Avene Cleanance Lotion-Toner Review

Let's hope I do this review poperly, shall we?

What it is according to the product description on the website:

• Astringent toner purifies skin and tightens pores without stinging or irritating sensation. [sic]
• Mattifying powders help absorb excess sebum and leave skin shine-free. [sic]

Use it if you suffer from the following:

• Oily, blemish prone skin
• Visible shine
• Enlarged pores

What you can expect:

• Purified skin with tightened pores.
• No stinging or irritating sensation
• Helps regulate sebum secretion
• Mattifying powders help absorb excess sebum, leaving skin shine-free
• Avene Thermal Spring Water to soothe and soften skin
• Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic

Okay. Now, the truth.

I use the toner twice a day, morning and evening after I wash my face. You need to give the bottle a good shake to mix the powder into the toner. You'll see that the solution is divided, before you use it. The dominant top part is clear, and the lower part is cloudy white. 

I put a pretty good amount on a facial cotton and dab and swipe across my face very gently. I don't put it on my neck because, I don't need it there. Then I let my skin absorb it first and apply serum and moisturizer. Or if it's during the day, sunblock and moisturizer. Now for the findings.

Pros:

• Very light, clean scent.
• Does not sting at all. No redness, irritations, or any warm sensation which most acne toners have.
• Doesn't leave my skin dry.
• Does a good job at mattifying the skin. In Singapore's humid weather, it lasts a good 6-8 hours.
• Mild and neutral that you can use it in conjunction with other acne medications or serums, etc without over-drying your skin.

Cons:

• I'm on my 3rd or 4th bottle and my pores do not seem that much tightened. But I do notice some minor/minimal skin improvements.
• About the purifying part. I'm not sure what it means but I still get black and whiteheads and occasional acne.
• Feels a bit tacky after application. But that disappears after awhile.
• It's too mild that it needs help from other products to do its job. Like a serum or a specialized acne moisturizer. This could actually be a good thing, though. :)

Final verdict:

• If you have acne-prone skin which is sensitive and is easily irritated by strong toners for acne, use this product. Just don't expect it to work as fast and as rigorous as some other stronger acne treatments. This toner will not aggravate your present skin condition but it will take time to work. Patience is key. :)
• I've suffered from acne since high school and I've used acne products since then as well. I used to think that stinging and redness were signs that a product is working. That's a very big misconception. Sometimes you just really need to be patient and wait for the products to take effect.

Last piece of advice:

• Remember that what goes into your body has a huge effect on your skin as well. Eat fruits and vegetables and drink lots of water too. And lastly, if you have time, exercise and sweat all thouse impurities out. ;)

Good luck.