Acne Sufferers: Should You Use An Astringent?

Yes - you should definitely use an astringent. This is especially true if you wear makeup. Using a toner will help to get some of the “leftovers” out of your pores. Less stuff in your pores = less breakouts!

However, you must be careful about what type of astringent or toner you use. Get the wrong type and you’ll end up being flaky, oily, or (most likely) both. As a rule of thumb, if you see a commercial with teenage actors and an astringent, don’t buy that product! Yes – even if you’re a teenager. These formulas are usually cheap and harsh. Sometimes they even sting which is never a good thing. To pick the right toner, read the labels before you buy. Reject anything you find containing: SLS, paraben preservatives, color dyes, salycic acid, & fragrance. These are irritants that may cause skin problems.

So what should you buy? I suggest something natural and gentle. The only astringent I use is Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Toner. You might find this at a drugstore or health store near you. It has some alcohol in it, but this is naturally occurring in witch hazel. Witch hazel is my favorite astringent because its super gentle, easy to use, affordable, and versatile. If you prefer a different kind of astringent, there are many recipes that you can find online for 100% natural formulas. However, they may require refrigeration and have a very short shelf life. Another great toner for your skin is fresh lemons. I hear many models swear by this!

One more factor for you to consider is your cotton ball or pad. For the best results, use only organic cotton on your face. Cotton is one of the most pesticide-sprayed crops in the world. You don’t want that stuff on your face, do you? Organic cotton is a bit pricey, but I think its well worth it.

So there you have it. Astringents are good for your skin under the right circumstances. Use a gentle formula after washing your face, and before moisturizing to help clear your acne. Remember that astringents only need to be used once a day, preferably at night. Using a good toner will help to get your skin extra clean without over-drying and hopefully help with your acne.

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Jessica Kihara

Learn How I Cured My Acne! http://www.InformationHotSpot.com/acne.html

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