Are Toners Really Necessary?
Women who use skin care items often say they don’t feel or see any difference when they use a toner, but there really is one. Using the proper toner will guarantee a positive change because anytime you use anything on your face, that item changes the pH of your skin. Toners are often confused with witch hazel and astringents but witch hazel contains oil, and astringents usually contain alcohol.
Skin type should be your first consideration when you use anything on your face, including toner. Creamy toners may have up to 5% oil and that makes them best for dry or combination/dry skin and this type should beware of alcohol based products. Toners for oily or combination/oily skin should contain fruit acids like those extracted from grapefruit, pineapple or lemon or you can look for added oil absorbing powders in your product. Irritant free, hypo-allergenic toners are what you should look for if you have sensitive skin.
What do they do?
Toners return your skin to its normal pH, while they calm and cool the skin and temporarily close your pores. When applied with a cotton applicator, toner helps to remove dirt, facial oils, dead cells and any residue left by your cleanser or makeup that was not washed or rinsed away with your cleansing routine.
Your facial cleanser changes the pH of your skin based on the amount of alkaline or acid it contains. Your skin must then work to restore its’ natural pH levels and depending on the product, it might take an hour or more. However, your skin immediately returns to its normal pH after using a toner.
How do I use a toner?
The 3 best ways to use your toner are a spray application, with cotton or with bare hands to apply toner to your neck and face. Use your toner directly after cleansing and before you moisturize your face. Toner is expecially beneficial for oily skin because it helps keep pore size from enlarging.
Liquid toner application works best with cotton, i.e., flat cotton squares or rounds or cotton balls. Tissues are not a good idea, because they retain more liquid than you’ll use on your face. A quarter size amount on your cotton applied to your face and neck with upward circular strokes is all you need.
Gel toner is usually oil free and has the lightest texture. This type is generally made for oily skin and often contains anti-bacterial additives like rose water, citric acid or lavender. Look for a toner with salicylic acid (to remove dead skin cells and help prevent pimples) if you are very oily. Use the directions for cream toner to answer application questions.
Gel toner is very light in texture and is generally oil free. Designed with oily skin in mind, this type may contain anti-bacterial ingredients like citric acids, or lavender or rose water. If you have really oily skin, look for salicylic acid (which aids in preventing pimples by removing dead skin cells) in the toner. For use, follow directions for cream toner.
Spray toners are a no-brainer, but remember to close your mouth and eyes before misting your face and neck. Both men and women can use toners. For men, an after shave also closes pores but a toner doesn’t sting like aftershave unless it contains alcohol.
Men should consider moisturizing after toner use. The manufacturers of men’s skin care items refer to men’s moisturizers as a facial lotion or a hydrator, so men won’t think they′re using female items. However, the only significant difference is the scent.
Tags: acne, cleansers, Cleansing, cosmetics, facial toner, Fitness, health and beauty, personal appearance, prevention, skin care, skin care tips, women's issues
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