Last updated: 16/10/2022

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Anyone who suffers from oily skin knows that the search for products that reduce this problem is frequent. The astringent is a type of facial tonic that will be today’s topic here on the Wellness Guide Indicated to reduce skin greasiness and prevent acne, the astringent is a product very indicated by dermatologists.

It allies a series of benefits for the skin and in this article we have gathered all the information about it for you to know this product thoroughly.




Summary

  • Astringent is a product specially developed for those with oily or combination skin.
  • It can be used daily and cleanses the skin more thoroughly, unclogging the pores.
  • Astringent should not be used by people with dry skin, because it may dry out the skin even more.

The best Astringents: Our Picks

Buying Guide

Oily and mixed skins are predominant in Brazil and this is due to a number of factors such as climate and genetics. This prevalence makes the cosmetics industry invest heavily in products for this public, astringents being one example.

Ideal to promote an efficient removal of grease from the skin, this is a product that can be used daily and that generates very beneficial effects for the skin. And in this Buying Guide we will show you the advantages, ways of use and much more about it, check it out!

Na foto uma mulher em frente ao espelho passando a mão no rosto.

The astringent leaves the skin with dry and greasiness-free touch. (Source: goodluz / 123rf)

What is an astringent and what is it used for?

The astringent can be considered an ally for those who have mixed and oily skin. Its main function is to intensify the cleaning of the skin and remove all the sebum that the facial soaps could not. The astringent unclogs and closes the pores, besides having a very light texture, similar to a gel.

There are options of this product that bring even more benefits to the skin and can act on drying pimples, moisturizing and more.

What are the main benefits of using astringent on the skin?

Astringent is among the most efficient and most indicated facial products for those who have oily skin. This is due to the fact that it adds a number of benefits to the complexion. The main one is that the astringent cleans the skin like no other product.

Thanks to that, it removes from the pores all traces of sunscreen, foundation, facial moisturizer or any other item that may have been applied on the skin. Not to mention that it can also eliminate 100% of skin oiliness. Another positive point is that it does this without damaging or drying out the skin.

Many people think that because it cleanses very deeply, the astringent can harm the skin, but that doesn’t happen.

A tip is to always use facial moisturizer after using the astringent. This is because after using this product, the pores are totally unclogged and will absorb the cream better

Besides, this product generates an action to fight acne and blackheads, activates the local circulation and restores the natural pH of the skin, maintaining its lipid barrier. The negative point is that the astringent should only be used on skins with a high degree of oiliness. For dry skin it can be harmful and other products are more suitable.

Advantages
  • Deep cleanses the skin
  • Eliminates greasiness
  • Has anti-acne and blackhead action
  • Does not harm or dry the skin
  • Activates the circulation of the skin
  • Restores the natural pH of the skin
Disadvantages
  • Should not be used on dry skin

What is the difference between astringent and facial tonic?

There is a series of products that are indicated for the face care routine. Among them are the tonic and the astringent, two items that confuse the minds of many people as to their use and indication.

Astringent is actually a type of facial tonic

Both these products are indicated for skin cleansing and actually the astringent is a type of facial tonic. The tonic can be found in versions for the most varied skin types and among them is the option for oily skin, called astringent.

What changes between the facial tonics is their formulation. In the case of astringent are found in its composition substances such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid, which clean and help control skin greasiness.

How to insert the astringent in the skin care routine?

To include astringent in your skin care routine is very simple and beneficial for the skin. This product should be used every day, preferably twice a day, that is, once in the morning and once at night. And the astringent application order is as follows: cleansing, toning with astringent and moisturizing.

To apply it on the skin it is not even necessary to use cotton wool, just massage it with your hands in circular movements. The astringent can also be used to facilitate waxing. It should be applied to the area before applying the depilatory product and thus will remove the oiliness and allow the wax to fix better on the skin.

Na foto uma pessoa colocando um produto líquido nas mãos.

To use the astringent, just put it on the hands and spread it on the wet skin. (Source: Christin Hume / Unsplash)

Purchase Criteria: Factors to compare astringent options

When choosing an astringent, it is essential to pay attention to some factors so as not to purchase a product that harms rather than cares for your skin. To do this you should analyse some factors, such as:

  • Formula Components
  • Aroma
  • Complementary benefits
  • Price x quantity

Now we will explain each one of them in detail so that you can find the ideal astringent.

Formula Components

The components of the astringent formula are essential for it to do its job correctly. Among them, there is a specific one you should pay attention to: alcohol.

Some options of this product have alcohol in their formula.

Some options of this product have alcohol in their formula and even though this substance actually removes the oil from the skin, it may also dry it out. Alcohol compromises the fat layer that covers the dermis and causes its natural moisture to diminish.

Furthermore, it is responsible for making it easier for water to evaporate from the pores and this can leave the skin very dehydrated in the long run. So be sure to check if the product you are thinking of buying has this component.

Aroma

Most astringents have a very neutral scent, which is ideal for people who are sensitive to smells. However, some brands include in the composition of their products aromas a little more striking as mint and orange.

This can be extremely positive for those who love these smells, but if the smell is bad or something you do not like, it can hinder the use of the product. So, smell the astringent before you buy it and see if the brand says anything about the product’s aroma.

Na foto uma mulher olhando uma espinha em um espelho.

Those who suffer from acne can look for an astringent with a drying action. (Source: Evgeny Atamanenko / 123rf)

Complementary benefits

Besides all the benefits that the astringent can provide for the skin, this product can do even more for it. Some versions confer more hydration, others matify with greater intensity and there are still those that have drying substances in their composition.

So, read everything that the astringent promises to do and find an option that combines the most of what you are looking for.

Price x quantity

The astringent is found in packages that have varying amounts of product. There are options with only 60 ml, others with 100 ml and some even reach 200 ml.

And the value of this product does not change much in relation to this, and as we said above, the brand is what predominates. Therefore, it is essential to analyse the amount of product that comes in a package and its value when comparing it with another option.

Many times you may think you are paying less for an astringent and actually you are taking home much less product. Or you may even pay more and take less anyway. So pay attention to that.

(Featured image source: subbotina / 123rf)

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