Face Toner? Love it or Leave it? Facial toner is everywhere and the big question is…should I use it? Finding a skin cleansing routine is tricky and adding new items could be a big risk. Your golden glow is an important part of your signature look and finding a way to protect and enhance it is important. Toners are here to stay and before you dive in headfirst here are three things you need to know!
What does a toner do?
The big question is…what is a toner and what does it do for your skin? Toner is essentially a final step in skin cleansing; a step that is meant to remove the impurities from your skin like dust, dirt, pollution, makeup, and sunscreen. While toner was originally thought to dry out the skin and be an unnecessary part of a cleansing ritual, today’s toners are more sophisticated, whereby they contain various benefits, including significantly reducing enlarged pores, restoring skin’s pH balance, locking in skin’s moisture and overall refreshing the skin.
How do I use a toner?
You can add a toner to your regular beauty routine with five easy steps:
- Cleanse face using your normal face wash that is best suited for your skin type. Always try to avoid face washes with harsh chemicals or fragrances
- Dampen a cotton pad or cotton ball with toner immediately after your face is fresh and clean; within one minute apply a toner to your entire face
- Let the toner air dry and absorb into your skin
- Apply a moisturizer best suited for your skin type to lock in moisture
Which toner is best suited for my skin?
Like most makeup and beauty products taking the time to do research and choosing the right one for you is an essential part of your skin care routine. Depending on your skin type you will need to look for different ingredients, to know which toner works for you. One size does not fit all and reading the label when choosing a toner is essential. Choosing an alcohol-free toner is best as alcohol is abrasive and no matter what your skin type is, it is an ingredient that you want to avoid. If you are looking for more hydration, then rosewater and vitamin E are key ingredients to look for as they will naturally hydrate any skin type. If you want to soothe and calm irritated skin then Aloe Vera and chamomile, are essential and will reduce puffiness and redness. Finally, if you are looking to kick oil and bacteria to the curb then tea tree oil is a must-have ingredient, as this natural agent is a strong fighter against blemishes.
Amy N. Pugsley
