to potential side effects.
Below are some of the topical uses for alum.
Shaving
Alum blocks make for popular shaving products because they prevent bacterial growth and reduce inflammation. This may help reduce the risk of a shaving rash or infection.
Alum is also an ingredient in styptic pencils, another shaving product that manufacturers make by fusing potassium alum with potassium nitrate. Styptic pencils are anti-hemorrhagic agents that treat shaving cuts by aiding clotting and quickly sealing the wound.
Antiperspirant deodorant
Alum is a popular ingredient in antiperspirants for its ability to reduce sweating. It is available in both standard deodorants and as a block that people get wet and then rub directly under the arms. Some companies refer to these products as “crystal deodorants.”
These deodorants may work by shrinking sweat ducts and reducing bacteria that cause body odor.
Acne
Because it is an astringent and inhibits bacteria, some people use alum to reduce oily skin and acne. However, while no research indicates whether it is an effective treatment for either of these, anecdotal reports state that it helps.
Alum may also appear on the ingredients list of skin whitening products, but there is no evidence it lightens the skin.
People have used alum medicinally for a long time. However, it is unclear if it has any long-term benefits for skin health, as there are no scientific studies on this topic. Much of what people know about alum’s properties come from anecdotal evidence or observation.
Scientists do know that alum inhibits the growth of several common strains of bacteria, including Staphylococcus and Streptobacillus. A 2014 laboratory study proved this by taking swabs from the armpits of five male participants, growing the bacteria in agar plates, and exposing them to alum.
However, this study only showed how well alum works in laboratory conditions on agar plates rather than on human skin.
Alum for cracked heels
Alum powder is beneficial in the treatment of cracked heels. For this remedy, warm alum is heated in an empty small pot. When we heat the alum, it becomes liquid and makes foams.
Once the water evaporates, we are left with a lumpy mixture. Once it cools, it is powdered and mixed with coconut oil, and applied to the feet.
The mixture must be ground without problems; otherwise, it will be difficult to apply it on the heels. This remedy provides a surprising relief if applied regularly for a while.
Alum for wrinkles
Alum can be used effectively for wrinkles. Take a piece of alum and wet it. Rub on the damp face for a few seconds. Alum tends to tighten the skin. Wash your face with water and apply moisturizer.
Alum for pimples
Alum can be used effectively for the treatment of grains. A facial mask with egg whites, powdered alum, and fuller’s earth is very effective in the treatment of acne.
How to use alum for the skin
If a person chooses to use alum, there are several ways to do this:
- Alum block: After shaving, rinse the skin with cold water, then wet or soak the alum block in cold water. Run the block over the skin and allow the residue to remain in place for a few seconds before rinsing. Then apply moisturizer or aftershave.
- Styptic pencil: To treat small cuts, wash the hands and then wet the tip of the styptic pencil. Press the tip directly onto the cut and hold for a few seconds or until the bleeding stops.
- Styptic powder: Alternatively, apply a pinch of styptic powder and press against the cut until the bleeding stops.
Side effects of alum
Using alum on the skin can sometimes cause side effects. These may include:
- tingling
- tightness
- dryness
- itchiness
It may also be possible for people to have an alum allergy, although a lack of strong evidence makes this difficult to determine. An older 2008 study of deodorant ingredients found that while many contained aluminum, many also contained other common allergens, such as:
- fragrance
- propylene glycol
- essential oils
If any personal care product causes adverse effects, a person should wash it off and stop using it.
Summary
Alum is an aluminum compound with many uses. For example, people can use alum blocks as antiperspirant deodorants to reduce post-shave irritation or stop bleeding from small cuts.
Alum is an astringent and bacteriostatic agent, meaning it inhibits bacterial growth. However, some studies suggest that aluminum-containing deodorants may increase the risk of breast cancer.
