How To Use And Apply Facial Toner

Facial toners, known also as tonics, lotions, astringents are solutions that remove surface skin cells, soap residue and oil from the skin. They are often heavy on water and alcohol and sometimes contain other ingredients like salicylic acid, witch hazel, benzoyl peroxide.
A good toner will remove surface oils and debris which may be helpful for oily or acne-prone skin. A big misconception is that a toner will close enlarged pores, but actually it gives the appearance of minimizing pores as the toner irritate the skin and make it swell slightly. The toners remove excess oil from the skin, whisk away impurities that usually lead to blemishes and breakouts.

What are the benefits of using facial toners:

• Remove dirt and makeup residue
• Complement the cleansing process
• Refine pores and tighten pores temporarily
• Make skin feel fresh and clean
• Remove excess oil from the skin
• Refresh tired complexion
• Whisk away impurities
• Reduce the appearance of fine lines
• Increase blood circulation
• Restore your skin’s natural pH balance
• Improve skin tone
• Reduce oil secretion
• Improve the elimination of toxins
• Speed up cell turnover
• Promote sloughing of dead skin cells

Most of the dermatologists say that if you cleanse your face regularly twice a day with the appropriate skincare products you can go without a toner, but those with oily or acne-prone skin swear by toners as they keep their skin clean and fresh and remove the excess oil from the surface of the skin. Most of the people with problem skin look for a toner containing alcohol as it dry the pimples faster and there is nothing wrong in that. You should look for a product specifically designed for oily or acne-prone skin, containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, hydroxyl acid. If the amount of alcohol is too much it can provoke production of more oils which in turn means more pimples, more blackheads, clogged pores.

How to apply facial toner properly:

Step 1 Wash your face
Splash your face with warm water and make sure your hands are clean. Apply the cleanser to your face with circular motions. Make sure you cover all the areas – forehead, chin, nose, cheeks and neck then rinse with lukewarm water.

Step 2 Apply the facial toner
A toner should always be applied to a cleansed face. It should be applied with a cotton pad. Saturate the cotton pad and pat the toner gently over your face and neck area. Apply it to the forehead, cheeks, chin and nose, or to the whole face. Never rub your skin when applying toner.

Step 3 Apply moisturizer
After applying facial toner your skin may feel a little tight and dry and that’s why you need to apply a facial moisturizer after toning your skin.

Common ingredients in facial toners are:
Witch Hazel, Tea Tree Oil, Aloe Vera, Glycerin, Sodium hydroxide, fragrance, Methylparaben, Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Panthenol, Lactic Acid, Centella asiatica, rose geranium essential oil, chamomilla recutita.
Useful tips:

• When applying toner avoid the eye area
• Some harsh ingredients in the toner may cause irritation characterized by redness, itching, burning, and peeling.
• If your skin is sensitive look for a rosewater facial toner
• Never rub your skin when applying facial toner
• A toner containing alcohol can dry out your skin
• Always apply the toner to a cleansed face.

To learn more see also the articles:

How To Get Rid Of Pimples And How To Treat PimplesВ 

How To Use A Facial Cleanser And How To Apply A Facial CleanserВ 

How To Select And How To Apply A Facial MoisturizerВ 

How To Exfoliate The Face

В How To Treat Oily Skin

Steps To Clean And Gorgeous SkinВ 

Recommended Toners:

Nivea Visage Alcohol-Free Moisturizing Toner ($6) - This gentle toner removes all traces of cleanser residue and prepares your skin for moisturizing. Plus it contains Chamomile and Aloe to soothe and comfort the skin.

Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner, Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Formula ($7.80) - visibly reduces the appearance of pores and refines skin to be clear, smooth and more even toned. Skin is left soft, smooth and refreshed.

AHAVA Matifying Toner ($22) - This alcohol-free toner tightens pores, rebalances the skin’s pH, and removes unwanted shine.

Clinique Clarifying Lotion ($19) - Gentle exfoliating lotion developed by Clinique’s dermatologists for skins dry in the cheeks, comfortable to oily in the T-zone. De-flakes skin’s surface to smooth, reveal clearer skin.

Decleor Tonifying Lotion ($31) - For skin that feels unbelievably soft and fresh - finish your cleansing routine with this soft pink toner. Infused with lavender and petit grain essential oils, and orange, kiwi, and mallow essential waters, this soothing toner is ideal for all skin types.

Murad Hydrating Toner ($22) - Murad Hydrating Toner is an alcohol-free formula with a delicious peach scent. This unique formula soothes and hydrates normal, dry, and sensitive skin. With antioxidants and botanical extracts to calm irritated, dry skin, it is the perfect complement to your daily skincare regimen.

Clarins Toning Lotion ($25) - Alcohol-free plant based lotion to refresh combination or oily skin and gently complete the perfect cleansing program.

LancГґme Tonique Clarte Fresh Clarifying and Revitalizing Toner ($23) - For improved skin texture and clarity, this formula contains natural botanical extracts of papaya and pineapple to leave skin feeling soft, refreshed and perfectly clarified.

NARS Hydrating Freshening Lotion ($35) - Refreshing and moisturizing, this multi-beneficial softening lotion instantly supports skin hydration and renewal. Essential moisture is imparted with Nars exclusive Active Phytoseed Complex.

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