Skin care begins with cleansing. The proper cleaning of the skin allows the removal of impurities, debris, and make – up to prevent clogging of the pores and the formation of irregularities. In addition, cleaning allows correct cell renewal, stimulating circulation to the skin’s surface and allowing better absorption of skin treatment products.
The skin breathes through the pores and when I get in the way it causes the appearance of pimples , blackheads, increases the oiliness and leaves the skin looking a bit tired and dull. This is where the toner works : it deepens the cleanse , removing what soap cannot and thereby clearing pores.
Index
Why tone the skin?
The tonics are cosmetics that help cleanse and improve some skin characteristics, such as excess fat. The main functions are:
- Complementary cleansing, to remove difficult impurities that are not removed by other facial cleansing products.
- To maintain the natural balance of the skin.
- Invigorate and restore vitality to the skin.
- Prepare the skin for the next step of your cosmetic treatment.
How to tone the skin?
The 1st. step is to use cosmetic makeup removers and lotions or cleansing milks. Next, it is advisable to use the right soap – preferably liquid and creamy – that have low-irritation active ingredients. Remember that water alone is not enough!
The 2nd. step consists of toning the skin, to complement the cleansing and remove dead cells, makeup remains and cleansing gel. In addition, toning restores the natural pH, refreshes and smoothes the skin, preparing it for hydration.
Benefits of toner on the skin
- Deep cleans the skin
- Eliminate toxins
- Improves microcirculation
- Prepares the skin for hydration
- Returns the natural pH of the skin
- Eliminates accumulated residues in the pores
- Softens, calms and refreshes
Difference between tonic lotion and astringent lotion
- Tonic lotion: Tones and removes the last traces of impurities from the skin and makeup. Restores the pH of the skin and strengthens its tone.
- Astringent lotion: Astringe, shrinks pores, controls excess oil, strengthens the skin and prevents sagging. Its use is indicated for oily skin.
What is the best product for me, facial toner or astringent lotion?
The tonics protect normal to dry skin , forming a film on the face protecting it from contamination and keeps soft and moisturized. The toner also helps soften the skin and protects against the action of free radicals.
The astringent lotion is regulating, improves the tone and oiliness of the skin . Its formula acts in the control of sebum production.
If I use one of these products, am I at risk of getting dry skin?
No, if you use the right product for your skin type. Remember: astringents are only for combination and oily skin; toners are for normal to dry skin.
How often should I use them?
Use them in the morning and at night, every day , after cleansing your face with a product suitable for your skin type. A leave-in cleansing emulsion is recommended for normal to dry skin, and a refreshing cleansing foam for combination to oily skin.
Tips and products to wash the face and look PERFECT
Wait for the product to dry to continue with your hydration treatment. If you are wearing makeup, it is best to use a two-phase cleanser before all the above steps.
What are the key steps to a proper homemade skin cleanse?
In the morning , it is necessary to disinfect the skin in order to remove oil (sebum and residues from night creams) and dirt . Use a mild soap and tone your skin.
At night , you should use a good makeup remover , clean thoroughly and remove all makeup residue and products applied during the day. Next, wash your face with soap and then tone up to finish the cleanse . Toning should be carried out within two hours, to regulate the skin’s pH (acidity) and complement hygiene. Also, exfoliate your skin to help remove dead cells, at least once every 15 days.
You must be careful with tonics with excess alcohol . People with very oily skin are generally very fond of these types of products, but they end up with more oiliness due to the rebound effect that these lotions cause. There are several options on the market. These are some tonics that we recommend tonics .
- Avon Solutions Completely Clean Facial Cleanser
- L’Occitane Shea Gentle Toner 200ml
- Nivea Visage Young Wash Off. Gel wash
- Kiehl’s Alcohol Free Toner with Herbal Cucumber Extract
- Kiehl’s Alcohol Free Toner with Herbal Calendula Extract
- Neutrogena Alcohol Free Toner
- Nivea Soft Hydrating Face Toner
- InstaNatural Facial Toner with Vitamin C – Pore Minimizing, Anti-Aging, Organic and Natural – with Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera and MSM – Nourishes and Hydrates the Skin – Excellent for All Skin Types – 4 oz
- Olay – Total Effects Anti-Aging Tonic 200 ml
- Argan-Aloe 70140 – Refreshing facial toner with aloe and argan, 250 ml
- Clean & Clear – Anti-blackheads – Cleansing toner – 200 ml
- RoC Perfecting Alcohol Free Toner Lotion 200 ml
- Bionatural 11080 – Facial toner with aloe vera and azulene, 200 ml
- Vegan Anti Aging Face Cream – Facelift Against Dry and Dull Aging Skin – For Young, Healthy and Smooth Skin
- NATURAL ROSE WATER 330 ml – Facial Toner
Homemade Natural Toner Recipes
You can go natural and make lotions at home. We are going to suggest some recipes that are very effective for the skin.
