As a teen, I never had much acne or pimple issues. But once I started experimenting with skincare products, I went overboard with retinol before increasing my tolerance. My entire face broke out and for the next 2 months, I couldn’t even look at the mirror without getting goosebumps. My skin recovered once I figured out the issue and did some damage control. But the damage that it did to my skin barrier was way too far gone. I was using a retinol spot treatment on my cheeks and unbeknownst to me, my serum also contained retinol. And the spots where I was applying the spot treatment? I still suffer from breakouts in that area 10 years later.

Once my breakout healed, I started getting a cystic acne on any of those spots every single month on my ovaluation day. It would be red, inflamed and painful for over a week, and before it completely healed, my next ovaluation day would be awaiting. After that, I did a terrible mistake of trying a tester at Sephora, and guess where my skin infection broke out? That’s right, on my cheeks. My wedding makeup artist did my makeup and guess where I suffered from skin infections again? That’s right, my cheeks again.

After having my baby I didn’t have my periods for 18 months due to breastfeeding. And I completely forgot about those PMS acne. And then 18months later suddenly I was smacked hard on my cheeks and 2 weeks later I had my first periods in a couple of years. While it was still fading I got my next PMS acne on a spot above. 2 days after the acne first started appearing, I received the Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner and started using it right away.

First Impression:

Within a couple of days of usage, my acne started drying and it wasn’t paining at all. In 4-5 more days my acne completely flatened and only the mark remained. So I was curious what would happen if I continue using the Green Tea toner during my next ovaluation day. And I waited another month to see if it can actually combat my PMS acne even before it appears.

A month after using Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner:

The reason I was hopeful that it can stop my PMS acne from appearing is that during our ovaluation phase our skin produces more sebum. Which results in clogged pores and then hormonal acne. And I was wondering if using a product containing 80% green tea can be the answer. In the past, I used to switch to an oily skin care routine during my ovaluation phase that included detox masks and tea tree products, and honestly, it never worked. This is why I wasn’t surpised when the Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner wasn’t able to single-handedly stop my hormonal acne to appear.

But the good news is that like last month, this cystic acne started drying right after irrupting. It was active maybe a couple of days and then it started fading right away. And I would happily take that over a week of painful hormonal acne.

My overall experience with Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner:

So I just talked and talked about how it worked on my hormonal acne because honestly, I was extremely pleased with the result. Now let’s talk about this product as a toner in general.

The Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner comes in a no-frill classic packaging. It looks like a little over-brewed green tea and smells like freshly brewed green tea. It has a watery texture and feels extremely refreshing on the skin. I use it twice a day throughout the month and I am thoroughly enjoying it.

One of the main reasons it became my staple is because it’s alcohol-free. The brand Isntree is known for its ‘clean’ products and this toner didn’t disappoint.

Ingredients:

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract,Water,Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract,Centella Asiatica Extract,Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract,Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract,Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract,Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract,Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract,Pueraria Lobata Root Extract,Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid,Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer,Allantoin,Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate,Beta-Glucan,Disodium EDTA,Hydroxyacetophenone

Brand Claims:

Perfect for oily and combination skin types, Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner uses natural, EWG green grade ingredients to balance and nourish the complexion.

The formula features a blend of plant extracts – Anti Sebum P(HD) – to control excess oil and 80% green tea extract sourced from Jeju Island to protect, brighten, and further balance skin.

Other notable ingredients include centella asiatica extract to reinforce the skin’s barrier, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid to hydrate, allantoin to soothe, and blueberry fruit extract to relieve skin stress.

This product is free of parabens, pigment, artificial fragrance, animal ingredients, surfactants, mineral oil, alcohol, silicone and fragrance.

Final Verdict:

The toner is marketed towards oily and combination skin. But I thoroughly enjoy it throughout the month despite having normal skin. And I love it a little more during my ovaluation period because our skin tends to get oiler during that time.

The Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner will be your perfect choice if you have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin. Unlike the thicker, gel-like serum, this toner doesn’t provide a boost of hydration. So if you are someone who looks for an added layer of hydration from your toner, this might not be your cup of tea.

As for me, while I personally enjoy a thick toner, I’ll happily pass that job to a first essence if my toner can combat my painful cystic acne and strengthen my skin barrier.

Where to buy?

Maccaron

Price:

Rs 1150

Rating:

4.9/5

Share on Facebook

Tweet

Follow us