Astringent is a cosmetic substance that tends to shrink your skin pores. If you have large pores on your face, dabbing it with a bit of astringent can help remove any dirt or oil in the pores. Women suffering from acne and oily skin are highly recommended to use astringent to enhance their skin texture.
How To Apply Astringent
Astringent has antiseptic and antibacterial properties and can help prevent infections in the skin. An astringent is applied after cleansing the face. After the astringent has dried, follow it up using a moisturizer and your makeup.
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Benefits of Using Astringent
According to skin experts, astringent should be used in the right way and quantity to ensure maximum benefits. Improper usage can result in dry and flaky skin, thus making you appear wrinkled and aged. Below, we have discussed the benefits of using astringent to help you better: (1)
- It assists in binding the skin pores by shrinking them.
- Closing the pores prevents your skin from exposure to the sun’s rays, dust, and dirt.
- Astringent also keeps your skin fresh and fungal-free.
- It helps close the pores and practically cleans your skin. Astringents also help in keeping pimples, scars, and acne at bay.
- Their anti-inflammatory property keeps your skin soothed and relaxed.
Natural Astringents Vs. Commercial Astringents
You will easily find multiple cosmetic brands in stores; however, it is always better to bank on natural solutions. Opt for alcohol-free DIY astringents, as apart from being safe and suitable for your skin, homemade solutions are more budget-friendly.
5 Natural Homemade Astringents to Bank On
Read below to get informed about the best five homemade astringents that are not only handy but also practical and pocket-friendly: (2) (3)
1. Fruit/ vegetable juices
The juice extracted from cucumber, juice of citrus fruits like lemon and orange, and tomato juice – all help cleanse, reduce oiliness, and tighten the pores. Not only that but because of their properties, they also make you look fresh and bright. To use them as an astringent, extract their juice and store it in a bottle in the fridge. After cleansing your face, apply it all over the face with a cotton ball. Leave it for two minutes and wash it off with cold water. Tap your face dry.
2. Rosewater
Rosewater is a mild toner that works best for women with dry or normal skin. Buy good quality rosewater and apply it to the face after cleansing. Please leave it to dry and apply moisturizer immediately. It not only tightens pores but also keeps you smelling fresh! For best results, use chilled rosewater. You can also dilute it, put it in a spray bottle, and use it as a mist.
3. Chamomile
Chamomile’s delightful scent possesses antidepressant properties, creating a calming effect on the mind. Additionally, it is a soothing remedy for irritated skin, making it an excellent toner. To prepare, boil one and a half cups of water and add a teaspoon of dried chamomile leaves. If using a chamomile tea bag, immerse it in the water and let it boil. For an extra burst of freshness, consider adding mint leaves. After boiling, strain the mixture, bottle it, and store it in the fridge. Your refreshing toner is now ready for use. Apply it to your face before moisturizing for a revitalized and fresh complexion.
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4. Witch hazel
If you can get your hands on a bottle of witch hazel, then there is no better natural astringent you can have. It reduces oiliness, clears out acne, and dries up your pimples. In addition, it can be directly applied to the skin for best results.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
How can I not mention ACV when talking about astringents? It clarifies the skin, hydrates it, and leaves it clean and oil-free. However, it does have a powerful smell. So mix one part of ACV into two parts of water and add a few spoons of rosewater to counter the smell. Make in small batches and refrigerate. For better results, you can drop one aspirin tablet into this. The salicylic acid in the aspirin cleans out pores and prevents acne.
Frequently Asked Questions –
Why are astringents good for your skin?
Astringents are mostly recommended for oily-skinned beauties as they help remove extra oil, dirt, and impurities from the skin. In addition, it improves the physical appearance of the face by shrinking pores. If you apply makeup, use an astringent to cleanse your face thoroughly before bed.
Can we use astringent daily?
If you have normal skin, use a mild toner instead of astringent. Astringent tends to make your skin dry; hence, it is not recommended to use it daily. Use it daily only if you have acne-prone oily skin.
Are astringent and toner the same thing?
Both are used to cleanse excess dirt and oil from the skin. Typically, toner is milder than astringent and can be used daily. On the other hand, astringents often contain alcohol and are mainly recommended for people with oily skin. Astringents are used for shrinking large pores.
Is lemon juice an astringent?
Lemon juice has antibacterial properties and is somewhat similar to a mild astringent. You can apply lemon juice to your face to remove dirt, oil, and impurities.
Is it wrong to put alcohol on your pimples?
Research shows rubbing alcohol can cleanse bacteria responsible for acne and pimples, and it helps dry out the affected areas. However, people with sensitive skin should avoid alcohol as it can cause dryness and peeling.
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Summary
Astringents are cosmetic substances that shrink skin pores and are recommended for women with acne and oily skin to enhance skin texture. Applied after cleansing, astringents have antiseptic and antibacterial properties, preventing skin infections. They help bind and close pores, protecting against sun exposure, dust, and dirt while keeping the skin fresh and fungal-free. Natural astringents like fruit and vegetable juices, rosewater, chamomile, witch hazel, and apple cider vinegar offer effective and budget-friendly alternatives to commercial options. Proper usage is crucial to avoid dryness and promote maximum benefits, with options catering to various skin types and needs.
