WHAT IS FACIAL TONER?
I get this question a lot as an esthetician. There are so many toner options on the market today that it can be pretty overwhelming to figure out which one to get, if any at all. Toner usually has a water type consistency. It is either sprayed on the face or rubbed on the face with a cotton ball or facial pad. It is not rinsed off. The main purpose of toner is to balance the skin. It is applied after cleansing. Think of toner as deepening a facial cleanse. I like to use a toner when my skin feels out of balance, greasy or if I am dealing with a breakout.
Do you have to use a toner? No, you do not. And you do not have to use toner all the time. You can just use it when your skin feels out of balance. Some like to use a toner in their everyday skincare routine. Here is some general information about why a toner can be beneficial and how to use it.
General Skincare Procedure When Using a Toner
Cleanse
Tone
Serum
Moisturizer
How to Choose the Right Toner
If you follow my blog, you have probably gathered that I favor products that are all natural or organic. Since becoming an esthetician and being obsessed with reading labels, I discovered that many of the products on the market are completely full of chemicals. These chemicals can actually cause our skin more damage than good. Because of that, the toners I will be recommending are natural solutions. Rest assured I only recommend natural products that give great results. We all want to feel beautiful and it is important to have products that make you feel amazing and that work!
When you choose a toner, my advice is to make sure the ingredients are all natural and/or organic. I would also avoid anything with harsh chemical ingredients or ingredients you cannot pronounce. It is important to note that some toners can cause sun sensitivity.
TONERS I RECOMMEND
Pure Witch Hazel (mild) – An amazing product that balances the skin without drying it out.
Pure Witch Hazel with Organic Lemon Juice (strong) – This one can dry out the skin so do not use if you have sensitive skin. I like this mixture because it helps even out skin tone and reverse sun damage. See recipe below:
Ingredients
- Pure Witch Hazel
- Pure Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Mix 60% witch hazel with 40% lemon juice
- Combine and put into a container with a sealable lid
- During your evening routine, after cleansing, apply mixture to a cotton ball and apply directly to skin.
Refreshing Cucumber Toner – Professional Skin Care (medium) – If you are looking for a toner from a professional skin care line, you may want to give the Refreshing Cucumber Toner a try. It is refreshing, soothing and smells amazing. The fresh scent of cucumbers will make you fall in love.
Benefits of Using a Toner
Shrinks pores
Balances PH
Boost of vitamins for the skin
Removes excess oils and dirt
Refreshes the skin
Helps absorption of other products
Helps with ingrown hairs
Maintains breakouts
Using a toner can help the absorption of other products such as serums and moisturizers. Using a gentle cleanser or having just wiped your face with a warm washcloth can also help with absorption. However, using a toner goes a tiny step further in preparing the skin for the products.
Many think of a toner as a harsh product that gives you a squeaky clean, tight face. If this is happening to you after you use a toner it is all wrong for you! A toner should not cause irritation or dry out your face. A toner should not burn the eyes when you smell it or reek of alcohol.
Dangers of Using the Wrong Toner
Irritation
Redness
Dryness
Breakouts
Imbalance
If you experience any of these issues after using a toner, stop using it immediately. Try a more mild toner such as pure witch hazel or the Refreshing Cucumber Toner. Also, keep in mind that toners can offer many uses to the skin in addition to balance. Overall I think having a toner in your regular skincare routine can be extremely beneficial. Especially if you struggle with combination or oily skin.
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