The role of toners in a skincare routine is somewhat mysterious to many. With so many different types of toners available from alcohol-based to oil-based, what exactly are they for, and which one do you need?
You may be surprised to learn that toners have everything to do with fighting pimples and breakout-proof skin. A toner is an essential step in your skincare routine because it cleanses your skin without stripping it of moisture or oils. It also helps prep your skin before applying any other products by opening pores, removing excess dirt and oils, as well as neutralizing the pH of your skin.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using an alcohol-based toner if you struggle with acne and discover why they can help both oily AND dry skin types.
What is an Alcohol-Based Toner?
An alcohol-based toner is a type of skincare product that adds hydration to your skin, fights bacteria, and tightens pores as a result of its alcohol content. Products that contain alcohol are typically used for oily skin types. Alcohol-based toners, however, are a controversial skincare product for acne-prone skin because the research and reviews about their effect on oily skin are both conflicting and confusing. As a general rule of thumb, moisturizing toners are best for dry skin, hydrating toners are best for oily skin, and balancing toners are best for combination skin.
Does Alcohol Cause Acne?
The short answer is no, alcohol does not cause acne. There are many myths surrounding this skincare product. Some people even mistakenly believe that alcohol can remove acne—not the case! The truth is, some acne-fighting skincare products, including toners, are actually alcohol-based. Although many people assume that alcohol in skin care products causes acne, that’s not always the case. While certain individuals may have a reaction to alcohol, others can use it without experiencing any breakouts. The key to determining whether or not alcohol will cause acne lies in your unique skin type, genetics, and how you use the product. Most importantly, don’t assume that alcohol causes acne in everyone. Instead, try a few different toners and acne-fighting products to find the best results for your unique skin.
How Does an Alcohol Toner Help With Acne?
An alcohol-based toner is an acne-fighting skincare product that contains potent ingredients that help to kill bacteria, reduce oil production, and tighten pores. While alcohol-based toners are effective at treating acne, they may be too harsh for dry and sensitive skin types because of the skin-stripping effects associated with alcohol. If you have oily and acne-prone skin, an alcohol-based toner may be just what you need to help regulate and balance your skin’s oil production, prevent blackheads, and clear your pores. Like most acne-fighting products, however, alcohol-based toners may not be suitable for dry skin types because they typically contain harsh ingredients that can lead to redness and irritation.
So, Why Does Alcohol Cause Dryness and Irritation?
Contrary to the myth that alcohol causes acne, an alcohol-based toner can actually cause dryness and irritation for some skin types. Like many other skincare products, alcohol works great for some skin types but does more harm than good for others. The key to determining whether or not alcohol will cause dryness and irritation lies in your unique skin type and genetics. As we’ve discussed, some people may not experience dryness and irritation from an alcohol-based toner. Others, however, may find that the product causes their skin to become excessively dry and red. If you have sensitive skin and acne, a gentler toner may be a better option that doesn’t cause excessive dryness or irritation.
Are There Any Alternatives to Alcohol Toning Drops?
If you have sensitive skin and acne, an alcohol-free toner may be the best option for you. Alcohol-free toning drops contain fewer harmful chemicals than alcohol-based toners and are gentler on the skin. In addition to toning, you can also use facial oils to help with your acne. Just like topical treatments, oils applied to your face can help fight acne. They can be used as a moisturizer or mixed with a facial cleanser for an extra-moisturizing boost. When it comes to acne, less is often more. Instead of bombarding your skin with harsh chemicals, try using products that are safer for sensitive skin types. Gentle cleansers and toners will clean your skin without stripping it of oils and moisture while fighting bacteria and acne-causing breakouts. All of our blissani naturals Clear Skin acne fighting line is vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. Our blissani Naturals vegan toner and blissani Naturals vegan face wash offer natural alternatives to alcohol such as witch hazel and aloe.
Does Alcohol Cause Acne?
