Hi Lose the beard,
It seem to me that the answers people get to questions like yours (and mine), depends on how we phrase the question. As we are newbies(ish) we don't know how to phrase the question to solve our own issue sometimes. Having followed this thread it seems to me that it is your "prep" that needs attention. Using alum on dry skin doesn't sound a great idea. I suggest you need to have moist, elastic skin before you start any shaving related activity. Risking the ire of some purists I'd say forget the shaving for now - work on keeping moist skin and shave using oily not soapy. Can you shave in rhe evening? Home, wash with e45. Applye45. eat etc. Wash with e45. Shave using e45. cold rinse a few times. Hydrate e45 in hands and apply. AM - wash with e45. rinse well. Hydrate a tiny amount of epiderm or vaseline in hands and apply.
A few days of this and your astringents can stay in the cupboard. You will be able to start using the products we all love, but have some first aid routines for bad days.
If I shave after "oil cleanse method" it is virtually impossible to nick myself as my skin is so elastic and slippery. Not a technique I prefer, but was necessary twice.
love'n'joy
Lloyd