Thursday 16 May 2013

Understanding...Astringents

An astringent is a type of toner that tightens pores and removes impurities and excess oils that can lead to blemishes and breakouts. Astringents also control oil and remove dead skin cells and dirt. For these reasons they are best used to treat oily and acne prone skin. I would not recommend astringents to any other skin type as they may find them too drying or irritating.

Astringents are the strongest form of toner as they contain a high proportion of alcohol, witch hazel, and acids (like salicylic acid). For these reason it is advised that astringents should only be used a couple of times a week and should be followed up with a cream or serum to ensure the skin is hydrated.

The best way to use an astringent is to put a good amount of it onto a cotton pad and wipe it over the face and neck until you have treated the entire area. It is important to pay attention to the hairline and ears as dirt and excess oil can rest here.

Contrary to popular belief, astringents should not be put on to the skin like a cream, gel or serum. Astringents should only be used to wipe dirt and oil off of the skin like a cleanser.

Recommendations
  1. Aesop Bitter Orange Astringent Toner 100ml (£25.00 www.aesop.com / $35.00 www.aesop.com)
  2. Clean & Clear Deep Cleaning Astringent Sensitive Skin 8 fl oz ($7.94 Walmart)
  3. Kiehl's Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion 250ml (£16.50 John Lewis / $18.00 Kiehl's)
  4. Vichy Normaderm Purifying Astringent Toner 200ml (£10.50 Boots / $18.00 www.drugstore.com)

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