How and when to use facial toner

A facial skin toner is a cosmetic product that cleanses the face and removes the remnants of decorative cosmetics and excess sebum from its surface. Our skin, like the entire body, requires regular nutrition and cleansing, especially when it comes to its exposed areas. After all, it is the face that constantly communicates with the environment and feels all its negative impacts, be it snow, rain, dust or hot sun. All this immediately affects his condition and has a detrimental effect on a person’s appearance. To eliminate these shortcomings, a variety of beauty products are used, including tonic.

However, there is currently controversy about the usefulness and advisability of facial skin toning. There are two completely opposite opinions about the use of this product in home care, because toning is a mandatory procedure in a beauty salon.

Some argue that toning is a completely useless procedure that the skin does not need at all. Others believe that they cannot do without it for daily care. And advertising even attributes magical powers to the tonic liquid, which magically transforms our skin and rejuvenates it. So what's right? Let's figure it out.

Why do you need a facial toner?

All cosmetic cleansing compositions (even the notorious micellar water) contain irritating ingredients (surfactants) to effectively remove dirt from the surface of the skin. When using cleansers, the acid-base balance of the skin mantle changes. Washing disrupts its acidity and shifts it to the alkaline side (pH

7), since cleansing preparations contain many alkaline components. With an acidity pH of 5-5.5, the microflora balance is normal. What does a shift in balance to the alkaline side mean and how does this threaten our skin? The fact is that the more alkaline the pH, the faster pathogenic microbes multiply on its surface.

Of course, after some time the pH balance is restored on its own, but the use of toned liquid helps speed up this process. Thus, its main task is to instantly restore the acid-base balance to normal levels (pH 5.5).

Currently, experts believe that toning after washing does not have any noticeable effect. In addition, there are now a huge number of gentle cleansers that gently remove dirt. They practically do not disturb acidity, and if they do, the epidermis is restored in a shorter time.

In other cases, this cosmetic product is used for:

1. eliminating remnants of decorative cosmetics;
2. eliminating residues of cleaning products;
3. neutralizing the effect of irritating ingredients included in cleansing compositions;
4. restoring tone and refreshing effect to the face;
5. relieving the feeling of facial tightness after washing;
6. better absorption of serums and creams.

Compound

The composition of the tonic liquid usually includes:

1. alcohol;
2. matting ingredients;
3. essential oils;
4. vegetable oils;
5. extracts of medicinal plants;
6. salicylic acid.

Until recently, alcohol was part of all tonic products. However, now it is used only if the product is intended for oily skin. This product contains up to 50% alcohol. Nowadays there are many other variations. Thus, the use of matting substances helps eliminate oily shine. Such components are very appropriate in combination with alcohol. Vegetable and essential oils (cocoa, grape seed, olive) are rich in nutrients and moisturizing substances. Medicinal plants heal skin damage, relieve inflammation, and salicylic acid fights acne and dries out pimples.

What are tonics?

The following toning products are available:

1. Moisturizing. The composition of such preparations includes medicinal plants, vitamins A, B, C and E, moisturizing and softening ingredients. Alcohol-free preparations delicately cleanse, moisturize and soften the epidermis.
2. Exfoliating. These compositions are intended for delicate removal of the stratum corneum and smoothing of the epidermis. Therefore, they are often given the wording “for radiant skin.” They contain a fairly large amount of salicylic acid, fruit acids (AHA acids), extracts of medicinal herbs, vegetable and essential oils, and vitamins. With regular use of this product, you can eliminate freckles, age spots, improve complexion and tone.
3. Matting. This type of tonic liquid is designed to eliminate oily shine, provide an anti-inflammatory effect and even out the tone. It contains a small amount of salicylic acid, medicinal plant extracts, medicinal ingredients (tea tree oil, lavender, lemon, etc.)
4. Anti-age (anti-aging). This includes amino acids, collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, herbal extracts, vitamins and minerals. All these ingredients can stop aging and push it back to a later date.
5. Flower water. This product is not a full-fledged tonic liquid, but is a hydrosol, which is a waste product left after processing a certain plant in the production of essential oil. It has multiple healing properties and is considered a very useful product. Passing through the herbal preparation many times, the liquid is enriched with humectants and antioxidants. Such drugs are sold freely in pharmacies.

To tone or not – that is the question

There is an opinion that the tonic ensures the passage of creams through the protective barrier of the epidermis. However, the epidermis consists of dead cells that fit very tightly together. They reliably prevent the cream from passing into the deeper layers of the skin. Also, the large molecular weight does not allow some components to pass through the protective layer and penetrate the dermis.

Currently, scientists have found a way to “split” large molecules into easily digestible amino acids or add special substances to the cream - enhancers (conductors), which allow the cream to quickly be absorbed into the epidermis. Therefore, the use of toned liquid in these cases does not make sense. Thus, toning the skin does not solve any of the above problems.

