Facial toner: how to use

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.

When caring for your facial skin, the right approach is important. The right combination of cosmetics is the key to health, radiance and beauty at any age. One of the necessary preparations can be a facial tonic, which is used at the stage of cleansing and refreshing the dermis. The product performs several different functions at once and occupies an intermediate position in care. You need to use the toner correctly, otherwise the wrong product or

Why do you need a facial toner?

Tonic is used as a moisturizing, refreshing and tonic agent, but can also be used at the cleansing stage. Find out the basic parameters on how to choose a toner. Its main functions:

1. Preparing the epidermis for basic care. With the help of the product, the skin is cleansed of cosmetic residues (including after washing), moisturized and nourished. The procedure is carried out using a cotton swab or disk moistened with tonic.
2. Restoring the protective functions of the dermis, as well as the acid-base balance. Neutralization of aggressive cosmetics.
3. Improving and prolonging the effect of masks and creams at the stage of basic care. The liquid acts as a booster and helps maintain the positive effect.

Typically, the product is a translucent or transparent composition. Some manufacturers intentionally color the liquid for its intended purpose:

1. pink tint – calming effect;
2. green – relieves inflammation and solves underlying problems;
3. blue – refreshing.

Find out the difference between a toner and a facial lotion here.

Answers to the most common questions and tips for use

The basic rule of use is to apply it to previously cleansed dermis using special devices or fingers. The rest is conditions or tips for use, methods for applying tonic to the face.

A list of moisturizers for oily skin can be found in this article.

How to wipe your face correctly: with your hands or a cotton pad

The use of cotton pads or tampons and tissue napkins is allowed as special devices. Or you can apply it with your hands - using your fingertips. It is recommended to carry out the procedure along massage lines. Application rules:

1. From the central area of ​​the forehead to the temples.
2. Around the eyes, application from the inside to the outside along closed eyelids and back is allowed. Movements should be soft and careful so as not to damage the thin layer of the epidermis.
3. From between the eyebrows to the tip of the nose, then from there to the sides of the ears.
4. Upper lip to lobes.
5. Center of the chin along the facial line to the ears.
6. The neckline goes up straight to the chin.

Some manufacturers additionally include instructions for application if required by the product's purpose, consistency or composition.

Many cosmetologists speak out against the use of cotton pads and recommend moistening the dermis with tonic with your fingertips.

When to apply or how to use - before or after washing

Before using the toner, mandatory pre-cleansing is required. For this purpose, the use of hydrophilic oils, foams, gels, scrubs and other cleansers is allowed. The selection of the product must be carried out according to requests, especially if makeup removal is required.

The ranking of the 10 best moisturizers can be found here.

Many women neglect cleaning with water and use milk to remove makeup. But this approach is not always appropriate, especially if cosmetic products are poorly compatible.

Those. The product should be applied after washing not to a damp face, but to a dry one. You can use hydrosol or homemade tonic as a replacement. After applying the tonic, a moisturizing or nourishing cream is used. Many girls prefer Laurel moisturizing creams.

On a dry or damp face, should I use cream/hydrolate/gel for washing?

Excess moisture on the surface of the dermis prevents the uniform penetration of the beneficial substances of the tonic into the upper and lower layers. Therefore, application is recommended on cleansed and dry skin. To achieve the desired effect, you need to wait until the epidermis is completely dry or gently pat your face with a cloth or soft towel.

Rubbing motions while drying may cause irritation and cause slight swelling.

How often to use: every day or situationally

The frequency of use is determined by several basic rules:

1. The minimum number of applications is two (after morning washing and evening makeup removal). It is recommended to saturate the surface of the skin during each cosmetic procedure, especially before using masks, serums and creams.
2. If care is carried out more than twice a day, the use of tonic is mandatory each time.
3. In the summer, you should wipe your face as often as possible. This is explained by the need to refresh and moisturize the epidermis, prevent it from drying out and ensure uniform tanning. In addition, it is also recommended to remove residual sweat with a cosmetic product.
4. After intensive cosmetic procedures, the use of tonic is beneficial.
5. If the mineral composition of water makes it hard, after each wash the product will soften it and prevent dryness and flaking.

It is necessary to select the drug solely according to your needs and skin type.

Do I need to wash off the toner: its effect

When choosing products, it is important to pay attention not only to the scope and purpose, but also to the composition. Safe ingredients can remain on the skin without the need to wash it off after application. If aggressive ingredients are found, it is better to refuse to purchase such cosmetics. In particular, it is not recommended to frequently and without rinsing use preparations that contain parabens and methylparaben, zinc sulfates and stearates, and heliotropin. The list of ingredients may also contain chemical fragrances that cause an allergic reaction.

Instead of synthetic products, the use of thermal water is allowed. Pharmacy skincare products are also considered relatively safe. A sign that the product does not need to be washed off is the absence of stickiness and tightness, unpleasant greasy shine and the feeling of a mask.

The features of moisturizing cream with urea are described in the link.

And how to wash it off correctly

If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to wash your face with water at a comfortable temperature. It is advisable to carry out the procedure with soft massage movements without using soap. It is allowed to use a special sponge or sponge in the process.

Rinsing may also be necessary if there is excess product. In this case, it is recommended to use a tampon, napkin or cotton pad without using any liquid or preparations to cleanse the skin. It is important to avoid aggressive mechanical action in order not to disturb the pH balance and protective layer, as well as to avoid external damage to the dermis.

Is it possible to wipe the skin around the eyes: advice from a cosmetologist

If toner is used as the main cleanser, it is necessary to select a product with the most neutral composition. Makeup is rarely limited to foundation and lipstick. Eye shadow, mascara and eyebrow gels must also be removed. Aggressive skincare products can cause irritation, allergies, itching, burning, conjunctivitis and other disorders.

Therefore, it is necessary to remove eye makeup:

1. Special products for delicate eyelid skin. They may be included in one line of drugs or sold separately. When purchasing, you also need to carefully study the composition. It is recommended to select only hypoallergenic tonics. After using the product, it is advisable to apply cream to the skin around the eyes.
2. Milk labeled “suitable for the skin around the eyes.” There are more and more products of this type on the market, so to save time, shelf space and money, you can give preference to them.

The delicate dermis of the eyelids is most susceptible to mechanical and chemical damage, so you need to apply the product to it with light movements of your fingers or soft napkins. Before first use, it is recommended to conduct a sensitivity test.

When to use a toner with a lifting effect

The lifting effect includes:

1. hydration;
2. toning;
3. satiety and nutrition;
4. lightening and removal of age spots;
5. relaxation of facial muscles.

Anti-aging products usually contain hyaluronic acid, collagen, elastin, and peptides. Some manufacturers produce separate lines of moisturizing creams with hyaluronic acid. All of these ingredients are relatively safe for any skin over 18 years of age. But manufacturers recommend abandoning tightening drugs until the age of 25-30, since only by this age the main stages of epidermis formation are completed.

Typically, a lifting tonic acts as a booster, that is, it enhances the effect of basic skincare medications. Therefore, using it separately without creams, serums and masks is ineffective. At the same time, it is necessary to include a tonic at the stage of intense exposure of beneficial substances to the dermis.

We recommend that you read in more detail about what a facial moisturizer is in this material.

Video

This video will tell you how to properly use facial toner.

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 skin type 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 tonic 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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