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.
Your facial cleanser changes the pH of your skin based on the amount of alkaline or acid it contains. Your skin must then work to restore its' natural pH levels and depending on the product, it might take an hour or more. However, your skin immediately returns to its normal pH after using a toner.
How do I use a Toner?
The 3 best ways to use your toner are a spray application, with cotton or with bare hands to apply toner to your neck and face. Use your toner directly after cleansing and before you moisturize your face. Toner is expecially beneficial for oily skin because it helps keep pore size from enlarging.
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 has the lightest texture and is usually oil free. Made especially for oily skin, this toner often has anti-bacterial ingredients like lavender, or rose water or citric acids. If you are expecially oily, try a toner that contains salicylic acid (to help remove dead skin cells and prevent pimples). The instructions for cream toner also apply to this type.
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 toner really needs no instructions, except to close your mouth and eyes before spraying your face and neck. Additionally, toners are for both men and women. For men, a toner does the same thing as an after shave, it closes the pores. But unlike after shave, a toner won't burn the skin - 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. - 15252
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.
Your facial cleanser changes the pH of your skin based on the amount of alkaline or acid it contains. Your skin must then work to restore its' natural pH levels and depending on the product, it might take an hour or more. However, your skin immediately returns to its normal pH after using a toner.
How do I use a Toner?
The 3 best ways to use your toner are a spray application, with cotton or with bare hands to apply toner to your neck and face. Use your toner directly after cleansing and before you moisturize your face. Toner is expecially beneficial for oily skin because it helps keep pore size from enlarging.
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 has the lightest texture and is usually oil free. Made especially for oily skin, this toner often has anti-bacterial ingredients like lavender, or rose water or citric acids. If you are expecially oily, try a toner that contains salicylic acid (to help remove dead skin cells and prevent pimples). The instructions for cream toner also apply to this type.
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 toner really needs no instructions, except to close your mouth and eyes before spraying your face and neck. Additionally, toners are for both men and women. For men, a toner does the same thing as an after shave, it closes the pores. But unlike after shave, a toner won't burn the skin - 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. - 15252
About the Author:
Andi Bradshaw is a licensed esthetician and a makeup artist who has written 17 age appropriate, skin care and makeup books and gettweens, teen girls, teen guys, women and seasoned women. Visit andibradshaw.com and geta free booklet of making your own "Lip Gloss Butter & Balm" Affordable Skin Care Books
