Welcome to our in-depth post on: Toners Toners are that one constantly overlooked step in our skincare routine that has many wondering: do I really need that? Well...yes and no. It's more about what your skin needs and what benefits you want to achieve. If you'd like to watch our YouTube video instead you can do that too!
So, let's get right into it:
WHAT IS A TONER?
Not to be confused with your printers ink toner, a facial toner is a liquid made of a mix between distilled plant-based waters such as lavender water or aloe water, and essential oils.
WHEN DO YOU USE A TONER?
In the skincare routine, the toner is use after the cleanser and before your serum and/or moisturizer. You can also use a toner any time throughout the day to refresh your skin or give it an on-the-go mini cleanse. Perfect for after a workout or on a hot summers day.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TONERS?
There are a few benefits that work for all toners and all skin types, and others that work specifically for certain skin types. In general, all toners work to remove excess reside from your skin such as make-up, cleanser soap etc.
Toners usually have an ingredients that helps close your pores that have been opened by the warm water and cleanser to remove impurities. But now they need to be tightened to avoid dirt getting in. Many toners are knows for having alcohol in them to do this. They are usually called “Astringents” But this is very damaging to your skin and can dry it out even more. These days, in natural products, alcohol-free witch hazel is very popular for doing just that without any harsh side-effects.
Also, toners allow your skin to absorb moisturizers and serums better. The skin naturally wants to absorb liquids and adding a spray of toner sort of 'persuades' your skin to absorb these is by adding liquid to it. That's why moisturizers usually are in a cream state. They have an incredibly high percentage of water in them which also gives them that texture. Unfortunately, that's also why you get such a low amount of actually beneficial oils. Better to use a toner and serum and get your money's worth as well as better results. More on that in our Moisturizer blog. For a more personalized result, certain toners carry ingredients beneficial for certain skin types.
WHAT IS MY SKIN TYPE?
There is such a wide variety of skin types out there, all of them unique and different. However, as a general rule, here is the basic skin types and how to tell which one you are:
OILY: Those who have excess oil along their nose, forehead, chin and sometimes jaw area and are prone to break-outs. After cleansing, their cheeks don't feel dry.
COMBINATION: Those who have oily noses, foreheads or chins, which occasional or no break-outs. After cleansing, their cheeks tend to feel tight or dry.
SENSITIVE: Those who react easily to products. With redness along the nose or cheeks. Irritations, mild itching sensations. Usually those who suffer from eczema, rosacea or other skin conditions.
MATURE: Those usually aged 35+ when the skin starts to lose it's elasticity or develops sun spots etc.
NORMAL: Those blessed with no excess oil, or dryness, or irritations. Don't feel down if this isn't you. It's rare that someone usually doesn't have any issues. Mostly those who don't, already follow a dedicated skincare routine!
WHAT TONER SHOULD I USE FOR MY SKIN TYPE?
Here is where we look into he perfect toner for you. This can take some trial and testing, but to help your search, here are the top ingredients to look for in cleansers that benefit your skin type, and our products favorite products we carry at the store for them.
OILY: The following ingredients are great for fighting over production of oil, removing impurities and cleaning out acne: Witch Hazel, Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Lavender.
Wildcraft Clarify Toner $16
Niu Body Refresh Toner $16
COMBINATION: These ingredients will help reduce oiliness, but also sooth dry areas: Geranium, Lavender, Orange Blosson.
Wildcraft Balance Toner $16
Niu Body Calm Toner $16
SENSITIVE: These ingredients help sooth skin irritations and offer a gentle cleanse: Chamomile, Aloe, Zinc, Magnesium *NOTE: Witch hazel can cause redness which is perfectly natural. However it could irritate some skin. Test first before committing to a product with this ingredient.
Graydon Face Food Mineral Mist $32
Bridlewood Chamomile Toner $16
MATURE: These ingredients offer a gentle cleanse, while fights age spots and nourishes skin to combat lines: Rose Water, Aloe, Copper
Graydon Face Food Mineral Mist $32
Niu Body Awake Toner $16
HOW DO YOU USE A TONER?
Two ways:
1.Spray directly onto face
2.Spray onto a cloth and wipe over the face.
Which way is better? It's more a matter of personal choice, however if you are looking to remove any excess residue, using the cloth can help wipe it away. Keep in mind, if you are putting your toner on before you're serum or moisturizer, you will need to spray again as the following products are better absorbed by the skin if it is moist.
And that's the end of our Toner post. Easy! We hope to have answered all questions you may have. If not, please comment or write to us. We're also happy to work with you to find the perfect products for you.
And always...Be The Change