Shaving nicks, cuts and razor burns

Gran Hermano

As per the title, nicks/cuts and razor burn, how do you treat and cure yours?

With my initial DE safety razor purchase I made sure I ordered an alum block
and styptic pencil. I've since picked up the Proraso shave cut astringent gel.
I know I'm tempting fate and will most likely loose an ear or two to my Merkur
soon, but luckily I haven't need these remedies as I much as I feared.

I've used all three successfully on minor nicks and from what I've read the
styptic pencil is the 'strongest' of the three for stopping proper bleeders.
I'm interested in hearing from others who have used the on nasty cuts,
anyone have experience? I remember from my early days shaving as a teen
there are certain cuts that only tissue paper can stop - will these blocks
and pencils do the same?

I tried using the alum block as a full-face post-shave treatment and it
certainly cures razor burn - but I found it pretty harsh and felt a burning
sensation for the first few minutes after applying it did feel cool after.
My skin did feel more supple the next day and I will try using again after
a less aggressive shave. I cant help thinking an aftershave balm from
Clinique or similar would do the same job (and without the initial 'burn').

I'm liking the Proraso range of products, their pre/post shave cream really
feels like it's working and there is a real traditional feel about their products.
The only problem I have is even diluted I find the cream post shave to
leave my skin feeling heavy oily. I find I leave it on and then rinse off after
10-20 minutes. It's cooling effect is great but it's not a scent I'd like
to wear out.

I'm still finding the Clinique post shave products top of my list, even more so
since I've started with the safety razors, it's the right mix of moisturising and cooling without leaving any tacky/oily residue. Boots also stock a post
shave cream in their No7 for Men range. I was surprised by it and found it
rather good; nicely calms any redness or burn and whilst heavier on the
skin than the Clinique it's not as heavy as the Proraso.

http://connaughtshaving.com/prorasogel.html
http://connaughtshaving.com/alumblock.html
http://www.shaving-shack.com/shop/product.php?productid=2697&cat=0&page=1
http://www.clinique.co.uk/templates/products/sp_nonshaded.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CAT1033&PRODUCT_ID=PROD1123

http://www.boots.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10052&productId=53407&callingViewName=&langId=-1&catalogId=11051

So gents, how so you treat yours?

Cabaal

I bought a Alum block and I have to say it works a threat, I don't cut myself much but it clears up any I do manage within seconds...stings a tiny but its better then any tissue

Also it eases any razor burn you may have after shaving, after the alum I use after shave balm which can be bought in Lidl...seems the same as Nivia after shave balm which costs 70% more