However, some ingredients in the cream act like sponges, absorbing moisture and holding it in. In this case, the components of the tonic liquid activate the action of these substances. For example, when hyaluronic acid-based preparations are applied to unmoisturized skin, some dryness of the epidermis is observed. And applying a toned liquid can moisturize it and activate the effect of hyaluronate. In addition, tonics are enriched with moisturizing, nourishing and disinfecting ingredients. This category includes thick toners, which are very popular in South Korea. They act as complete cosmetic preparations and are not intermediate products.

How to use facial toner

After removing makeup and cleansing your face, you need to apply a small amount of product to a cotton pad and wipe your face strictly along the massage lines. You can also spray the drug directly onto your face using a spray bottle. For an oily tone, it is recommended to use a toner with some alcohol content, but you should avoid getting it on the mucous membrane of the eyes. Tonics are applied to already cleansed skin, but are not used as a cleanser. It’s just that in this case they will not cope with contamination, since they do not contain active components (surfactants).

It is appropriate to use cleanser and toner from the same cosmetic brand. This is important because the toner is made from ingredients based on the previous cleansing step. It must be used after more aggressive cleansing preparations. If the epidermis is cleansed with micellar water, which contains poloxamers, then there is no need for it. This emulsifier does not irritate or dry out the skin.

A tonic liquid can enhance the effects of some cosmetic products if applied before a cream. In addition, some creams leave behind a filmy feeling on the face. So, in some cases, preliminary use of a tonic liquid can relieve this unpleasant sensation.

So we can summarize. The use of tonic products is a rather controversial thing. However, it can be a very useful step in care, especially if the drug is chosen and used correctly. The use of tonic products is a rather controversial thing. Simple cosmetic compositions based on alcohol are necessary only for those with oily and problem skin. Products without alcohol can eliminate the tightness of the epidermis, and if they are supplemented with moisturizing components, they effectively soften and moisturize it. Acid compositions replace mechanical exfoliation; they smooth out fine wrinkles, even out tone and improve complexion, and also act as an independent care product.

It should also be remembered that when choosing a natural tonic liquid based on medicinal extracts, there may be an “inconsistency” with beauty products from another brand. Therefore, it is better to choose cleansing products from the same series.

Facial toner is a caring cosmetic product for removing excess sebaceous glands and makeup residues. Its regular use allows you to tone and maintain freshness of the skin, maintain acid-base balance. It enhances the effect of other cosmetics and helps moisturizers to be absorbed.

The procedure is basic care; you need to use a tonic regardless of your skin type and its condition. However, if the composition is selected incorrectly, there is a risk of increased dryness and irritation.

Choosing a toner depending on skin type

When purchasing the right cosmetic product, you should take into account the characteristics and condition of the dermis. A low-quality tonic can worsen existing problems and also cause side effects.

What to consider when choosing:

1. To care for oily skin types, it is recommended to purchase a composition with an alcohol content of at least 50%. This allows you to effectively remove greasy shine and have an antiseptic effect. The presence of salicylic acid, natural essential oils and extracts of beneficial plants is acceptable. You can choose the best toner for oily skin in this material.
2. In a toner for dry skin, the amount of alcohol should be minimal to avoid increasing irritation. It is recommended to choose a product containing vitamins and natural oils for high-quality hydration and nutrition.
3. To care for problem and combination skin, it is recommended to contain active AHA acids to effectively eliminate pimples and acne. It is desirable to have nutritional components and salicylic acid for drying.
4. Any composition is suitable for normal skin. The optimal alcohol content is 10%; the presence of additional components depends on the age and characteristics of the individual.

To care for sensitive skin, it is recommended to avoid using toner in favor of a lotion with a soft texture and delicate action. This reduces the risk of irritation and redness after application. Find out how to choose a moisturizing toner for your face in this article.

It is not recommended to purchase cosmetics that contain parabens, fragrances and fragrances. It is highly undesirable to use products with acetone and camphor.

How to apply correctly (application, use)

Apply the tonic to the face along massage lines using gauze, fingers or a cotton pad. Cosmetologists recommend purchasing the product in the form of a spray, which reduces the traumatic effect on the skin.

Rules and method of use:

1. The forehead should be treated from the center to the temples;
2. when caring for the eye area, the product should be applied with light movements from the inner to the outer corner with the eyelid closed, and then under the eyes;
3. It is advisable to apply the product to the nose from above, descending from the line between the eyebrows to the tip, and follow from the sinuses towards the cheekbones;
4. It is recommended to wipe the cheeks, starting from the upper lip and ending with the lobe;
5. It is more convenient to apply the product on the chin from the center, moving towards the ears.

During the procedure, you should pay attention to the neck area; it is best to wipe this area with smooth movements from top to bottom from the neckline to the chin area.

