We often hear the terms toner and astringent used interchangeably. But do they mean the same thing? Which one is best for you?
Well...
The two products are in fact very similar. They both refine/tighten pores and help remove excess oil, dirt, makeup, and residue. There are a few slight differences though:
Astringents often have antiseptic properties that help clean bacteria from skin's surface and unclogs pores. In addition, they generally have an alcohol content that mattifies oil. Thus, astringents are ideal for younger women, oily skin types, and blemish-prone skin. Natural astringents include witch hazel and cucumber.
Product recommendations:
Toners tend to be alcohol-free and more gentle than astringents. They are often better for balancing and softening skin. For example, aloe and rosewater are natural toners. Women with mature skin, combination/normal/dry skin types, or sensitive skin should choose a toner rather than an astringent.
Product recommendations
- Caudalie Beauty Elixir ($18 at Sephora) for mature skin. Like all Caudalie products, this elixir has grapes for powerful antioxidant protection against aging. With nourishing essential oils, it is a part toner, part serum that leaves skin feeling moisturized.
- Origins United State Balancing Tonic for combination skin. This product keeps the skin's pH balance in check...reducing excess shine in the T-zone and softening dry areas of the face.
- Murad Hydrating Toner ($27 at Sephora) for dry skin. The toner helps restore hydration to the skin with lecithin to keep skin supple. And vitamins C and E provide antioxidant protection.
- Korres Pomegranate Toner ($20 at Sephora) for normal skin. Pomegranate extract is a natural nutrient-rich ingredient that will condition and rejuvenate your skin to reveal a radiant glow.
- Avene Gentle Toner ($20 on dermstore.com) for sensitive skin is formulated with softening and soothing spring water. This toner is hypoallergenic and so gentle that it is suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.
Should you be using a toner or astringent? Yes! Most toners and astringents say to use them day and night. You should definitely be using one at night after cleansing and before treatments and moisturizers to clean up anything your cleanser may have left behind. Also, tightening your pores will keep dirt and toxins out as well as make your complexion look and feel smooth and refreshed. I like to use a cotton ball to help sweep away residue and toxins from my skin, but you can totally spritz toner/astringent if you prefer (though it may not clean your skin as thoroughly). Whether or not you use it in the morning is up to you...it's not as big of a deal if you don't because it's not as essential for your skin to be squeaky clean. Using an astringent in the morning will help reduce oil during the day if you tend to get shiny. And tightening your pores in the morning can improve the appearance of your skin throughout the day. Personally, I use a moisturizing toner in the mornings more for its smoothing and softening effects so that my makeup holds better during the day.
Do you use a toner or an astringent?
The night is a crucial time of repair for your skin.
While you are sleeping, your skin is fighting off signs of aging as
well as environmental damage from pollutants and the sun. During this
process, cell turnover occurs, and your skin is regenerating the
collagen-producing cells that are responsible for skin elasticity.
All of the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc. that are in your serums and other face products can help with this process and make sure that your skin gets the most out of its beauty sleep. Some more intensive treatments that often produce overnight results in terms of improving skin appearance are sleeping masks.
In fact, masks are getting hotter and hotter in the beauty world with 66% growth in 2013. Why? Well, masks definitely offer immediate benefits. You simply rub them into your skin before you sleep (generally once or twice per week) and wash them off in the morning. While you are sleeping, the mask will work its magic!
There are different types of sleeping masks that are designed for various skin needs. Check out these healthy products:
For intense hydration, apply the La Neige Water Sleeping Pack ($27 on amazon.com)
before you hit the sack.
Water sleeping masks are a common product in Korea that have made it over to the US. Korean beauty brands including La Neige make such a product. It's the perfect way to add a surge of moisture to your skin as you sleep, whether the winter weather is drying out your skin or you simply want to get a healthy glow. The invigorating gel consistency is refreshing and non-greasy. Key ingredients like ceramides, chesnut extract, beta glucan, and hunza apricot extract help purify skin, regenerate cells, prevent moisture loss, and improve skin's texture.
To brighten overnight, slather some Korres Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial ($48 at Sephora).
Want to wake up to more radiant skin? The Korres Brightening mask can do the job! Potent wild rose and vitamin C help fade dark spots, even skin tone, moisturize, and protect skin. One night wearing this mask will give you that radiance that you get after receiving a facial. Perfect for women of any age or skin type!
Improve skin elasticity with the Dr. Jart+ Premium Firming Sleeping Mask ($48 at Sephora)
Using hyaluronic acid to help skin retain moisture, kava to boost collagen production and elasticity, and Korean medicinal herbs to purify and boost cell turnover, this masks creates a protective barrier that locks nutrients and moisture into your skin as you sleep. So, you wake up with skin that feels supple, plump, and soft.
If you want to fight blemishes when you sleep, try the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Clarifying Colloidal Sulfur Mask ($42 at Sephora)
It's tough to find sleeping masks that target oily/acne-prone skin, but Dr. Dennis Gross makes one! In addition to minimizing pores, this mask acts as a pore strip that draws out black heads, impurities, excess oil, and bacteria as you are sleeping. Sulfur helps fight pimples, licorice reduces acne scares and inflammation, and bentonite mattifies. And the mask does all of that without drying out skin. If you have a big day ahead of you, apply this mask the night before to make sure that you don't wake up unpleasantly surprised with a fresh zit that morning.
Next time you have a big event...a party, appearance, holiday...slap on one of these sleeping treatments the night before so that you can put your best face forward ;)
