If you have combination skin, try dabbing the astringent only in your oily areas (often the forehead, nose, and chin). Skip over any dry areas. Some astringents also come in spray bottles that you can lightly mist over your face without using a cotton ball. [4] X Research source
You may think adding moisturizer to oily skin will only make things worse, but drying out your skin too much can cause even more oil production. It’s best to keep your skin balanced with a light moisturizer. [6] X Research source Sunscreen is helpful since your skin is more likely to be sensitive to light after using astringent.
If desired, you may use toner in the evening in place of astringent.
Rosewater will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks. [12] X Research source Try tearing the rose petals before you put them in the boiling water to help release the nutrients inside the petals. You can also purchase pre-made rosewater.
You can adjust the ratio of apple cider vinegar to water depending on your skin type. Try a 1:4 ratio if you have sensitive skin or are trying out astringents for the first time. If your skin still feels oily, you can make a 1:3, 1:2, or even a 1:1 dilution. Store your apple cider vinegar dilution at room temperature.
Store your chamomile astringent in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
This lemon astringent mixture can stay fresh for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
For acne-prone skin that is not oily, skip the astringent. Drying your skin out too much may increase your breakouts.
Other ingredients you may want to avoid if you have sensitive skin include fragrances, colorants, menthol, and sodium lauryl sulfate.
Toners also prime the skin so your moisturizer can penetrate even deeper. To soothe dry skin, look for moisture-enhancing ingredients in your toner like glycerine, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, aloe, hyaluronic acid, and sodium lactate. [20] X Research source
Sometimes witch hazel products have high concentrations of alcohol. If you want to find the most gentle form of witch hazel, check the ingredients to make sure there is no alcohol, and look for “witch hazel extract” in the ingredient list instead of “witch hazel distillate”.
