The most common destabilizing factor for oily skin is the use of drying alcohol or camphor. In fact, many preparations for oily skin contains these ingredients. Short-term they may dry the area and therefore get rid of surface blemishes but long-term they cause problems and destabilize the skin's delicate balance. ESPECIALLY at fault are the toners and astringents on the marketplace because of the irritation they cause. Skin care products that claim to be designed for oily skin types usually contain irritating ingredients that are more harmful than helpful.

Many experts in skin care believe that alcohol toners are not only ineffective, but are actually detrimental to the skin. They are right, not because fresheners/toners should not be used; but that the type of alcohol or chemicals in the toners are damaging! Fresheners/toners are using to remove residue after cleansing. They definitely are beneficial when used properly and when they contain the proper ingredients for the person's skin type.