Is facial toner necessary or not?

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.

This is an unforgivable mistake, experts say. Maria Sagaidak, a cosmetologist and esthetician at the TORI aesthetic medicine clinic, told Letidora readers about why tonics are needed and what they are.

Maria Sagaidak, cosmetologist-esthetician at the TORI aesthetic medicine clinic

Tonic or still lotion

Many people confuse these two cosmetics. Despite the fact that both of them are designed to cleanse the skin, there is one fundamental difference between them.

Tonic does not wash off cosmetics, it is used as the final stage of cleansing the skin immediately after you have removed all impurities from your face (cleansed the skin with milk, micellar water or washed with gel and foam).

Nowadays, manufacturers like to make universal facial tonics that are suitable for any skin type.

Products in the photo: liposomal cleansing and moisturizing lotion, Sesderma; tonic for dry skin “Ginseng”, Elemis; refreshing and regenerating facial toner, Belif; moisturizing facial toner, Caudalie; revitalizing tonic, Guinot; high mineral toner, Cremorlab; lotion-tonic for the face “Comfort”, Thalion; moisturizing facial toner, Pulanna

Concerning lotion, alcohol-containing components are often added to its composition. And you can use it both after washing with a cleanser and instead of it. Lotions are more intended for oily, combination, problem skin.

Due to the special particles (micelles) contained in the composition, micellar water is designed to cleanse the skin of accumulated fat, environmental pollution, and decorative cosmetics. The particles dissolve all dirt on the surface of the face. And you need to remove this dirt with the help of cleansing foam, gel or milk. And after that, wipe your face with tonic.

Products in the photo: concentrated water for face “Immortelle”, L’Occitane; face lotion-tonic “Rose-Pomegranate”, Primavera; Hyseac, Uriage deep pore cleansing lotion; pore tightening lotion Effaclar, La Roche-Posay; mattifying lotion-tonic, Clean Line; perfecting tonic Purete Thermale, Vichy; 2-in-1 Toning Cleanser, Weleda; refreshing facial toner HYDRA-V™, ARTISTRY™; facial peeling lotion with fruit acids, AHA Basic

Types of lotions and tonics

Lotions There are alcoholic, acidic (contain fruit acids), herbal, with a drying and anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, they are more often suitable for oily, combination, problem skin, and skin with rashes.

Tonics water-based and do not contain alcohol. They can be herbal or contain acids to moisturize the skin.

Many people consider facial toner to be an unnecessary product in skin care. Right now we will prove that this is not so, but at the same time we will explain why it is absolutely necessary, how to choose it, what components to pay attention to and how to use it according to all the rules.

1. What is a facial toner
2. What are tonics for?
3. Types of tonics
4. Composition of facial toners
5. Application: how to apply toner correctly
6. Review of facial toners

What is a facial toner

It would seem that everyone knows what a facial toner is - a transparent or translucent liquid in which active ingredients are dissolved to moisturize, refresh and cleanse the skin. Sometimes the solution has a tint: a pink tint indicates a soothing effect, blue indicates a refreshing quality, and green indicates the ability to solve skin problems.

What are tonics for?

As you know, there are three main stages in skin care: cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. But, according to the confessions of beauty users, the second stage is often neglected (laziness, lack of time, lack of awareness - emphasize as necessary), considering tonic an optional remedy. And they are very wrong. The fact is that this tool performs several important functions at once. What does tonic do?

Sometimes the shade of a toner can indicate its functionality.

Completes the skin cleansing process. Even if you carefully removed your makeup with milk or cleansing lotion and then washed your face with foam, you will most likely still find traces of dirt on a cotton pad moistened with tonic. This means that it is the toner that completes the cleansing process after the stages of makeup removal and washing.

Restores pH balance. Some cleansers, as well as hard tap water, can temporarily disrupt the acid-base balance of the skin, which, in turn, weakens its protective functions and reduces its ability to withstand aggressive environmental factors. The tonic quickly brings the pH level back to normal.

