astringent definition review

An astringent is a substance that shrinks or constricts body tissues. In skin care, astringents are liquid-based formulas that can help cleanse skin, tighten pores, and dry out oil. They work best for oily, acne-prone skin, as they help remove excess oil and unclog pores. Astringents may contain ingredients like alcohol, citric acid, salicylic acid, or witch hazel. However, alcohol-based astringents can be very drying for the skin and should be avoided if you have dry or sensitive skin. Astringents can also cause further irritation to acne and dry skin, leading to peeling and additional redness. Natural astringents with alcohol from botanicals, and even alcohol-free astringents, are available. Astringents can be used after cleansing and before moisturizing. They can be applied directly to the face with a cotton pad in a dabbing motion. Astringents may have several benefits for your skin, including shrinking the appearance of pores, tightening skin, cleansing irritants from skin, reducing inflammation, reducing acne, and providing anti-bacterial benefits. However, they are not a necessary part of a persons skin care routine, and other active ingredients can achieve the same aims without the downsides that harsh astringents have. The astringent taste is a flavor of dryness that is generally produced by tannins in the bark, leaves, and outer rinds of fruits and trees. It causes the mucus membranes in the mouth to contract and can be found in foods like apples, bananas, cranberries, and broccoli. Too much of the astringent taste can cause muscle and joint discomfort, stagnation in the blood and lymph, sluggish circulation, difficulty sleeping, emotional heaviness, and feelings of anxiousness.