What to choose: facial toner or lotion

The correct purpose of facial care products.

Tonics or lotions.

Have you ever thought about shopping for facial toners in stores and in some cases you have preferred another skin care product called lotion. During the survey, the majority of women argued that such means cannot in any way resist each other and have the same purpose.

Let's figure out what the skin care products offered to us are and what the difference is between them.

Tonic or toner.

To begin with, we will look at what types of cosmetic liquids are provided to us by facial care manufacturers.

Firstly, the main difference between such a cosmetic product is in its composition, and we are given two types: an alcohol-containing solution, and a regular water-based one.

A water-based suspension is called tonic. Its composition may contain various impurities based on vegetable oils and other components with the exception of alcohol. This product can be used on sensitive areas, such as the eye circumference and lip contours, without harming the epidermal layer.

Lotions.

This is the name of a product that contains a mixture of water with a small proportion of alcohol. Also, the basis of the component of such a solution may include numerous nutritional elements that have an antiseptic purpose. This type of care product is more intended for problem or combination skin, the purpose of which is purely preventive and curative.

The lotion, unlike its opponent, cannot be used on the skin around the eyes, and is only used against inflammation, such as acne and “blackheads,” and the facial skin itself.

Many people confuse the main purposes of such products, relying only on reading the labels, without thinking that the composition of a particular product may not correspond to the real name. Because a tonic cannot contain admixtures of acids and alcohol, and the lotion itself cannot be water based on a herbal mixture.

The main purpose of tonic and lotion.

The main misconception of consumers of cosmetics is that for them, tonics and lotions look like cleansers after using basic surfactants. This is wrong. The main purpose of such products is to equalize the acid-base balance of the skin after contact with tap water.

The acid-alkaline balance, or more commonly referred to as pH, of the skin is a kind of protection of the skin barrier from many environmental factors. Its violation can lead to the skin itself losing its basic protection, and often, therefore, various problems arise associated with diseases of the skin and general elasticity.

Of course, lotion and tonic are capable of cleansing the skin, as well as disinfecting it and other things. But its main purpose is to calm and equalize the pH component.

The basic norm for acid balance is considered to be a percentage of 4.5 to 5.8. Further it is already considered a violation. For example, after washing your face with soap and running water, or another cleanser, the percentage will be about 8, which is not acceptable, and it must be reduced to normal.

Not all labels correctly indicate the component of the mixture of acid and alkali, if such a name will be there at all. Therefore, before purchasing a skin care solution, it is important to read its composition and pay attention to the presence of the pH indicated there.

Please note that not every toner or lotion may be suitable for your skin, as may be written on the bottle of liquid offered to you. To begin with, it is best to consult with a cosmetology specialist, find out the components of your pH, and from this draw conclusions about what will suit you best.

Evening out skin balance is an extremely important component of facial care. And that’s why it’s better not to skip this procedure, hoping for a great “boom.” Therefore, it is better to spend a little time and money than to then run to doctors and try to cure problems associated with the skin of the face.

Using tonics or lotions.

After you have cleansed your skin of primary impurities, take a cotton pad and moisten it with your chosen solution, but do not overdo it. Next, apply to the skin with light circular movements.

face, and in some cases avoiding the skin around the lips and eyes. Make sure that your movements do not turn into friction of the skin itself, and that your touches are not too rough. Don't push.

Some tips for use.

1. Never apply toner or lotion to dirty or insufficiently cleansed skin.

2. Before applying the tonic, the skin should be slightly damp so that it does not cause burns upon contact with the product itself.

3. After applying the toner and subsequent cleansing, if you plan to exfoliate, the skin should be dried naturally.

4. And just before applying a cream or mask, the skin should be slightly damp, but not wet, otherwise the moisture in your face, after clogging, will try to come out, opening the pores and letting dirt in. But we don’t want this.

Conclusion and summary.

We found out that tonics and lotions are designed to even out and restore the acid-base balance of our skin. This is why they were produced.

Tonics, unlike lotions, do not contain alcohol, and their purpose always differs depending on the type and problem of the skin.

Their use is very important after each contact with water.

Before you start comparing products - lotion and tonic, you need to understand how lotion differs from tonic. They differ in purpose and composition.

Before choosing a care product, you should determine your skin type and identify the problem that needs to be solved.

The difference between toner and lotion

1. If there are signs of acne, pimples, or rosacea on your face, then you will need lotion.
2. If the pores on the skin of the face are enlarged, but there is no inflammation or other undesirable manifestations, a tonic is enough; it will narrow the pores and prevent the occurrence of problems that require the use of a medicinal lotion.

What is lotion?

Lotions are divided into cosmetic and medicinal. Both types are intended for deep cleaning of pores. Remembering only the names of lotions, one immediately understands that they all contain natural ingredients:

Perhaps, of all the listed ingredients, oak bark is difficult to find in the composition; you can determine its presence by the name of the lotion. Salicylic acid is produced from willow bark. Such cosmetic products are used to treat inflammation, just like chamomile. To make the skin elastic, a decoction of oak bark is used, cucumber water tones the skin, rose oil gives softness, and lavender oil relieves tension.

But this is not the main thing; lotions may contain alcohol. This ingredient is not suitable for dry and sensitive skin because it dries and tightens the skin. For oily skin, on the contrary, it is recommended to remove oily shine. What is a lotion or toner for combination skin?

Attention! Based on the etymology of the word “lotio”, which translated from French means washing, it is easy to identify the direct purpose of all types of products. The purpose of a cosmetic lotion is to replace water when washing your face. The use of an alternative to washing is especially important for urban residents.

Chlorinated water causes dryness, dermatitis and other allergic reactions. Many skin problems arise due to the urban environmental situation, and lotions containing vitamins, minerals and other nourishing ingredients will again help.

