Astringents are liquid-based formulas that can help cleanse skin, tighten pores, and dry out oil. They are typically used for oily, acne-prone skin, and may contain ingredients like witch hazel, citric acid, or salicylic acid. Astringents can be alcohol-based or alcohol-free, and natural astringents with alcohol from botanicals are also available. However, alcohol-based astringents should be avoided if you have dry skin, as they can dry out your skin and make acne worse.
Some benefits of using astringents include removing debris, makeup, or excess oil, clearing acne-causing bacteria, and temporarily shrinking pores. However, harsh astringents that contain alcohol can strip much of the oil from the surface of the skin, which can become a problem because oil plays an important role in skin health.
When choosing an astringent for oily skin, it is important to look for ingredients that can help control oil production, such as witch hazel, citric acid, or salicylic acid. Some astringents may also contain other ingredients like glycerin, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, rose water, or green or black tea.
Here are some positive and negative aspects of using astringents for oily skin:
Positive effects:
- Tingling feeling
- Temporary skin tightening
- Oil reduction
- Residue removal
Negative effects:
- Drying
- Pulled skin
- Can irritate
If you have dry or sensitive skin, toners may be a better choice than astringents, as they are milder and less irritating to the skin. Toners generally contain witch hazel and are marketed for dry, sensitive, or combination skin. Some common ingredients in toners include salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycerin, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, and rose water.
