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 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.

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