What is an astringent? How is it different from a toner?

Have you noticed that your moisturizer isn’t absorbing as quickly as it used to? You feel like your skin is missing something, but you can’t quite put your finger on what it is. An astringent might be the answer you’ve been looking for. Learn more about this skin-changing product here.

What is an astringent?

An astringent is a liquid formula, usually containing rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol), that oily skin types use to cleanse the skin, tighten pores, and dry out excess sebum that can cause blemishes. Applying an astringent after cleansing cleanses the skin and prepares it for moisturizing. This can be a very valuable step in your skin care routine. The name itself comes from the Latin word astringere, which means “fast-binding,” giving you an idea of how quickly the product works. It comes in many different formulas with extra ingredients that can help with a variety of skin concerns, from redness and blemishes to dull complexion.

For those who are familiar, the product may sound very similar to toner. Although astringents are used in the same way, there are many differences between the two, which we’ll discuss further!

What are the benefits of using an astringent?

Astringents have many benefits for the skin, such as:

Astringents tighten the skin

Astringents reduce inflammation

Astringents reduce the formation of skin blemishes, such as pimples and blackheads

Astringents cleanse the skin of irritants

Astringents shrink large pores

Astringents are antibacterial

Astringents open pores

Astringents remove excess oil (sebum)

Oily and acne-prone skin are the skin types that benefit the most from astringents. But that doesn’t mean you should skip the product if you have normal or dry skin, because the selection is impressive and finding an astringent or toner is easier than you think. With natural astringents like witch hazel and lemon, you’ll find the best formulas for removing makeup residue or the day’s residue from your skin.

How to Use an Astringent

Astringents are the next step after cleansing and before serum or moisturizer. Many astringents contain chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid and citric acid, which can penetrate deep into the skin to unclog bacteria-clogged pores and remove any product or makeup that your cleanser may have missed.

Step 1 – Cleansing

No matter which cleanser you choose, it must always be the first step in your routine to ensure your skin is as clean as possible. Cleansers can remove some of your makeup and other products. It can also loosen up dead skin cells that build up on your skin and cause dry spots, blemishes, and blackheads.

Step 2 – Astringent or Toner

Dip a cotton pad in the liquid of your choice and wipe it over your skin, avoiding your eyes and mouth. When you examine it afterwards, you’ll be surprised to see that the pads are grey in color. In fact, these are dead skin cells that your astringent has removed from your skin using chemical exfoliants, leaving you with a glowing, radiant skin.

Important Tip: If you notice a lot of makeup on your cotton pad, consider replacing your makeup remover or cleanser with a more effective product. Milk or lotion-based makeup removers used with a damp washcloth can make removing foundation easier than makeup wipes. Remember, it’s best to remove makeup before cleansing your skin. If you don’t, it’s like taking a shower with your clothes on.

Step 3 – Serum or Moisturizer

You’ll now notice that the products in the last step work quickly and you’ll see results faster than before. This is because these products absorb into the skin layers faster and can work where help is needed, whether it’s anti-aging or fighting skin blemishes.

Using an astringent should leave your skin squeaky clean and leave a slight tingling sensation. If you find that it burns or your skin feels uncomfortable and tight, the product is too strong and you should try a toner instead, as they have a gentler formula.

What is the difference between an astringent and a toner?

Honestly, there is very little difference between an astringent and a toner. While they look the same and perform similar tasks, the main difference is how they benefit different skin types. While oily and acne-prone skin do benefit from using an astringent, dry skin types are better suited to using a toner because they are less harsh or drying.

The use of ingredients in astringents and toners varies, which explains how they work differently on the skin:

Common ingredients in toners

Lactic acid

Glycolic acid

Hyaluronic acid

Salicylic acid

Rose water

Witch hazel

The chemical exfoliants you’ll find in toners, such as lactic acid and hyaluronic acid, work on the outer layer of the skin, which means they are gentler and lock in moisture, leaving the skin better hydrated. If you have dry skin, use a toner to add some brightness and brighten your complexion.

Common ingredients in astringents

Alcohol

Witch hazel

Citric acid

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a type of salicylic acid that penetrates deeper into the skin, making it great for fighting breakouts, but can be harsh on some skin types. If your skin is often oily or greasy, and you notice 3 or more active blemishes on your face, the next thing you should do is use an astringent. If you are unsure whether to use a toner or astringent, you should consult a dermatologist. These professionals can tell you which ingredients and products are safe to use at home. Good quality products can be purchased at pharmacies and department stores without a prescription.

What are the side effects of using astringents?

Astringents are heavyweights in over-the-counter skin care products. They can be very drying to the skin and should only be used if you are sure they are the right product for you.

They work best on oily skin. To avoid irritation, redness, or peeling, apply astringents topically on your oiliest areas, such as: B. your T-zone or areas with spots or blemishes. If you have dry skin or suffer from skin conditions like rosacea or eczema, it’s best to avoid astringents altogether.

Regardless of your skin type, you’ll always want to use a high SPF after using an astringent or toner to protect against UV damage.

Astringents and toners are actually very similar, but are suited to different skin types. Whether your skin is oily, dry, or normal, incorporating an astringent into your skincare routine is undoubtedly the best thing you can do. This way, you’ll thoroughly cleanse your skin and remove layers that may be preventing serums and moisturizers that are packed with active ingredients that fight fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and more from doing their job. That’s all pretty amazing for such a subtle bottle of magic!

Wondering what exactly a chemical peel is and how it affects your skin? Learn more about how chemical peels can make your skin perfect in our guide.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected