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.
Any product that you use on your face should be designed for your skin type, and toners are no exception. Dry or combination/dry skin toners are usually creamy or they may contain as much as 5% cosmetic oil; this skin type should avoid alcohol based items. Oily or combination/oily skin toners should be fruit acid based, such as pineapple, lemon or grapefruit or they may contain powders that absorb oil in their product; this type should avoid oil or alcohol based products. The toners for sensitive skin are hypo-allergenic and are designed to be irritant free for this skin type.
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.
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 is most easily applied with flat cotton rounds, squares or cotton balls which are designed to be used with liquids. Try not to use tissues, they hold too much product and you'll end up throwing away more toner than you use. Pour a quarter size amount of liquid onto the cotton and wipe all over your face and neck; using upward strokes.
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.
Cream toner has the consistency of a thin lotion and may be applied with cotton or clean hands. A nickel size amount on 3 clean fingers is all that is needed for this type because it won't run. Spread the toner using circular motions onto the finger tips of both hands and apply to face and neck area with upward circular strokes.
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 moisturize after using a toner. The companies that make men's skin products have named their moisturizers a hydrator or a facial lotion, to make men feel like their products are different from female skin care products. However, except for the scent, the ingredients are nearly always the same. - 15255
Any product that you use on your face should be designed for your skin type, and toners are no exception. Dry or combination/dry skin toners are usually creamy or they may contain as much as 5% cosmetic oil; this skin type should avoid alcohol based items. Oily or combination/oily skin toners should be fruit acid based, such as pineapple, lemon or grapefruit or they may contain powders that absorb oil in their product; this type should avoid oil or alcohol based products. The toners for sensitive skin are hypo-allergenic and are designed to be irritant free for this skin type.
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.
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 is most easily applied with flat cotton rounds, squares or cotton balls which are designed to be used with liquids. Try not to use tissues, they hold too much product and you'll end up throwing away more toner than you use. Pour a quarter size amount of liquid onto the cotton and wipe all over your face and neck; using upward strokes.
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.
Cream toner has the consistency of a thin lotion and may be applied with cotton or clean hands. A nickel size amount on 3 clean fingers is all that is needed for this type because it won't run. Spread the toner using circular motions onto the finger tips of both hands and apply to face and neck area with upward circular strokes.
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 moisturize after using a toner. The companies that make men's skin products have named their moisturizers a hydrator or a facial lotion, to make men feel like their products are different from female skin care products. However, except for the scent, the ingredients are nearly always the same. - 15255
About the Author:
Andi Bradshaw is a licensed esthetician and a makeup artist who has written 17 age specific, makeup and skin care books and gettweens, teen girls, teen guys, women and seniors. Visit andibradshaw.com and geta free booklet of making your own "Lip Gloss Butter & Balm" Affordable Skin Care Books
