Toners, Tonics & Astringents

Many people believe that skin toners and astringents are either unnecessary or only for people with oily skin. Not true. There are so many types of toners on the market these days, it is possible to find just the right type for your skin. Skin toners and astringents work by disinfecting the skin and reducing the amount of natural oils or sebum that is built up by the skin, which can eventually cause acne and blemishes, but these days they also have added ingredients like witch hazel, green tea, and soy, which provide added benefits regardless of skin type.

Astringents (or skin tonics) literally cause skin tissues to condense, giving skin a tighter feeling, which many associate with cleaner, younger looking skin. In reality, astringents mostly only clean surface dirt and grease, and usually do not penetrate the pores very deeply. But coupled with a variety of other ingredients, astringents can actually help give you a clearer, fresher appearance.

Many teenagers start with a toner from Neutrogena, Sea Breeze, Clean and Clear, Clearasil, or other popular drugstore brands. Most of these work equally as well, and cater to different skin types from oily skin to sensitive skin. If your skin is dry or even slightly dry, you may want to consider an astringent for sensitive skin, as this will have less of a drying effect.

Skin serums are a great way to go if you want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles because they're a concentrated moisturizing solution that usually includes effective amounts of antioxidants, peptides, glycolic acid, retinol, hyaluronic acid, and/or alpha-hydroxy acid. Kiehl's is a great, trusted skincare brand amongst many women because they create effective skin treatment products with the right balance of active ingredients and natural ingredients. We recommend Kiehl's Since 1851 Abyssine Serum.

If you're in the market for higher-end astringents, try one from Clarins, Chanel, Murad, Darphine, Guerlain, or Elizabeth Arden. While they may be pricier, they are less apt to dry your skin and will certainly include higher concentrations of high quality ingredients and beneficial enzymes to hydrate skin. Many will include natural essential oils, Vitamin C, and exfoliating ingredients as well, which are always great for your skin.

There are also many great mid-priced options for toners and astringents. Try toners and astringents from brands like Burt's Bees, Dr. Hauschka, Boots, and B. Kamins for an affordable and effective part of your skincare regimen.