The Freshner: What It Is And Why You Need It

Friday, June 1st, 2012 at 9:09 PM

A freshner is a jewel of a skin care product which helps to soften and smooth the skin. This type of product should be a part of your daily skin care regimen because it will help give you younger-looking skin. Freshners also condition and protect the skin from the effects of free radicals generated by the environment. When used after the cleanser or mask, the freshner will also remove the residue of masks or cleansers while promoting radiant, fine-textured skin.

Knowing your *skin type* will help you to know what kind of freshner you will need for your daily regimen.

For dry skin: Use a freshener that rehydrates the skin without depleting its natural oils. It should also contain free radical scavengers or antioxidants, like vitamin E acetate and superoxide dismutase, that are known to neutralize free radicals which are reported to affect the elasticity and firmness of the skin. Be sure that it also contains conditioning and moisturizing agents, such as vitamin A palmitate and aloe barbadensis leaf extract (respectively), which will condition and smooth the skin by attracting or retaining moisture.

For normal. combination, and oily skin:

In addition to toning, softening, and conditioning the skin, it’s important for this freshner to remove and control oily buildup on the skin’s surface for this particular skin type. For combo and oily skin types, be sure that has a mild astringent in the ingredients, such as Indian cress extract. Other ingredients for calming and soothing the skin to look for are: aloe barbadensis extract, chamomile extract, and rosemary extract. Antioxidants like vitamin E acetate and rosemary extract (an antioxidant and a soothing agent), are wonderful for protecting the skin from free radicals, which damage the skin, generated in the environment. Make sure this freshner also contains a moisturizer (or hydrator), i.e. aloe barbadensis, and a conditioner, i.e. vitamin A palmitate to improve the appearance of your skin.

Problems with acne, blackheads or pimples?

Instead of using one of the freshners discussed above, use a blemish control toner. The toner is similar to the freshner, except that it contains an active ingredient called salicylic acid (about 2%) which is acne medication for removing excess oils that help to create blackheads and pimples. (Salicylic acid has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be both safe and effective, within certain concentrations, for the self-treatment of mild or occasional acne.) The toner should also have a conditioning agent like eucalyptus globules leaf oil which improves the appearance of skin by making the skin softer and smoother.

Application and Use:

Use after your cleanser or mask. Take a cotton ball and dab some freshner or toner on it. Rub the cotton ball all over your face avoiding placing it directly on your eyes and lips. No need to rub hard. The freshner should feel cool and soothing on your face.

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