Thursday, February 26, 2009

Antiaging Secrets: Toners vs. Astringents


Why don't young people have wrinkles? Mostly because they have more facial fat, no sun damage, and gravity hasn't taken its toll. As we age, laugh lines appear around the mouth and eyes. Sometimes sleep lines, the temporary marks that appear after sleeping on a pillow, become permanent. Areas that are exposed to the sun may develop brown patches known as age spots or liver spots. Over time, the skin gradually loses its layer of subcutaneous fat, and skin can take on a gaunt appearance. This is why just cleansing your skin isn't enough.

Many people confuse toners and astringents, but they do different things. Usually toners are water based and slightly acidic in order to balance the pH of your skin. Toners are gentle and made to hydrate. They remove any leftover cleanser or dirt and help close pores. Astringents, on the other hand, are made to calm oily or inflamed skin. Teens with chronic acne can make the best use of astringents. If used on the wrong skin type, astringents can strip skin of protective oils.

Another good use of toners is as a refresher after exercise or on a hot day. If your skin type is normal, sensitive, dry, or mature, you will benefit from a toner. Toners can be made from Witch hazel, vinegar, glycerin, rose water, or distilled water. I think a good choice for an antiaging toner is glycerine because it's a vegetable-based fat.
http://face-natural.com/blog/natural-skin-care-articles/antiaging-secrets-toners-vs-astringents