I’m posting this entry by experience. I’ve been using alcohol-laden astringents for quite a while, and I’m somehow getting wary to continue using it.
I can’t say it’s generally bad to use toners or astringents containing alcohol. In my opinion, I believe that the alcohol acts as an antiseptic that wards off acne causing bacteria to the skin and alleviates further infection (in case of Ethanol). That’s why, most anti-acne toners contain this well-known compound. But, for those with ultra-sensitive skin like me, I don’t really recommend toner or astringent containing lhuge doses of alcohol for daily use.
Why? Since alcohol is a really strong drug (well, you can feel its potency by simply taking a whiff), it can actually make the skin more sensitive to the sunlight. We all know that the alcohol is a volatile product; it can burn just like the oxygen. Stepping out to the sun sans applying something with SPF invites burn trauma to the topmost layer of the skin (epidermis). Redness, itching, dark singed spots or sunspots and mild pain or burning sensation are the most common signs sun damage. And if sun damage goes unrelented, it may even lead to the scariest thing of all–CANCER.
“An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” This old adage holds true for most of us. For people who are undergoing extensive acne medication, it is a must to slather a sunblock with at least SPF 15 to make your skin less sensitive to the sun minus sacrificing the use of an alcohol toner/astringent that actually works to get rid of those nasty zits. But, for people like me who want to completely have their face inebriated, consider choosing products that claims “Alcohol-free”. Be very wary though that not all products that appear “alcohol-free” holds true!
One way to test if the toner is alcohol free is to actually burn them!
First, take a piece of cotton and put it atop of a spoon or anything that’ll hold the cotton in place. Then, apply a liberal amount of the toner you want to test into the cotton. Using a match or a lighter, carefully burn the cotton and see if it burns. If it is, that means your toner is not alcohol free. If it doesn’t, then rest assured that such toner doesn’t contain a hint of alcohol. Also, the intensity of the burn indicates how prone your skin is to sun damage using that toner–particularly products containing hydroquinone.
Recommended Buys:
Nu Skin’s PH Balance Toner or Mattefying Toner - I tested it, and it’s really water-based! I’m eyeing to get it one of these days!
Neutrogena Alcohol Free Toner - I haven’t tested it but used it before. Well, this will give a gentle touch to your skin and your budget :P.