Prepares the skin for the application of serums and creams. Tonic is a kind of conductor that allows the active ingredients in the serum and cream to act more effectively on the skin.

Refreshes the skin. Dull complexion, lack of blush, dry areas of the skin, even enlarged pores and inflammation - if the tonic does not solve all these problems globally, it will definitely minimize them. To get evidence, conduct a two-week experiment on regular use of tonic, or better yet, extend the test to 28 days - this is exactly the period the body and skin in particular need to form new “habits”.

Toning is included in the daily skin care ritual for a reason. To make sure whether a toner is really so necessary, conduct an experiment: use it for at least two weeks, and after that you will notice that your skin has become fresher and cleaner, and your complexion has become more even.

Types of tonics

The main rule when choosing a tonic is to focus on your skin type, otherwise this product will not fulfill its task or will not do it effectively enough. In order for the tonic to work one hundred percent, you must carefully read the label before purchasing, and then follow the instructions for its use.

The toner effectively removes remnants of skin impurities and decorative cosmetics.

For dry skin. Choose toners with powerful moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, amino acids, aloe juice or extract. Apply the product twice a day or more often, especially if you spend most of the day indoors with air conditioning or central heating, or in extreme climatic conditions (sharp temperature changes, hot or, conversely, frosty weather).

For sensitive skin. Capricious skin will not be irritated by products with a delicate action and soft texture, sometimes slightly oily. When choosing a tonic, pay attention to the composition: it should contain components with a calming effect, for example, extracts of chamomile, cornflower or rose. Undesirable substances - parabens, perfumes, dyes.

For oily skin. If you are bothered by oily shine and excess sebum, due to which makeup lasts for a maximum of an hour, a tonic with a sebum-regulating and mattifying effect is suitable. This effect is provided in particular by zinc. Products with moisturizing ingredients are also good for oily skin, because often such skin, strange as it may sound, suffers from dehydration.

For problematic skin. The curse of this type of skin is blackheads, rashes, inflammation, and excess sebum production. Toners with astringents and exfoliating components (salicylic acid, zinc, tea tree oil) will help keep the situation under control.

For normal skin. All that a tonic can give to the happy owners of problem-free skin is cleansing, maintaining optimal moisture levels, softening, and replenishing with minerals and trace elements. All these needs will be satisfied by a tonic based on thermal spring water.

For combination skin. If you have dry skin in the cheek area and oily skin in the forehead, nose and chin area, try using two toners at once in one session. Apply the moisturizing one to dry areas, and the mattifying sebum-regulating one to the T-zone. This is called multi-toning, that is, using two products of the same category at the same time.

For aging skin. The main needs of aging and aging skin are lifting, increasing elasticity and density. This is facilitated by tonics with hyaluronic and glycolic acids, plus a special massage during application. Pay attention to products with a high content of antioxidants (vitamins C and E, resveratrol), especially if you live in a metropolis, often experience stress and get little sleep. Antioxidants in the toner will help fight the negative effects of the environment and delay the development of external signs of skin aging.

Using a well-chosen toner, you will increase the effectiveness of your creams (day and night) significantly, because the skin will better perceive their active ingredients.

Composition of facial toners

The composition varies depending on the purpose and tasks to be solved. Below are the main components that are most often found in formulas.

Facial toner is a transparent colored liquid in which active ingredients are dissolved.

Aloe. Aloe juice and extract are almost universal: they soothe, soften, moisturize and restore the skin.

Allantoin. Effective for skin healing and regeneration. Allantoin relieves inflammation, irritation, tightens pores and softens the skin.

Hyaluronic acid. A powerful moisturizing ingredient that prevents moisture evaporation, smoothes the skin.

Glycerol. The most common moisturizing component. Glycerin promotes moisture penetration into the deep layers of the skin and helps retain it.

Glycolic acid. Cleanses, exfoliates, softens and brightens the skin, helps reduce the depth of wrinkles.

Salicylic acid. Exfoliates, eliminates dead cells, regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands.

