What Is Astringent And How Does It Differ From Toner

What Is Astringent And How Does It Differ From Toner

Are you finding that your moisturiser doesn’t seem to absorb as quickly as it once did? Finding your skin is looking or feeling as though it’s missing something, but can’t put your finger on it. Astringent may be the answer you’ve been looking for, here we explore a little more about this skin-changing product.

What is astringent?

Astringent is a liquid-based formula, usually containing rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) used by more oily skin types to help cleanse the skin, tighten pores and dry out any excess sebum that can cause blemishes. Using an astringent after cleansing will clear the skin and prepare it for moisturisation meaning it can be quite a valuable step in your everyday skincare routine. The name itself derives from the Latin adstringere, meaning “to bind fast” which gives you the idea of how quickly you can expect the product to work. It comes in many different formulations with added ingredients that can help various skin concerns from redness, spots and even dull complexions.

For you in the know, this product may be sounding very similar to using a toner, though astringents are used in the same way there are a number of differences between the two, we will be discussing those further!

What are the benefits of using an astringent?

There are many benefits astringents have for the skin, such as:

Astringents tighten the skin

Astringents reduce inflammation

Astringents reduce blemish breakouts, such as spots and blackheads

Astringents cleanse irritants from the skin

Astringents shrink the appearance of enlarged pores

Astringents provide anti-bacterial benefits

Astringents unclogs pores

Astringents remove excess oil (sebum)

Oily and blemish-prone skin is the skin type that will benefit most from using astringents, but that doesn’t mean if you have normal or dry skin you should bypass this product as the variety available is impressive and finding an astringent or toner is easier than you think. With natural astringents, such as witch hazel and lemon, you can find the best formula that helps clear your skin of any remaining makeup product or debris leftover from your day.

How to use astringent

Astringents are the next step after cleansing and before any serums or moisturisers. Many astringents contain chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid and citric acid which penetrate into the deeper layers of your skin unclogging the pores from any bacteria and shifting away any products or makeup that your cleanser may have missed.

Step One- Cleanse

Whichever cleanser you decide to use this must always be the first step to your routine to ensure your skin is as clean as it can be. A cleanser is able to remove parts of makeup and other products. It can also dislodge any dead skin cells that can build up on the skin and develop into dry patches, blemishes and blackheads.

Step Two- Astringent or Toner

Soak cotton pads in the liquid of your chose, next sweep it across the skin avoiding the eyes and mouth. If you take a look after doing this you will be shocked to see the pads look grey, this is, in fact, dead skin cells your astringent has lifted away from the skin with the help of the chemical exfoliate leaving your skin glowing.

Top Tip: If you find the cotton pad has a lot of makeup on it then it is best to reconsider your makeup remover or cleanser to something more effective. Milk or lotion formulas of makeup removers used with a damp flannel make light work of foundation in comparison to makeup wipes. Remember it is always best to remove your makeup before cleansing the skin, by not doing this is the equivalent to taking a shower with your clothes on.

Step Three- Serums or Moisturisers

You will now find in this final step the products are able to work quickly and you see results a lot sooner than before. This is due to the fact the products are able to absorb faster into the layers of the skin and begin work targeting the areas that are in need of help, be it anti-ageing or blemish-fighting.

Using an astringent should leave your skin feeling squeaky clean with a very slight tingle if you find it stings or makes your skin feel uncomfortable and tight than the product is too strong and you should opt to try a toner instead as their formulas are more gentle.

What’s the difference between astringent and toner?

In all honesty there is only a handful of difference between an astringent and toner, they certainly look the same and perform similar jobs, however the main difference is how they benefit the skin types. Whilst oily and blemish-prone skin really benefit from using astringent, dry skin types cope better with toners as they are not as harsh or drying.

The use of ingredients in astringents and toners vary which will help explain how they treat the skin differently:

Ingredients Commonly Found in Toners

Lactic acid

Glycolic acid

Hyaluronic acid

Salicylic acid

Rose water

Witch hazel

You will find the chemical exfoliants found in toners, such as lactic and hyaluronic acids, work on the outer layer of the skin meaning they are more gentle and lock in moisture allowing the skin to become more hydrated. Using a toner if you have dry skin will help you add some luminosity and brighten the complexion.

Ingredients Commonly Found in Astringents

Alcohol

Witch hazel

Citric acid
Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a BHA that can reach further down the skin, great for battling breakouts but can be harsh on certain skin types. If your skin is consistently oily or greasy and you find 3 or more active blemishes on your face than astringent should be the next steps you take. It is always best to talk to a dermatologist if you are unsure of using either a toner or astringent, they are the professionals who will tell you which ingredients and products are safe for your use at home. You can find high-quality products available over the counter at your local pharmacies and department stores.

What are the side effects of using astringent?

Astringents are the heavyweights of over the counter skincare, they can be very drying to the skin and should only be used if you are certain they are the right product for you.

Oily skin types will find they get the best results. To avoid any irritation, redness or peeling than use the astringent topically on the oiliest areas, such as your T-zone, or any with spots or blemishes. If your skin is dry or you have skin conditions such as rosacea or eczema it is best to avoid using astringents all together.

No matter your skin type you must always follow your astringent or toner with a high factor of SPF to stop any UV damage.

So, astringents and toners are indeed very similar but cater to the different skin types out there. Whether you are oily, dry or normal including an astringent of some sort into your skincare routine will no doubt be the best thing you can do. By doing so you are able to give your skin the deepest clean and removing the layer that can prevent serums and moisturisers that are packed with active ingredients ready to target fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and many more from working. All pretty remarkable for such an understated bottle of magic!

Are you wondering what exactly is chemical exfoliation and how it can affect your skin? Find out more over on our guide on how chemical exfoliation works to perfect your skin.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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