Astringents and your skin
Just saying the word astringent connotes a drying, tightening, caustic liquid you would put on problem or oily skin. This term is at best antiquated and doesn’t really apply or equate to the term toner any more. If you are using a true astringent with alcohol (the bad kind) as an ingredient — stop! Don ’ t use it another day. Throw it away (or if you just purchased it, return it) , and know you just gave your skin a huge break from a harmful product. A stringents in years past almost always contained alcohol — on purpose — and some toners still do. Alcohol is used to dry up the oil on your face , therefore helping your oily skin , right? The truth is, using the bad kind of alcohol, like the kind used in some types of toners, is one of the worst things you can do to your skin. Instead of promoting health, alcohol destroys the healthy balance your skin requires to function properly, which can promote problems. Drying up oil actually puts your skin in a state o...