What is tonic?

What is the difference between a toner and a facial lotion? Tonic cannot replace washing, although it is considered a cleanser.

It is used after washing or other method of cleansing the skin. Just like lotion, it cannot be used without a cotton pad or a soft piece of natural fabric.

By wiping your face with a cotton pad soaked in toner, you will be able to remove the remnants of detergents that clog the pores, preventing the penetration of nourishing and moisturizing creams into the epidermis.

The difference between lotion and facial toner is that the toner has a low alcohol content.

Tonifier - translated from French means an increase in overall tone. Contrary to the prevailing stereotype, this cosmetic product should neither tighten the skin nor hide wrinkles; it should ensure that specially developed creams, serums, and gels give this effect.

But still, the tonic gives some effect to the skin due to the use of various ingredients in its production, which determine the group to which it will belong.

1. Moisturizing tonics contain witch hazel, horse chestnut, and vitamins A and B. It must contain a moisturizing ingredient, such as glycerin. The presence of alcohol is unacceptable; AHA acids may be present, but in minimal quantities.
2. To remove oily shine, combat acne and inflammation, mattifying tonics are used. The use of alcohol or salicylic acid is acceptable within 5%. These tonics are enriched with vitamins “A”, “C”, “E”. Natural ingredients - essential oils of tea tree, lemon, lavender, ginseng.
3. 
   
   
   
   Exfoliating toners contain AHAs and salicylic acids to give the skin a healthy glow after long-term regular use. The keratinized cells are washed away under the influence of the product, and along with them the uneven – unhealthy color – goes away.
4. The composition of anti-aging tonics is wider. This group of care products can use collagen, hyaluronic acid, elastin, peptides, amino acids, a multivitamin complex and ginseng extract.

Low and medium molecular weight hyaluronic acids are used in medicine.

Manufacturers are lying when they offer consumers creams with a tonal effect as a tonic. But it is precisely these cosmetics that give an instant effect of radiance, moisturizing, and smoothing.

Only after the next wash will there be no trace of this visual improvement left. Your skin will not become healthier in one day. These products are not intended for cleansing, which contradicts the original purpose of the tonic.

Advice! There is no need to look for the answer to the question: “What is better - lotion or toner for the face?” It is impossible to compare these means; they do not replace, but complement each other’s action.

How to use

The lotion can be used several times a day, because it replaces washing with water. But it is not able to cope with all contaminants.

After deep cleaning the pores with lotion, you need to continue cleansing the skin. Here you will need a tonic with a certain set of ingredients that will enhance the effect of the night or day cream.

It is better to use a tonic from the age group in the morning, and it is preferable to cleanse under a night cream with one that will give calm and relaxation.

When using both products in combination, you can avoid washing your face, which may be necessary when treating dry and flaky facial skin caused by a violation of the Ph factor. The lotion does not contain substances that restore natural balance; the tonic does contain these ingredients. Therefore, lotion is used first, and its negative effects (tightening of the skin, drying out) are removed by a moisturizing tonic.

Useful video

Review of facial cleansers.

Proper facial skin care is not complete without cleansing, toning and moisturizing. Soaps, foams, gels, milks, and lotions are used as cleansing cosmetics. A popular tonic is facial toner.

Lotion and toner have different compositions. The first is aqueous-alcoholic, the second is aqueous. The lotion is designed to cleanse the skin, has a deodorizing and anti-inflammatory effect, and eliminates fat. Tonic is used after applying lotion before applying cream (moisturizing the skin).

According to GOST, lotions and tonics are classified as cosmetic liquids for skin care. They are aqueous-alcoholic, aqueous, alcohol-aqueous solutions of hygienic, tonic effect containing active components and additives that ensure the consumer properties of cosmetic products.

The volume fraction of ethyl alcohol in this product can range from 0 to 75%, the pH value ranges from 1.2–8. 5.

To determine the difference between a lotion and a facial toner, each cosmetic product should be characterized.

Lotion (from Latin lavare - to wash) is an alcohol-water solution for skin care.

Depending on the intended use, the product may contain the following components:

1. alcohol;
2. glycerol;
3. water;
4. drills;
5. mineral oils;
6. organic acids;
7. extracts of plants, vegetables, fruits;
8. perfume fragrances;
9. dyes.

Facial lotion is designed to clean, disinfect and refresh the skin.

In accordance with the type and characteristics of the skin, the products are divided into:

1. designed for oily and problem skin;
2. for dry and sensitive;
3. for normal;
4. hygienic;
5. therapeutic and prophylactic.

According to the pH value, there are neutral, acidic, and alkaline. Most often, products are produced with an acidic reaction, which corresponds to a pH of 4.5–5. 5. They restore the natural reaction of human skin (acidic).

The ethyl alcohol content in the lotion is about 20–40%.

Main properties of the product:

1. providing a deodorizing and tonic effect on the skin;
2. moderate defatting.

The therapeutic and prophylactic facial lotion for acne and porous skin includes camphor alcohol, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

It is an aqueous solution intended to complete cleansing the surface of the face and prepare for applying cream. It differs from lotion in the complete absence of alcohol or in its low content.

Tonic is selected according to skin type.

Main Product Features:

1. 1. Removing residual dirt and cleaning agents.
2. 2. Moisturizing, softening and nourishing.
3. 3. Restoration of lipid layers of the intercellular space.
4. 4. Activation of membrane cells.

According to their pH value, tonics are:

An acid toner may cause a slight tingling sensation for sensitive facial skin.

Main types of tonicsabout appointment:

There are biotonics or hydrolates (floral waters) obtained by steam distillation based on purified water and raw materials. The products are suitable for any skin type. Their distinctive property is moisture retention. Such products are intended for removing makeup and cleansing; they are produced as both a regular toner and a spray.