Ever heard of “skin softeners”? I hadn’t either until recently, but apparently Japanese women have been using them in their skincare routines for decades! And after taking a break from toners and trying one for myself, it’s easy to see why—skin softeners are super hydrating and I’m already impressed at the results!
If you’re looking to switch up your skincare routine and revitalize your skin, you might want to give a skin softener a try for yourself! By the end of this post, you’ll know everything you need to know about how they work, the benefits they offer, and more!
What Are Skin Softeners?
Skin softeners (which go by several other names including essences, waters, and infusions) provide similar benefits to serums and moisturizers. Designed to be applied to clean, dry skin immediately after cleansing, skin softeners help rehydrate and soften skin, and can even boost the effectiveness of your other skincare products.
Skin softeners make a great alternative to standard toners, especially for those of us with aging skin. I used toners throughout my 30s and 40s to help shrink my pores and prevent breakouts, but once I entered my 50s, they quickly became too harsh and too drying. Once I finally made the switch from my toner to a softener, I only wished I had done it sooner!
The main problem with toners is their tendency to strip skin of its natural oils. And as we get age, our skin is already producing less and less moisture, resulting in dryness, deep wrinkles, and other issues. Using a toner makes these issues worse, while using a skin softener helps nourish and hydrate skin, making them the clear choice for us “mature adults!”
How Do I Use One?
To apply my skin softener, I typically dispense a dime-size amount into my palm and then gently pat it onto my face. You could also apply the product to a cotton pad or microfiber cloth first, and then use that to apply it to your skin. Regardless of which method you prefer, make sure you apply it gently and avoid wiping or rubbing your skin.
Another thing to keep in mind is that skin softeners tend to be a bit thicker than your typical toner (think less watery, more milky). But thanks to hydrating ingredients like natural plant and seed oils, your skin should absorb the product effortlessly.
Which Skin Softener Should I Buy?
After perusing the selection on Amazon, I ended up choosing the Shiseido Treatment Softener. I chose it partly because it’s one of the few options that’s readily available in the U.S., and partly because it’s such a favorite among skincare enthusiasts!
This particular formula features natural ingredients like primrose oil and Japanese yuzu extract to promote smooth and healthy-looking skin. It also includes hamamelis and mukurossi extracts, both of which are powerful antioxidants that help improve skin texture and reduce fine lines.
Since I first started using this skin softener several weeks ago, I’ve definitely noticed a difference in how firm and hydrated my skin looks. I’ve also been enjoying how gentle and soothing it feels to apply, especially since I have such sensitive and easily irritated skin!
Now that I know what a difference using a skin softener can make for my skin, I don’t think I’ll ever go back to using a toner! And if your skin could use a boost of hydration as well, why not give one a try for yourself?
Have you tried any skin softeners yet?
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