Alcohol. Typically present in low concentrations and serves to stabilize the formula. Simple alcohols (alcohol denat) in tonics provide an antibacterial effect and better penetration of active ingredients into the skin.

Thermal water. Water from thermal springs, located, for example, in the French cities of Vichy and La Roche-Posay, is a storehouse of minerals and trace elements beneficial for the skin. The special composition helps normalize the water balance of the skin, neutralizes the negative effects of free radicals, increases the protective properties of the skin, and soothes it.

Zinc. Indispensable for oily and problem skin: relieves inflammation, controls oily shine, reduces blackheads.

Calendula extract. Relieves irritation, soothes, has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effects.

Rose extract. It has a wide spectrum of action: rejuvenates, moisturizes, softens, fights dangerous bacteria and even tightens pores.

Chamomile extract. Soothes sensitive and irritable skin, provides protection and anti-inflammatory effect.

Witch hazel extract. Constricts blood vessels, reduces the secretion of sebaceous glands, and is a powerful antioxidant.

Application: how to apply toner correctly

It is advisable to use the tonic twice a day, after cleansing and before using serum and cream. When applying, avoid the area around the eyes unless the label indicates that the product is approved for use in this area. There are at least three ways to apply toner, and choosing the right one depends on personal preference.

When applying tonic, you can use a cotton pad or cloth.

Cotton pad

This is the most common method and is suitable for owners of any skin type. Apply a few drops to the disc and wipe the skin from the center of the face to the periphery, avoiding pressing:

from the center of the forehead to the temples, with one smoothing movement on each side;

from the wings of the nose to the ears;

from the center of the chin to the ears;

from the space between the eyebrows to the tip of the nose.

Do not forget about the skin of the neck and décolleté - here the cotton pad should move from bottom to top, towards the chin.

Cloth napkin

The best option for sensitive skin. Soak a cloth napkin with tonic (you can use pharmacy gauze folded in 2-3 layers) and place it on your face like a mask. Press lightly with your palms and leave for a few seconds. These toning masks are very popular in Asia.

It is recommended to use the toner in the morning and evening after cleansing the skin and before applying the cream.

Do I need to wash off the toner? No. As you remember, it increases the effectiveness of the active ingredients in the products that you apply after toning.

Review of facial toners

If you still haven’t decided on the choice of toner, we offer several options for different skin types - from delicate sensitive to problematic, acne-prone skin.

Toners for dry, normal and aging skin

Toners for combination, oily and problem skin.

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More about the ingredients

1. Julia June 1, 21:49 Today we will talk about the La Roche-Posay Toleriane care gel. Now I always choose care products for myself for quite a long time and carefully, because at one time, due to my age and ignorance, using everything in a row, I ruined my skin. I have it combined. I love lighter textures and feel more comfortable with them. And two weeks ago, I was brought to test a La Roche-Posay Toleriane gel-care wash based on thermal water with soothing ingredients. The gel is designed to cleanse extremely sensitive normal and combination skin. It foams beautifully, and since I like to wash my face with water, it washes off easily. A small amount of warm water is enough to lather a small amount of gel. The care gel is very economical: a few drops are enough to cleanse the skin. I use the gel morning and evening, applying it to the face, neck and décolleté for about 30 seconds. The texture of the gel is milky, the smell is light and unobtrusive, it is practically non-existent. The cleansing gel is available in a 200 ml package. Overall, what we have: no feeling of tightness or discomfort after washing. The skin after washing is pleasant, soft, clean, and nourished.
2. Maria April 2, 16:54 Garnier micellar water is the best makeup remover I have used
3. Irina March 25, 23:30 I work on the night shift. Because of this, of course, the skin began to look much worse and, in addition to this, eternal bags appeared under the eyes. I can’t quit my job, but I can’t walk around with an eternally exhausted face either. I was looking for different remedies on the Internet, since my creams were no longer working. On this site I read about a mask that tightens the skin of the face, returns a healthy appearance, and so on like advertising. I heard about this mask, but the reviews from friends are mixed. who ordered such a mask, please tell me if it really works like that and should I even believe these reviews?

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