Astringent & Acne
AcneAstringent is a substance which helps in the contraction of the exposed tissues or for tightening them together. It is widely sold by cosmetic companies for skin care.
The origin of the word can be traced in the Latin word astringere - it means "to bind fast". What makes astringent popular is its property to bind a living tissue to itself fast, which causes it to shrink. This indeed can prove to be very effective and useful in a number of applications.
Astringents have been significantly used in internal medicine to shrink the mucus membranes. A doctor is able to readily identify the irritated or bleeding areas by reducing the swelling. Even skin irritations caused by insect bites and fungal infection can be treated with astringents. Examples of such medical astringents include witch hazel and calamine lotion; they are especially designed to reduce irritation. Apart from this, medical astringents are also used to make patients more comfortable by lowering unwanted discharge.
In the world of cosmetics, astringents play a vital role. They are usually used to tone the skin and make it firm by constricting the pores and creating a layer of firm tissue in beneath the skin. A cosmetic astringent (also called a toner) is usually applied right after a bath and just before applying any moisturizers. Not many people know the fact that even "Aftershaves" are astringents. That's why using an aftershave helps in soothing & revitalizing the skin and reduces the pain caused due to minor cuts.
An effective astringent skin toner should not only be able to control the surface oil but also improve the circulation to skin tissues, causing them to draw together and tighten. The toner also acts as an element which removes any traces of leftover makeup and further opens up pores before you apply a moisturizer. The type of astringent you should choose can be determined by your skin needs and type.
An astringent has many benefits for your skin, such as:
1) Soothe an irritated skin
2) Remove excess oils
3) Prevent potential blemishes & blackheads
4) Promote internal healing
5) Tighten and firm the skin
6) Make wrinkles less visible
7) Prevent the tissues from sagging
8) Enhance the overall appearance of the skin.
Before you apply an astringent, it's important to wash your face with a gentle cleanser rather than going for harsh soaps. Choose the cleanser based on your skin type, whether it's dry, normal, oily or sensitive. Next, make sure you use a soft and clean towel to dry your face. Avoid scrubbing your face hard.
Once you are ready, apply the astringent to your face with mild strokes on your cheeks and other areas. You can use a cotton ball or a soft tissue for this purpose. Please wait for the astringent to dry off before you go for the moisturizer. These cleansing steps should be followed at least twice a day for effective healing.
Advice on how to treat acne on our blog, Acne Home Treatment [http://acne-home-treatment.com/blog].