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?
Look no further! Some of the best facial treatments can be found in your kitchen. Why spend hundreds of dollars on products, when you can make them yourself?
1. Cleanser = Baking Soda + Honey
Not only does baking soda draw out impurities from your pores like a packaged face wash would, but it also provides gentle exfoliation (much gentler than salt or sugar). It is a little difficult to rub over your face, so use honey to make a more user-friendly paste. Honey is, in my opinion, one of beauty's best kept secrets. It has moisturizing and antiseptic properties and is packed with anti-oxidants. This powerful combo will leave your skin glowing!
2. Toner = Rice Water + Green Tea
Take some uncooked rice and dump it into some water. Swirl the rice around in the bowl, until the water becomes cloudy. Strain the rice out of the mixture, so that you're left with the cloudy, rice water. Rice water has the ability to naturally soothe and calm skin with its anti-inflammatory, hydrating, and nourishing properties. Next, soak a green tea bag in the rice water for 10 minutes. Green tea will help remove left-behind residue, tighten pores, and provide anti-oxidant protection.
3. Mask = Banana + Yogurt
Mush up a banana with a fork and then mix it with some plain yogurt (you don't want to have chunks of preserved fruit your face) and then smooth it over your face. Leave it on your skin for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off. Bananas are a natural skin conditioner. Rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E, this anti-aging fruit brightens and restores moisture to dull skin. Yogurt also offers a variety of skin benefits. First, it tightens pores and evens out your complexion. Second, it has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which helps keep breakouts from forming. Lastly, the lactic acid will help exfoliate, soothe, and moisturize.
4. Treatment = (Aspirin + Cinnamon) or (Red Wine) or (Apples + Strawberries)
If you are concerned about blemishes, you can find a natural version of the common acne-fighting ingredient, salicylic acid in aspirin. Simply, take an un-coated (coated tablets don't break down very easily) and allow it to dissolve in a bowl of water. Add a dash of cinnamon before applying the concoction to your skin. Cinnamon will dry out zits and pull nutrients to the skin's surface.
If you are concerned about wrinkles, put a few drops of red wine on a cotton ball and rub it over your face using a gentle, circular motion. One of the strongest anti-oxidants in skincare is resveratrol, which comes from grapes, and helps delay signs of aging. Red wine is full of resveratrol, and it's much less sticky than rubbing a grape against your face.
If you are concerned about dark spots, place an apple slice and a strawberry in a small bowl
of water...mush and stir the ingredients to release the fruit juices. Use a cotton ball to sweep the solution over your skin. Apples contain natural alpha-hydroxy acids, which promote cell turnover. Strawberries also contain alpha-hydroxy acids and are rich in vitamin C...a great brightening agent. Many of us have heard of using lemons to lighten hair. Lemons have bleaching properties, so they can also be used to lighten skin, but they can also make your skin very sensitive to the sun, so be careful if you decide to use it.
5. Moisturizer = Olive Oil
Olive oil (or you can substitute it for almond oil or grapeseed oil) is an ancient beauty secret. The premier skincare brand, DHC, even features olive oil as its main ingredient because it creates a barrier against free radicals and irritants. And not to mention, it has great hydrating properties. Pat some over your face and then rinse off the excess with a little bit of cool water.
The best part about making your own skincare products is that you can ensure that they're healthy and toxin-free. Whether you're short on cash, have sensitive skin, or are an organic products geek, these quick and easy steps will leave you looking radiant and feeling fresh.