1. Powerful Complete Toner (oily and acne-prone skin)
INGREDIENTS
- 80 ml of water
- 1 tablespoon organic apple cider vinegar
- 5 drops of propolis extract
- 1 tablespoon of aloe vera
- 12 drops of melaleuca essential oil
- 6 drops of lavender essential oil
- 1 vitamin E capsule
PREPARATION
In a bowl, mix all the ingredients well and place in a small, clean glass. It is good that you do not exceed 3 weeks using this mixture . You can use it 2 to 3 times a day. Try to use it on clean skin to get all its benefits.
ABOUT THE INGREDIENTS
Organic apple cider vinegar contains the acidity necessary to maintain the pH balance of the skin, necessary to keep the skin beautiful and lush. Therefore, apple cider vinegar, among other benefits, acts as an astringent, strengthening pores. More information on apple cider vinegar . Suggestions on where to buy.
Propolis contains antibacterial action. They are a drying / natural healer and are indicated for superficial inflammatory diseases, such as acne. In addition to improving inflammation caused by acne, it also acts on blackheads. More information on propolis . Suggestions on where to buy.
Aloe vera prevents the formation of wrinkles and hydrates dry and sagging skin. It is also useful for treating cuts and wounds, rashes, and skin blemishes . Thanks to the fact that aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties, it is a good remedy against acne . Helps control oil that builds up on the skin. More information about aloe vera . Suggestions on where to buy .
Melaleuca (tea tree) essential oil contains natural antibacterial properties that are an excellent alternative to chemicals and synthetics. A small amount of oil will penetrate the skin and unblock excess sebum, disinfect pores, and dry out pimples, blackheads and other blemishes. More information on melaleuca essential oil . Suggestions on where to buy .
Lavender essential oil treats scars left by acne or pimples. Helps hydrate and regenerate the skin. More information on lavender essential oil . Suggestions on where to buy .
The vitamin E capsule provides the necessary hydration to the skin. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that prevents premature aging of the skin. More information on vitamin E .
2. Green tea toner (oily and acne-prone skin)
INGREDIENTS:
- Green Tea
- Organic apple cider vinegar
- Propolis
- Tea tree or melaleuca essential oil
Substances in green tea help repel acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. The vinegar apple cider restores natural skin texture, which can solve problems like dryness, itching, peeling and acne. Propolis is an excellent antibacterial . The essential oil of tea tree is one of the best essential oils for acne and oily skin, because it acts as an astringent and antibacterial.
PREPARATION
Prepare 50 ml of very strong green tea. Let it cool. Add a tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar, 5 drops of propolis, and 4 drops of tea tree essential oil.
3. Chamomile toner (irritated and sensitive skin)
INGREDIENTS:
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory action and helps to soften the skin and relieve redness. Lavender essential oil has anti-inflammatory effects, which help remove impurities from the skin, such as open pores or acne problems. It controls the production of fat and acts as a strong antiseptic.
PREPARATION
Prepare 50 ml of very strong chamomile tea. Let it cool. Add 8 drops of lavender essential oil.
4. Rose water toner (dry skin)
INGREDIENTS:
- Rose petals or water / rose hydrosol
- Geranium essential oils
The rosewater is antibacterial, soothing and has antiseptic properties, is also rich in flavonoids and vitamins, has an excellent calming effect, improves the condition of dry skin and aging, cleans, purifies, reduces swelling and redness, helps remove blackheads. Geranium essential oil helps to hydrate and restore the glow of the skin, as well as acting as a good anti-wrinkle.
PREPARATION
Add the rose petals in 200 ml of pure water. Put in a saucepan and heat until the roses lose their color. Filter and you have your rose water. Or just buy pre-made hydrosol or rose water. Add 10 drops of geranium essential oil.
Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.