When, why to wipe your face and how often should you apply/apply the product

Cosmetologists recommend using a tonic every day up to 2 times. The procedure is most conveniently carried out during morning and evening face washing. In the early hours, this allows you to prepare the skin for applying makeup, and in the late hours, it allows you to remove remnants of cosmetics and enhance the effect of using a night care cream. The tonic does not provide any lifting effect. Find out more about what you need a facial toner for here.

If you need to apply makeup several times a day, it is recommended to apply each procedure using a toner. In summer, it is permissible to increase the number of applications or add a refreshing tonic, which eliminates dirt, greasy shine and sweat.

Do I need to wash off the tonic, how to wash it off (washing): with soap or water

After application to facial skin, there is no need to remove the product. Before using other caring cosmetics, wait until the composition is completely absorbed.

If you have applied a large amount of product, the excess can be washed off with light touches using a cotton pad or gauze; it is not necessary to resort to soap or water. After the procedure, a thin mattifying film may remain on the face, which does not affect the effectiveness of the moisturizing or nourishing product. Find out what the most effective moisturizing facial cosmetics are here.

Is it necessary to apply face cream after toner?

Toning is one of the stages of comprehensive care. After using this product, you need to use a moisturizing or nourishing cream. For what? This allows you to prevent drying of the skin, as well as adjust the water balance and restore the mineral composition of cells.

The choice of cream depends on age, skin condition and time of the procedure. In the morning it is advisable to use light day creams, and in the evening it is optimal to apply a night care cream with a thick and dense consistency.

Regardless of the type and condition of the skin, regular care includes three mandatory stages - cleansing, toning and moisturizing.

What can be used instead of toner: hydrolate, gel or lotion

This is not the only means for effective toning and preparation for moisturizing. As an alternative, use lotion, gel or hydrosol that has a similar consistency and composition. Find out the difference between a tonic and a lotion by following the link.

If you do not trust industrial cosmetics, you can replace them at home with the following analogues:

1. green tea;
2. decoction of chamomile;
3. a mixture of lemon and grapefruit juice;
4. cucumber water;
5. herbal infusion.

There is a wide range of similar products on the market, from which you can choose the composition for any skin.

Video

Useful video explaining why you need tonic and skin toning

See also:

Children's magazine L'Officiel

Important: first we apply products with a light texture, then with a denser one.

4. If you have made a mask, then it is best to wipe your face again with a cotton pad with tonic or lotion.

5. Essence. She came to us from Korean multi-stage care. It has an oil-free texture and the concentration of active ingredients exceeds even a cream. Some essences replace tonics (read on the packaging), so you can safely skip step 2. Unlike serum, the essence does not need to be covered with cream - it works independently. Korean women apply it with their fingertips and sometimes even in seven layers - instead of a moisturizing mask.

6. Facial mist. “Facial sprays are a kind of modern replacement for toner. I sprayed my face, blotted it with a napkin and moved on,” says Solen Marie, product development manager at VitalScience Corp, which deals with the Dermaglow brand. Again, read the instructions carefully and skip steps 2 and 4 if the mist can be used instead of tonic.

7. Booster. This is another Korean innovation - something between a serum and a cream. We can say that the booster is a more powerful serum. Some of them need to be added to creams, and some must be applied independently, depending on the ingredients in the composition.
8. Serum. In addition to the usual serum with a pump or pipette, there are also compressed serums - here look at the format that suits you best. They actively moisturize and nourish the skin, helping the cream penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin.

"The active ingredients in some products may conflict, so consult a specialist before layering products," says Neil Schultz, a New York City-based dermatologist.

9. Cream. In general, everything is clear with him. Apply the required amount of product onto your face with a special spoon - this way bacteria will not get into the product itself and it will last longer.

10. Sanskrin - the final stage of ideal care, mandatory from April to October. Read here what you need to know about sunscreens and how much you should apply.

1. Micellar water. It removes makeup perfectly, but, as a rule, it itself needs to be washed off with water.

2. Cleanser. Choose any product that is pleasant to use. For example, we like hydrophilic oil. It suits everyone (almost), and there is no feeling of tightness after it. And if you often travel or go on business trips, then it’s very convenient to take a MakeUp Eraser napkin with you, which magically removes even waterproof makeup.

3. Tonic or lotion.

4. Mask for the face. In the evening, I especially want to lie down on the sofa with a fabric mask on my face and forget about everything.

5. Tonic or lotion.

6. Serum And cream or night mask. The latter is convenient because you apply it (an hour and a half before bedtime) and go to bed. You only need to wash it off in the morning.

Products with retinol can be used both during the day (but don’t forget about Sanskrin) and in the evening. If it's a light texture—like a retinol fluid—apply it before your serum and moisturizer. And if it is a cream with retinol, then it will replace your regular cream.