Why Toners Are 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 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.
The amount of alkaline or acid a facial cleanser contains, determines the level of change to the pH of your skin. Even water can change your skins pH, and in an effort to restore your skins normal pH balance, your skin may need to work an hour or more. But, a toner instantly does that job.
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.
Liquids are best applied with any type of cotton, i.e. cotton balls or flat rounds or squares. Avoid using tissues with liquid toners, your tissue will soak up more than you use. Allow your cotton to absorb a quarter size amount of the liquid and apply it to you face and neck with 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 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.