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What a facial toner does?

Facial toner will help get rid of excess dirt, traces of excess oil and makeup. A facial toner will also balance and correct the pH of your skin, and assist in controlling acne and pimples. Generally, a facial toner cleanses the skin, and assists get rid of built-up surface dead skin cells. This makes it useful for acne-vulnerable skin. Facial toners are frequently mistaken, and most people do not know if they should use them, why or how to use it.

Toners have made a comeback, mainly due to the widespread fame of Korean 10-step skincare regimens. But for those who aren't interested in committing to the full nine yards (or rather, ten steps) of K-beauty, a toner can be a vital part of your skin-care cycle. Many are still unaware of what a facial toner is, and more still have misconceptions as to its actual purpose.

What is face toner?

Defining facial toners

Facial toner is a fast-penetrating liquid that gives the skin a quick hit of hydration and aids in removing some dead cells off the surface, resulting in plump, glowy skin. It is basically an in-between skin-care step, used after washing your face just before moisturizing. They were initially made to rebalance the skin after cleansing it with harsh soaps and cleansers. Toners are usually water-based, although some newer formulations are toner-serum hybrids with more solid gel or lotion textures.

Simply put, a toner looks like water and acts like water, but it's not water. It is so much more than just hydrogen and oxygen. Depending on the toner, it can also contain acids, glycerin, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories. On a makeup-related note, a toner is like a primer for the rest of your skin-care products like serums and moisturizers.Think of it as preparation for your pores, it brings your skin back to its natural acidic state, clearing impurities away and helping your skin absorb your skincare products. Picture your skin like a dried-up piece of sponge. If you cover it in a thick cream, it won't absorb it because it isn't prepared to take in the moisture. But when wet the sponge will absorb the more easily.

What does toner do for your face?

They prepare the skin for moisturizers and serum while ridding it of excess oil, dirt or makeup left on your face after you wash it. They aren't, however, a replacement for washing your face. Think of using a toner as an extra step instead of an alternativeThe reformulated face toners of today go beyond that fundamental role. They are used to target different skin concerns, from acne, dryness to aging. So a one for oily skin might have constituents that cut down on oil production, while one for drier skin will have more hydrating ingredients. That's not all toners can do.

Face toner  some additional benefits

Face toner shrinks pores

Applying some toner to a soft cotton ball or pad and gently blot and wipe your face will remove oil and give the appearance of smaller pores.

Face toner balances your skin's pH balance

Our skin is naturally acidic, typically with a pH balance of between five and six (on a scale from 0 to 14). But it can get out of balance after cleansing due to the basic nature of soap. When this occurs, your skin needs to work more to revert to its normal levels (and that can result in oil), but using a toner can help restore this balance faster.

Face toner adds more protection

Toners can aid in closing pores and tightening cell gaps after cleansing, reducing the entrance of dirt and environmental contaminants into the skin. It can even guard and remove chlorine and minerals present in tap water.

Face toner acts as a moisturizer

Some toners are humectants, which means they serve to bind moisture to the skin. Especially those used for dry skin.

Face toner invigorates skin

Toners can be used instead of washing your skin when oily or dirty. It leaves your skin revitalized even when you're on the go. This should however not become an alternative to washing your face.

Face toner can prevent ingrown hairs

Toners containing glycolic acid or other alpha hydroxy acids can help to prevent ingrown hairs, so it also aids in grooming.

Who should use face toners?

Toners vary in their constituents and characteristics, so there is toner out there for every skin type. Just like picking a moisturizer, you should select a toner based on your particular skin needs, be it oil, wrinkles, dark spots, or dryness.

For large poresIf - you have large pores look for a toner with alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid to eliminate dead cells that accumulate around the pores making them more noticeable.

For sensitive skin - Look for a one with skin-calming botanicals. It provides relief and deep hydration needed by sensitive skin.

For oily or acne-prone skin - For acne-prone or oily skin try a salicylic acid-based toner or choose one with witch hazel. Go for one that will clear away excess oil without drying out your skin.

For dull skin - For dull skin try toners with natural exfoliants like papaya extracts and lactic acid which are great for brightening skin. Also, be sure to keep away from any toners that have alcohol listed as one of the first five ingredients.

For dry skin - If you have dry skin try toners with fermented yeast (Saccharomyces ferment filtrate) and amino acids. These will deeply hydrate and nourish the skin.

For mature or aged skin - If you have mature skin, seek toners with antioxidants and hydrating ingredients. Look out for these extra hydrating ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, rose water, Sodium PCA, Lecithin. 

What to look for in a face toner?

It is recommended to look for a toner with ingredients for your specific skin type, age, and condition. Some examples include:

How to use face toner?

Using a toner is a lot easier than you think. Start by wetting a cotton pad with your chosen toner, then swipe it over your whole face, neck, and chest. You should use the toner after washing your face, and before using a serum or moisturizer. You can also wet your hands with the toner and pat it gently onto your skin, too.

