Old practice of wiping off excess oil through an alcohol-based toner can be harsh and harmful for your skin. Fortunately, modern-day toners are more than just astringent and have enormous skin benefits.
They are also available in the market with names like essences and tonics. Let’s find out their benefits.
1. What Is A Toner?
Toner is a skincare product that is used after a cleanser and before a moisturizer or serum. It is used to balance the skin’s pH levels. When skin sebum is combined with the sweat, it forms a layer known as the acid mantle. This layer is slightly acidic and has a pH of 4-5.5. Harsh soaps or cleansers mess with this pH and make it alkaline. Toner helps in neutralizing this pH.
2. Benefits of Face Toners
Even though the toner resembles water in terms of general appearance, it’s so much more than just hydrogen and oxygen. Here are some of its advantages:
• Toner shrinks pores
Applying a small amount of toner to a soft cotton ball or pad and gently blotting and wiping your face with it will remove oil and give the appearance of smaller pores.
• Toner restores 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 that balance can get out of whack after cleansing due to the alkaline nature of soap. When this happens, your skin needs to work overtime to return to its normal levels (and that may result in oil), but using a toner can help restore this balance quickly.
• Toner adds a layer of protection
Toners can help close pores and tighten cell gaps after cleansing, reducing the penetration of impurities and environmental contaminants into the skin. It can even protect and remove chlorine and minerals present in tap water.
• Toner acts as a moisturizer too
Some toners are humectants, which means they help to bind moisture to the skin.
• Toner refreshes your skin
Toner can also be used in lieu of washing your skin when it’s oily or dirty. It will leave your skin revitalized even when you’re on the go.
Lytec Klense is a powerful combination of cleanser plus toner. This gentle and non-drying toner is formulated with witch hazel and natural glycosides which gently sweep away dull skin and protect against moisture loss. All you have to do is put some toner on a cotton pad and swipe it across your face.
Shop here 👉 Lytec Klense
3. How To Use Face Toner?
• Put a few drops of the toner on a cotton pad
• Apply it all over the face and neck
• You could also take a few drops in your hands instead of a cotton pad and apply it over your face
• Allow it to dry
• Follow it up with a serum or moisturizer
4. Choosing A Toner For Your Skin Type
Toners come with different ingredients based on the requirements of your skin. Do check the ingredients before buying a toner as some may contain potent ingredients.
• Look for ingredients like vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin if you have normal to combination skin
• If you have acne-prone skin, look for alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic acid in your toner. This can reduce the appearance of pores. Salicylic acid is a good option, but it can irritate the skin in case you have sensitive skin
• For sensitive skin, look for soothing ingredients like aloe vera and cucumbers
• If you are in your 30s and 40s, you may want to consider a toner with antioxidants and hydrating ingredients
• Witch hazel, aloe vera, grapefruit seed extract, cucumber, and vitamin E are some of the soothing ingredients if you have dry skin
• If you have oily skin, sandalwood, willow bark, lavender, clary sage, and tea tree are your best bet
5. Who Should Use A Toner?
Anyone can use a toner. Toners are no longer meant only for acne. Their main aim is to stabilize the pH of your skin, in addition to resolving skin issues. Stop applying any toners that contain alcohol, menthol, and fragrances, since they can mess with the barrier of the skin.
6. Side Effects Of Using Harsh Toner On Face
Natural Toners do not have any adverse side effects but alcohol-based toners can irritate your skin.
7. Can I Skip Toner?
Due to its potential to preserve the acidic character of the skin and clean off the residual dirt, oil, and grease, you probably might not want to avoid applying a toner. In cases where your cleanser has already been pH adjusted and giving you a squeaky clean appearance, you should skip adding a toner.
8. Difference Between Toner Vs Astringent
The basic difference between a toner and astringent is the composition. Astringent contains alcohol, whereas toner may or may not contain alcohol. Most toners are alcohol-free, mild, and gentle. Astringents, when used excessively, can dry out the skin and are rough on sensitive skin types. They are commonly used for skin cuts, insect bites, and fungal infections. Examples of astringents include calamine solution, silver nitrate, witch hazel, and distilled vinegar.
9. How Many Times A Day Should I Use Toner On My Face?
Natural Toner can be used twice daily after washing your face. In case you have dry or sensitive skin, restrict the use of a toner to once a day or alternate days.
10. How Can You Know If Your Skin Toner Is Really Working?
Your skin feels smoother and plumper. It is glowing and clean as the traces of makeup are no longer there. Pores appear smaller after using toners religiously for 1 to 2 weeks.
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