Acne is a skin condition that affects many people, particularly during adolescence. The causes of acne are multifactorial, including genetic predisposition, hormones, environmental factors, and improper skincare. One of the most common misconceptions about acne is that alcohol causes it. This belief has led many people to avoid alcohol-based skincare products or to use them with caution. However, the truth is that alcohol does not cause acne. In fact, alcohol is used as an ingredient in many acne-fighting skincare products, including toners. The key to determining whether or not alcohol will cause acne lies in your unique skin type, genetics, and how you use the product.
How Does an Alcohol Toner Help With Acne?
An alcohol-based toner is an acne-fighting skincare product that contains potent ingredients that help to kill bacteria, reduce oil production, and tighten pores. These toners are particularly effective for people with oily skin, as they can help regulate and balance the skin's oil production. Alcohol-based toners also help to prevent blackheads and clear pores. However, they may not be suitable for dry skin types because they typically contain harsh ingredients that can lead to redness and irritation.
Alcohol-based toners work by removing excess oil and impurities from the skin. When applied to the skin, alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving the skin feeling clean and refreshed. The toner's active ingredients work by penetrating the skin's surface and targeting the bacteria that cause acne. Some of the most common ingredients found in alcohol-based toners include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and tea tree oil. These ingredients are all effective at treating acne, but they can also be harsh on the skin, particularly if used excessively.
So, Why Does Alcohol Cause Dryness and Irritation?
While alcohol does not cause acne, it can cause dryness and irritation for some skin types. This is because alcohol is a drying agent that can strip the skin of its natural oils. When the skin is stripped of its natural oils, it can become dry, red, and irritated. People with dry and sensitive skin types are particularly susceptible to these effects. If you have sensitive skin and acne, a gentler toner may be a better option that doesn’t cause excessive dryness or irritation.
Are There Any Alternatives to Alcohol Toning Drops?
If you have sensitive skin and acne, an alcohol-free toner may be the best option for you. Alcohol-free toners contain fewer harmful chemicals than alcohol-based toners and are gentler on the skin. In addition to toning, you can also use facial oils to help with your acne. Just like topical treatments, oils applied to your face can help fight acne. They can be used as a moisturizer or mixed with a facial cleanser for an extra-moisturizing boost. When it comes to acne, less is often more. Instead of bombarding your skin with harsh chemicals, try using products that are safer for sensitive skin types. Gentle cleansers and toners will clean your skin without stripping it of oils and moisture while fighting bacteria and acne-causing breakouts.
Conclusion
The belief that alcohol causes acne is a common myth that has been debunked by research. In fact, alcohol is used as an ingredient in many acne-fighting skincare products, including toners. While alcohol does not cause acne, it can cause dryness and irritation for some skin types. If you have sensitive skin and acne, a gentler toner or an alcohol-free toner may be the best option for you. As with any skincare product, it's important to understand your skin type and to choose products that are tailored to your needs.
The Bottom Line
Alcohol does not cause acne; rather, it is a common ingredient in many acne-fighting skincare products, including toners. Alcohol-based toners can be effective for oily and acne-prone skin types, as they help to regulate and balance oil production, prevent blackheads, and clear pores. However, they may not be suitable for people with dry or sensitive skin types, as alcohol can cause dryness and irritation. To avoid these effects, consider using an alcohol-free toner or incorporating facial oils into your skincare routine. Remember, everyone's skin is different, so it's important to find what works best for you. With patience and persistence, you can find a skincare routine that helps to manage your acne and leave you feeling confident and radiant.
References:
1. Al-Niaimi, F., & Chiang, N. (2017). Topical salicylic acid for the treatment of acne vulgaris: A review of the literature. Journal of dermatological treatment, 28(8), 678-686.
2. Nast, A., Dréno, B., Bettoli, V., Degitz, K., Erdmann, R., Finlay, A. Y., ... & Layton, A. (2017). European evidence-based (S3) guidelines for the treatment of acne. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 31(12), 2026-2050.