Does anybody have any good recommendations for an alcohol-free toner? I just started a new regimen with a 2.5% benzoyl acne wash and a 5% benzoyl spot treatment, so I want to go easy on my skin with a toner. I have been using L'oreal Hydrafresh. I like it, but I'm not crazy about.

I also need a good moisturizer with spf for combo/oily skin.

And one last question, what are serums? I got a free sample from garnier fructise and it's made me break out, so I obviously stopped using it. I'm wondering if I really need one in the first place, or if I can skip it.

Thanks!

I never, ever, ever use a toner, so I have no recs for you! Serums are usually antioxidants or other ingredients (retinoids, etc) that you want to put on before your moisturizer. You don't NEED a serum. I use Boots No 7 Restore and Renew serum because it is anti-aging and helps keep my skin clear, but I am literally, twice your age! Are you looking for a moisturizer like this - Dermadoctor Ain't Misbehavin' Skin Clarifying & Mattifying Sunscreen SPF 30 P+++ 4 oz? What is your price range? :)

I wanted a moisturizer that's pretty gentle, moisturizers always tend to make me itchy, but if I could get it at a drugstore that would be awesome. I was thinking of going with cetaphil, they get great reviews.

Itchy? That is not good!! According to Paula Begoun's Beautypedia, Cetaphil moisturizer with sunscreen is good for normal to dry skin ... I would say to check the ingredient list! Speaking of Paula, my sis is loving her
Skin Balancing Daily Mattifying Lotion SPF 15 http://shop.paulaschoice.com/product/skin-balan... I am useless, because sunscreen breaks me out unless it is mineral based. Who else has good moisturizer and toner recs?

I personally don't care for Cetaphil products. They make my face feel really weird. For a moisturizer, I prefer Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. Its for oily/combo skin, but there is a Lotion for dry skin. My mother uses the Lotion one, along with other creams from Clinique (she has super dry skin), and hasn't had any problems with them. I also have not had any problems with the whole Clinique skincare line.

I have heard the DDM gel is great too!

Both of those look awesome, thank you! And both have sample sizes so I don't have to commit to the full price if I don't like it.

I'm not a fan of Cetaphil, not sure why, it doesn't make my skin feel good. I AM a fan of Paula's choice skin care. I have acne prone t zone and my skin is a big fan of Paula's choice skin balancing mattifying moisterizer. It has spf 15 and it dries quickly and very smooth. My skin doesn't break out and my foundation goes on nicely. As for toners, not sure about the alcohol content but I've had success with both vichey and biotherm.

i'm in a huge toner dilemma too. I have a dry skin and when i did a dermoanalysis (in a mall.. lol.. for free) they told me to go ahead and use a toner to nourish my skin better. But I hear so many contradictory oppinions. Some say it's good for my skin, some say it will make it even drier. I went ahead and bought the Sea Weeds toner from the body shop, which i definitely recommend to those with oily/combination skin.. really, you'll be sebum free in no time. It's really a strong toner. I ended up giving it away.. now I have this nivea lotion.. which is nice, actually.. I havent noticed any difference. I feel my skin cleaner and more clear though, which is fine. Now I want to try the Clinique clarifying lotion and moisture spray, which Critty recommended, and I hope my skin will stop looking so dull..

by the way, my friend has an oily skin and she's truly delighted with the Hyseac products, from Uriage. And I've heard various people being happy with it.. And also, a thermal water with more minerals could help you out.. try Uriage or Vichy, 'cause they have more minerals than Avene or.. others, so they are more suitable for oily/combination skins.

Last edited Jul, 24, 2008 by Lolita

I only use toner when my skin is feeling like there is a build up and I don't want to scrub. The Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Toner is my favorite -- I can go over my face after cleaning with this toner, and it finds any left behind makeup/residue. http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=... It does have alcohol though.