Toners vs. Astringents

I've been away for a bit, but I'm back with a question a lot of people ask me.  What is the difference between toners and astringents?

In a past blog post, I mentioned using an astringent in my teenage years. Bonne Bell Ten-o-Six and Sea Breeze are two astringents I have used.   

Let's start with a general rule of thumb. Super oily skin requires an astringent; super dry skin requires a toner.  Note that skin changes with age, hormones and weather.  

Toners are usually water based and for the most part alcohol free.  They cleanse away any residue left after makeup removal.  Most of the toners out on the market today leave your skin feeling refreshed and rebalance your skin's pH.  Toners are basically mild and some even help to shrink pores. 

Toners may contain glycolic acid which can help in further exfoliating oils and dirt.  Get familiar with ingredients so that you know if a toner is right for you. I use a toner on my combination skin with great success and love spray on toners although there is nothing more pleasing than to use a cotton pad with toner and see that last trace of makeup being removed. The skin will be clean and balanced ready for your serums and moisturizers. As for storage, nothing beats putting on a toner that is cold.  I store mine in the refrigerator.  I also use a spritz of cold rosewater as a toner from time to time and my skin loves it. 

Astringents have differences that must be considered. They are usually recommended for oily skin and many are alcohol based or contain some form of chemical. They fight bacteria and are helpful to acne prone skin. After using an astringent, the skin may have a tingling, tightening feeling. Like its cousin, the toner, it also removes makeup residue.  

Astringents are not to be abused, instead of helping they can cause damage as the skin may begin to produce more oil than before to protect itself from the daily stripping away of natural oils.   

If one has combination skin, you may want to try alternating a toner and an astringent but bear in mind that the astringent may be too harsh for the drier parts of your face. It can leave your overall skin dry and irritated. Again, I encourage you to read your labels and become familiar with the ingredients that are beneficial to your type of skin.  

Astringents were a detrimental part of my skin care as I used to have excessively oily skin.  Age and hormones will play a major part in your skin care routine. Study the changes in your skin and make changes accordingly.  

As for pricing. More is not better or worse. Chose what works for you. I find that most astringents are priced modestly whereas every skin care and makeup line out there offer toners. The pricier the line, the pricier the toner. See a dermatologist if you feel that skin care is confusing. 

The most important part is to know your ingredients and study your skin.  It will definitely tell you what is working, what is not and what it is lacking.