Why don’t young people have wrinkles? Mostly because they have more facial fat, no sun damage, and gravity hasn’t taken its toll. As we age, laugh lines appear around the mouth and eyes. Sometimes sleep lines, the temporary marks that appear after sleeping on a pillow, become permanent. Areas that are exposed to the sun may develop brown patches known as age spots or liver spots. Over time, the skin gradually loses its layer of subcutaneous fat, and skin can take on a gaunt appearance. This is why just cleansing your skin isn’t enough.

Many people confuse toners and astringents, but they do different things. Usually toners are water based and slightly acidic in order to balance the pH of your skin. Toners are gentle and made to hydrate. They remove any leftover cleanser or dirt and help close pores. Astringents, on the other hand, are made to calm oily or inflamed skin. Teens with chronic acne can make the best use of astringents. If used on the wrong skin type, astringents can strip skin of protective oils.

Another good use of toners is as a refresher after exercise or on a hot day. If your skin type is normal, sensitive, dry, or mature, you will benefit from a toner. Toners can be made from Witch hazel, vinegar, glycerin, rose water, or distilled water. I think a good choice for an antiaging toner is glycerine because it’s a vegetable-based fat. Face Natural toner is made from a kosher vegetable glycerine. In addition to the the MSM and DMAE in all the products, the toner also has Black Willowbark extract.

Why Black Willowbark? It has a few properties that are ideal for an antiaging product. First it has antimicrobial properties that work against acne. Because of the environment we live in, people over 30 may have acne problems, but mature skin doesn’t do well with harsh products that strip natural oils. Black willow bark contains salicin–the precursor to salicylic acid which is often used in acne products. Black Willowbark also has anti inflammatory properties that sun damaged skin will appreciate.