Crafting the perfect skincare routine can be challenging. With so many options in the beauty aisle, how do you know what to use? Case in point: toners versus astringents. Do you know what the difference is and when to use them? They are both excellent choices to deeply cleanse your skin, but which one is crucial to include in your nightly beauty routine.
What They Have In Common
Both toners and astringents are water-based beauty products meant to cleanse the skin. They both work well at removing residue from the day as well as makeup, lotions and mascara. Typically, after using each, your skin is left feeling extremely clean.
Another common benefit of toners and astringents is their effect on inflammation. Many contain witch hazel, which helps to soothe the skin and ease inflammation. Witch hazel is derived from a flowering plant containing helpful antioxidants. It is often used to treat mild sunburns and acne because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
The Benefits Of Astringents
What sets astringents apart from toners is the use of alcohol. Because astringents contain this ingredient, they are exceptionally good at removing oil as well as dirt, grime and makeup from the skin. The potency of astringents, however, can be harmful for those with dry skin. With the alcohol and strength of the formulations, astringents can further dry skin and may be a better option for those with oilier skin.
Another benefit of astringents is that they can reduce the visibility of pores. Because they remove the dirt deep in your skin and can temporarily stop your skin from secreting oil, your pores may appear less visible. This makes your skin feel tighter, gives you a more youthful appearance and can even give a matte appearance to your face.
The Benefits of Toners
Toners, on the other hand, are less harsh than astringents. They don’t include alcohol as an ingredient so they aren’t as drying to the skin. Instead, they excel at moisturizing your face. This added hydration makes them an ideal product for those with sensitive skin who may have a bad reaction to the harshness of alcohol.
Which Is Best For Acne?
Astringents have the upper hand when treating acne. This is due to the alcohol in these products, which can help dry out pimples and zits. However, if you already suffer from dry skin, astringents can be extra drying and cause flaky skin or have the opposite effect of actually making your acne worse.
How To Use Each
Both astringents and toners should be used as a second step in skincare routines. The first step should always be washing your face with a cleanser formulated for your skin type. Once your face is relatively clean, an astringent or toner will take it to the next level by stripping away any grime or makeup the initial cleanser may have missed.
After cleansing your face, dry your skin and grab some cotton pads. Pour your astringent or toner on the cotton pads and dap on your face. Be sure to focus on the areas of your skin that tend to be acne prone or produce more oil. Once the astringent or toner has been applied and absorbed, move on to the next step in your skincare routine, which is typically the application of a serum or moisturizer.
When Not To Use Either
Although there are benefits to each, there are some situations where you shouldn’t use either. If you have sensitive skin or dry skin, even more gentle toners can be damaging to your face. If you have a severe sunburn, wounds or sores, do not use either product. Rosacea and eczema sufferers should also bow out of using either as they can cause unpleasant reactions or flare-ups.
This Battle Is A Toss Up
Both products have different benefits for different skin types. If you have oily skin, you’ll benefit more from the use of astringents. If you suffer from acne, this is also a great choice but look for astringents that also contain salicylic acid to help effectively remove pimples.
For those with dryer skin or sensitive skin, toners are a better option as they are less drying and better at moisturizing. Toners with hyaluronic acid, glycerin and aloe are excellent options for improving the hydration in your skin. Those with normal to combination skin will also benefit more from toner use than astringent use.
Recommended Products
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Pressed Serum
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Aveeno Calm + Restore Redness Relief Cream
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream Fragrance-Free
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