Astringents are by far the most common skin care regimen in the market today. Aside from being affordable, they are rarely known to have any damaging side effects. They are cleansers that help prevent acne and not really a medication. Take note that astringents are not advisable to be applied to the acne itself because they may clog pores. Astringents are best for maintaining and preventing future acne breakouts and if you already have a pimple-free face, then astringents are recommended for maintenance.

The word astringent comes from the Latin “astringere” which means to bind fast. Because of astringents' cleansing properties it could also heal insect bites, minor cuts, and other infections. They are mainly composed of chemical substances that allow body tissue to shrivel. Astringents when applied to the skin can effectively protect it from harmful substances that can worsen or generate acne but because astringents have the tendency to dry skin, it is important to use appropriate moisturizers after each application. Be sure to stay out of the sun's glare or use a sunscreen protection.

You can try over-the-counter astringents you can find in the drugstore or beauty shops. They come in different concentrations, so be sure to get one that is suitable for you. In commercial products, astringents can contain silver nitrate, zinc sulfate and oxide, and benzoin. It may also have some amounts of tannic and gallic acids. Alternatively, you can also use natural products in place of synthetic products. You can try oatmeal, talc, alum, light cleansing alcohol, witch hazel and even very cold water.

Keeping your face acne-free is just a matter of good hygiene. Wash your face with clean water and a good soap or facial scrub every night. The key to a blemish-free skin is maintenance. You can try using astringents if it proves to be suitable to your skin type but remember to consult your dermatologists if irritation occurs.