astringent vs toner

Astringent Vs. Toner

When do you use an astringent and when do you use a toner? Here's all you need to know about the use of both.

With the wide array of cosmetics available for skin care, it is very confusing to understand the purpose of using each product. One such case includes confusion regarding the use of an astringent vs. a toner. What is an astringent and what is it used for? What is a toner used for and when should it be used? Is there a difference between the two? Those are a lot of questions, to which the answer is very simple. Take a look at the differences outlined between astringent and toner, that will help you understand the purpose of each product, and when to use either. Difference Between Astringent and Toner Both, astringents and toners are important products necessary for regular facial skin care. They are also designed with a similar purpose, i.e. to remove excess cleanser and makeup residue from the skin, to adjust the pH levels in the skin so that it does not become excessively dry, and to give the skin a temporary tightening effect by shrinking open pores. However, depending on your skin type, the use of both varies. By understanding what an astringent is and what a toner is, we will be able to clearly outline the difference between the two.
ASTRINGENT
  • An astringent is nothing but a strong toner that is alcohol and chemical based. This gives it anti-bacterial properties.
  • An astringent is basically used to control excessively oily skin. Thus, you will be recommended to use it if you have acne-prone skin, or extremely oily skin.
  • With its ability to destroy bacteria, an astringent can be valuable in controlling acne breakouts, and even pimples and blackheads. Its application on a lesion due to acne or a pimple may cause a burning sensation.
  • People who have dry skin should not use astringent as this will make the skin drier. Also, those who have sensitive skin, should avoid the use of alcohol-based astringents. Those that have witch hazel are safer for such skin types.
VS.
TONER
  • A toner is a mild product, that is used for the purpose of hydrating dehydrated skin. This includes extremely dry skin and aging skin too.
  • It cleans the skin and you will not find your skin feeling dry after the use of a toner.
  • It is even great for combination skin, as it helps in clearing the clogged pores due to the oils, and hydrates the dry areas of the skin.
  • When used properly along with cleansing and moisturizing products, it can cause relatively no harm.
Points to Remember when Using Astringent or Toner
  • While using both, keeping the hands clean before and after their use is extremely essential, as it is very harsh. If it touches other body parts it may cause irritation.
  • Both have to be applied with a cotton swab on the entire face.
  • These are to be applied after cleansing and before moisturizing the facial skin. Both these have the ability to dry the skin if not used along with a moisturizer. Moisturizing the skin after the use of these products gives it a firm and glowing appearance.
Finally, there is no particular winner in this debate. It all depends on your skin type. Simply put, for oily and acne-prone skin, an astringent is the best choice, while for dry and sensitive skin, a toner works well. Do not ever use both at the same time. Also, remember to follow the cleansing and moisturizing routine along with the use of both these products to get that healthy, beautiful, flawless, glowing skin. Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for the advice of a skin expert.

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