Toners can be used twice every day after cleansing, as long as your skin can tolerate the formulation. If it drys or irritates your skin, you might need to use it less often. And for more astringent formulas, those made for oily or acne-prone skin, use it every two days before adjusting to the right rate.

When should I use a toner?

You should use it in both your day and night skin-care routines. More specifically, you should use a toner after you have double cleansed and exfoliated your skin. A thorough cleanse serves to clear away grime, makeup, dead skin cells so that the beneficial ingredients can get where they are need. It should be used no later than a minute after cleansing. It may seem weird, but it helps as more of the toner's molecules get into the skin better when it is wet, so using active ingredients directly after cleansing delivers better results. After using the toner, you can proceed to applying your treatment-focused products like serums, SPF, and eye cream.

How should you use a toner?

As for the actual application method, you can dab it onto the skin with a clean cotton swab, sprinkle come toner into your clean hands and tap it directly onto the skin. 

Can you make your own toner?

DIY face toners

More and more women are going all natural when it comes to beauty. Generally, the skin care cycle is a three-step process; Cleanse-Tone-Moisturize. Here are some ways to make some toners for each skin type

TONER FOR OILY SKIN

Using Apple Cider Vinegar and Witch Hazel

Apple cider vinegar is ideal when it comes to oily skin. It helps balance the pH of your skin and the enzymes present in it help prevent breakouts. The witch hazel works as natural astringent, contracting large pores and reducing sebum production in the skin. This recipe also uses lavender essential oil which further soothes skin and tea tree oil that has antibacterial properties and prevents acne breakouts.

You will need the following:

Pour in 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into a container. Add in 2 tablespoons of witch hazel. Add a single drop each of lavender and tea tree essential oils. Stir the solution to mix all the ingredients. Use a small funnel, transfer the liquid to a spray bottle. Make sure you blend them well and store in a spray bottle. Cleanse your face thoroughly with a cleanser, shake the toner bottle before using and spritz it on your face while your face is still wet. Wait for a while to let it dry, and then apply a light moisturizer. Use it once or twice every day to get rid of acne. The shelf life is fairly long about 2 to 3 months, making this one of the best DIY toner recipes for oily skin.

TONER FOR OILY AND ACNE-PRONE SKIN

Using Rose Water and Camphor

Rose water works well as a mild source of hydration and also reduces the inflammation of acne-affected skin. Adding some camphor helps counter infections in clogged hair follicles, thus reducing acne, also adding astringent properties to the rose water.

You will need:

Pour in 3 tablespoons of rose water in a small spray bottle and add 1/8 teaspoon of powdered camphor. Replace the cap and shake thoroughly to dissolve the camphor completely.

Rose Water and Camphor use as a toner for acne

Spray the toner on your face and wait for 1 or 2 minutes, and then wipe your face with a cotton pad. Use it two to three times every day to get rid of acne.

TONER FOR DRY SKIN

Using Green Tea and Aloe Vera Gel

The antioxidants in green tea help contract pores and eliminate toxins from your skin. Mixing it with aloe vera gel forms a gentle yet useful toner for dry and flaky skin. The aloe gel helps in the regeneration of the skin while also shielding it against pathogens.

You will need:

Pour in 2 teaspoons of fresh aloe vera gel into a spray bottle and add 2 tablespoons of cooled green tea. Replace the cap and shake well.Use this toner once daily to get rid of dry skin. Its shelf life is 1 week when kept refrigerated at all times.

TONER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

Using Rose Water and Lavender Oil

This homemade toner blends the gentle rose water with witch hazel, a natural astringent to make an ideal toner for sensitive skin. This recipe also has lavender essential oil for its antibacterial and soothing properties and is safe to use even on sensitive skin.

You will need:

Mix everything into a spray bottle by pouring in 2 tablespoons of rose water in a spray bottle. Then add the distilled water, witch hazel, and lavender oil. Secure the cap and shake thoroughly to mix. Use it 1 to 2 times daily. The shelf life is 2 to 3 weeks. 

TONER FOR NORMAL TO DRY SKIN

Using Apple Cider Vinegar

Even if you are lucky to have normal and healthy skin, you need to use a toner to maintain it. Use apple cider vinegar with lavender essential oil to make a soothing and useful facial toner.

You will need:

Pour one tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar into a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of distilled water to dilute the it. Then add five to ten drops of the essential oil. Close the bottle and shake well. Spray the toner on your face twice daily to get healthy and glowing skin. Use it twice every day to get healthy and glowing skin.

Clean your face and apply it all over your face. Wait for about 1 or 2 minutes, and then wipe any excess off with a cotton pad. Follow up with your regular moisturizer. Use the toner at least once every day to maintain healthy skin. The shelf life is one month.

How to tighten skin?

To make our skin tighter, eat healthily, exfoliate your skin, limit UV exposure, and use

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