Facial Mist Sprays

If you'd like to try out a facial mist, you have a lot of options. You can pick which one you want to try by looking at the type of water used as a base and the added ingredients the mist contains.

First, consider what kind water is used. Evian -- well known for its bottled waters -- was among the first to hit upon the idea of putting mineral drinking water in a canister with nitrogen to propel it toward your face. In fact, Evian's spray was first designed for medical use in hospitals and burn units [source: Loxley]. Depending on the brand, the water might contain different minerals such as calcium or magnesium in different concentrations. Other mist sprays use spring water, ocean water or simple purified water. Most of this is up to your personal preference -- many of the compounds that water can contain can't be absorbed through your skin.

Next, look at the rest of the ingredients the mist contains. Some mists are just water and a propellant. Others contain herbs, oils and extracts touted to firm up, moisturize, invigorate or have some other effect on your skin. Many mists also contain sunscreen -- always a good idea -- so that you can moisturize and add some extra skin protection on top of your makeup.

If you're a fan of aromatherapy, you can look for a spray with essential oils or herbal extracts. Which one you choose is primarily based on what smells good to you and what mood or feeling you're trying to conjure.

On the next page, you'll learn how facial sprays can boost your skin's moisture level or -- if used incorrectly -- might actually make your skin feel drier.

There are two main benefits of facial mist sprays -- they can temporarily change the appearance of your skin, and, since they're usually cool and pleasantly fragranced, they can help you feel good. Some sprays are marketed as being able to temporarily give you a dewy glow if your skin is feeling dried, and others designed by cosmetic companies may help set or refresh your makeup. Keep in mind, though, that many of the ingredients added to sprays can't actually be absorbed by your skin. So, while a mist might set your makeup or brighten your face for a little while, it's not going to make a lot of physical improvements to your skin.

Aromatherapy, the use of essential oils extracted from plants, might be another reason to use a facial mist spray [source: Hawkins and Ehrlich]. Many alternative medicine practitioners say certain scents can be effective against depression, anxiety, insomnia or exhaustion, although in some cases scientific evidence is inconclusive. If you choose a facial mist for this reason, be sure to read the ingredients list carefully. Several essential oils, such as cinnamon, can cause irritation or breakouts when applied to the skin.

Be careful about overusing facial sprays. When you mist your face, the water evaporates, which can dry your skin -- think of the way your lips become chapped if you lick them too often. Also, some added ingredients might dry your skin out by stripping away the protective layer of oil, or sebum. If you find a spray that contains moisturizer or if you moisturize shortly before or after you spritz, you can help guard your skin's moisture level. Also, keep in mind that, although a sunscreen-containing mist is probably better than no sunscreen at all, a mist might not cover your skin thoroughly enough to really protect you from the sun.

If you still have questions about facial mist sprays, visit some of the links on the next page.