Monday, March 2, 2009

Do You Really Need A Toner?

By Andi Bradshaw

Women who use skin care items often say they don't feel or see any difference when they use a toner, but there really is one. Using the proper toner will guarantee a positive change because anytime you use anything on your face, that item changes the pH of your skin. Toners are often confused with witch hazel and astringents but witch hazel contains oil, and astringents usually contain alcohol.

As with anything that goes on your face, toner is also designed with your skin type in mind. Dry or combination/dry skin should stay away from alcohol based products; toners for dry skin are often creamy or contain 2%-5% of cosmetic oil. Oily or combination/oily skin, should avoid alcohol or oil based toners and only use toners with fruit acids, such as lemon, grapefruit or pineapple, or oil absorbing powders in the product. Sensitive skin types should only use toners made for sensitive skin.

What do they do?

Toners return your skin to its normal pH, while they calm and cool the skin and temporarily close your pores. When applied with a cotton applicator, toner helps to remove dirt, facial oils, dead cells and any residue left by your cleanser or makeup that was not washed or rinsed away with your cleansing routine.

Your facial cleanser changes the pH of your skin based on the amount of alkaline or acid it contains. Your skin must then work to restore its' natural pH levels and depending on the product, it might take an hour or more. However, your skin immediately returns to its normal pH after using a toner.

How do I use a Toner?

Toner can be applied in three ways; cotton application, bare hands or sprayed over the face and neck. It is designed to be used after your cleanser and before your treatment and/or moisturizer. It is especially beneficial for oily skin, because no other skin type has the probability of developing enlarged pores.

Liquid toner application works best with cotton, i.e., flat cotton squares or rounds or cotton balls. Tissues are not a good idea, because they retain more liquid than you'll use on your face. A quarter size amount on your cotton applied to your face and neck with upward circular strokes is all you need.

Gel toner has the lightest texture and is usually oil free. Made especially for oily skin, this toner often has anti-bacterial ingredients like lavender, or rose water or citric acids. If you are expecially oily, try a toner that contains salicylic acid (to help remove dead skin cells and prevent pimples). The instructions for cream toner also apply to this type.

Cream toner has the consistency of a thin lotion and may be applied with cotton or clean hands. A nickel size amount on 3 clean fingers is all that is needed for this type because it won't run. Spread the toner using circular motions onto the finger tips of both hands and apply to face and neck area with upward circular strokes.

Spray toner really needs no instructions, except to close your mouth and eyes before spraying your face and neck. Additionally, toners are for both men and women. For men, a toner does the same thing as an after shave, it closes the pores. But unlike after shave, a toner won't burn the skin - unless it contains alcohol.

Men should also follow the toner with a moisturizer. The manufacturers of mens skin care products call their moisturizer a facial lotion or hydrator so men won't feel like they're using female skin care products. However, the ingredients are usually the same, the only major difference is the scent. - 15683

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