Sometimes we just keep doing things on day to day basis without paying any attention to them. These regular chores are significant as they yield substantial outcomes, but get sidelined of the consistent habitual usage. One such entity we will discuss today is face toner. It is supposed to be an essential part of skin care regimen. I also use it on and off, but never realized that it deserves a full-fledged post of its own until a BABE reader posed a very basic query about this vital skin care product. That’s when I decided to write about it. So let’s start with very basic things you need to know about toner.
What is a toner?
A toner is a light liquid that helps in removing the last traces of dirt and grime, thereby leaving the skin clean and clear. It is also largely used to close open pores, reduce pore size and control overproduction of oil.
How to use a toner?
It should be applied on clean face. First remove external impurities using a cleanser or face wash then apply toner to get rid every last trace of impurity. Most of the toners are in liquid form, and have to be applied using a cotton swab. You can also get them in spray bottles, and spray directly on face. In ideal scenario, it is used twice a day-morning and evening but the usage can be limited to single use depending upon skin need.
When to use a toner?
Not every individual requires a toner. If you have a good face cleanser that cleanses your skin thoroughly and a good moisturizer that addresses skin care concerns, you do not need to invest in a toner. Ideally, people with oily skin use toners to control overproduction of oil. Toners mainly help in reducing pore size and controlling the secretion of oil by sebum glands.
What to expect from a toner?
Toner is targeted for various skin issues especially of combination to oily skin types. In addition to what face cleanser and moisturizer do, toner helps in controlling oil secretion, reducing pore size, chucking out bacteria and preventing breakouts. In addition, it also helps in controlling the unnecessary shine, clearing complexion, lightening blemishes, etc.
How to select a toner?
A toner should be bought depending upon the skin type and areas of concern. Also, your preference to chemical or organic ingredients is another factor that can influence the selection. Toners that claim to refresh the face taking away all the exhaustion are ideal for normal skin. These toners usually have aloe vera or cucumber as main ingredient. Dry skin people should look for toners that contain glycerin to keep up the moisture level or address skin concerns, if any. Oily skin people can go for toners that claim to control the production of oil, and thus acne, sheen and pore-size. Usually, these toners contain salicylic acid that stops overproduction of oil and control acne.
Is it good to use alcohol based toners?
This is a debatable topic in itself, with convincing researches on both perspectives. If you see alcohol mentioned in the ingredient list just pay attention to its variant. A renowned website paulaschoice.com says that denatured alcohol is not good for the skin but fatty alcohols, in small quantity, are fine for all skin types. Personally, I do not mind using a product with least amount of alcohol but if alcohol makes the product sting on my skin I would leave it. Also, if it causes overproduction of oil or inflammation or a negative change in skin texture immediately stop using the product.
I hope this post has been useful for you. Should you have any other queries related to toner please leave them in comment section !
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Such an informative post :) I do have a combination skin, so in winter time even if I don’t use toner, its ok but in summer time toner refreshes my oily skin a lot. Have tried cucumber and rose toner till date.