Taming an out-of-control oily complexion can be tough, especially when there’s some outdated skincare advice out there. Certain older generations grew up on the notion that rubbing alcohol was the secret to drying out pimples and controlling acne (it’s not!). And when science started discouraging that idea, a whole line of alcohol-based skincare products got vilified—including toner and witch hazel.
But today’s market carries toner and witch hazel that are different from what they were 20 years ago—and depending on your needs, they could serve a purpose in your skincare routine.
Toner is a liquid facial product that’s helpful for oily or acne-prone skin. It’s clear and looks just like witch hazel and alcohol—and you might have even heard that toner can be just as bad for your skin. Toner got this reputation back in the ’90s when most were actually made with alcohol. The intention was to control oil, but instead they tended to just dry faces out. Today’s toners are made with gentler ingredients like salicylic acid, lactic acid, or hyaluronic acid, which serve the purpose of cleansing and refreshing your skin without stripping away your skin’s natural moisture. In fact, toner can bind moisture to your skin and prevent dryness. Use toner to get rid of any remaining traces of dirt in your pores after washing your face. This is especially helpful for people who need a deep cleansing after heavy facial products like makeup or sunscreen.
Witch hazel is sometimes used as an active ingredient in some toners, mainly those for oily skin. Witch hazel is a liquid extract from the witch hazel plant, and it can be helpful in drying up oil and fighting pimples. Some people find that witch hazel is irritating and dries their skin out too much—this could be because the witch hazel was extracted using alcohol. If you want to use witch hazel to tame oily skin, look for a version that is made without alcohol and that contains moisturizing agents like aloe vera.
Alcohol was once a frequently used ingredient in some toners and acne-fighting facial products, but not so much anymore. That’s because alcohol does kill bacteria on the skin, but it also does a lot of harm by stripping away healthy oils and that keep your natural moisture locked in. If you have an especially bad pimple, you can reduce its size by dabbing it with a bit of rubbing alcohol, but take care not to overdo it. And finally, don’t forget—no matter what cleansing products you use, always finish up your daily skincare routine with a moisturizer that will hydrate your skin and restore its natural barriers.
