Many people claim they don't see and sometimes don't feel a difference with toners, but believe me there is one. Whenever you put anything on your face, you change the pH of your skin and using the right toner guarantees a positive change. Astringents and witch hazel are often confused with toners but astringents usually contain alcohol, and witch hazel contains oil.
As with anything that goes on your face, toner is also designed with your skin type in mind. Dry or combination/dry skin should stay away from alcohol based products; toners for dry skin are often creamy or contain 2%-5% of cosmetic oil. Oily or combination/oily skin, should avoid alcohol or oil based toners and only use toners with fruit acids, such as lemon, grapefruit or pineapple, or oil absorbing powders in the product. Sensitive skin types should only use toners made for sensitive skin.
What do they do?
Toners return your skin to it's normal pH, while they cool and relax the skin and temporarily close your pores. They also aid in the removal of any facial oils, makeup residue, dirt or dead skin cells.
When you cleanse your face, the pH balance of your skin changes based on the acid or alkaline percentage/dominance in your cleanser. Your skin must then restore its own natural pH levels and this could take up to an hour or more. A toner immediately returns your skin to its normal pH.
How do I use a Toner?
Toner can be applied in three ways; cotton application, bare hands or sprayed over the face and neck. It is designed to be used after your cleanser and before your treatment and/or moisturizer. It is especially beneficial for oily skin, because no other skin type has the probability of developing enlarged pores.
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.
Cream toner (has the consistency of a smoothie) is thick enough to be applied directly to the skin with clean hands, or cotton. Pour a nickel size amount of the lotion toner onto 3 clean fingers. Use circular motions to spread toner onto three fingers of your other hand and apply to entire face and neck, using circular upward strokes.
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 also follow the toner with a moisturizer. The manufacturers of mens skin care products call their moisturizer a facial lotion or hydrator so men won't feel like they're using female skin care products. However, the ingredients are usually the same, the only major difference is the scent. - 15634
As with anything that goes on your face, toner is also designed with your skin type in mind. Dry or combination/dry skin should stay away from alcohol based products; toners for dry skin are often creamy or contain 2%-5% of cosmetic oil. Oily or combination/oily skin, should avoid alcohol or oil based toners and only use toners with fruit acids, such as lemon, grapefruit or pineapple, or oil absorbing powders in the product. Sensitive skin types should only use toners made for sensitive skin.
What do they do?
Toners return your skin to it's normal pH, while they cool and relax the skin and temporarily close your pores. They also aid in the removal of any facial oils, makeup residue, dirt or dead skin cells.
When you cleanse your face, the pH balance of your skin changes based on the acid or alkaline percentage/dominance in your cleanser. Your skin must then restore its own natural pH levels and this could take up to an hour or more. A toner immediately returns your skin to its normal pH.
How do I use a Toner?
Toner can be applied in three ways; cotton application, bare hands or sprayed over the face and neck. It is designed to be used after your cleanser and before your treatment and/or moisturizer. It is especially beneficial for oily skin, because no other skin type has the probability of developing enlarged pores.
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.
Cream toner (has the consistency of a smoothie) is thick enough to be applied directly to the skin with clean hands, or cotton. Pour a nickel size amount of the lotion toner onto 3 clean fingers. Use circular motions to spread toner onto three fingers of your other hand and apply to entire face and neck, using circular upward strokes.
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 also follow the toner with a moisturizer. The manufacturers of mens skin care products call their moisturizer a facial lotion or hydrator so men won't feel like they're using female skin care products. However, the ingredients are usually the same, the only major difference is the scent. - 15634
About the Author:
Andi Bradshaw is a licensed esthetician and a makeup artist who has written 17 age specific, skin care and makeup books and gettweens, teen girls, teen guys, women and seniors. Check out andibradshaw.com and geta free copy of how to make your own "Lip Gloss Butter & Balm" Affordable Skin Care Books
