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3.9.12

Have you ever wondered if toner is a necessary step in your daily skincare routine? And if so, what’s the best skin toner for you?

The purpose of using toner depends on your type of skin concerns. Toner can act as a final cleanser, promote proper pH balance, help with dryness and even minimize blackheads on oily skin. It’s a personal choice whether you want to use one of these tonics, and here’s some helpful information all about astringents and toners:

WHY:  Here are a few reasons to incorporate a toner into your daily skincare routine.

  • Additional Rinse—Toner is like the “additional rinse” cycle on a washing machine. Using a toner can capture any dirt, oils and dead cells that your cleanser missed and properly prep the skin for moisturizer.
  • pH Balance—The pH scale ranges from 1 to 14 (7 is neutral. 1-6.9 is acidic. 7.1-14 is alkaline).  Our skin is most comfortable and able to fight off bacteria at a pH level between 4.0 and 6.0. Cleansers typically have a pH level between 6.5 and 8.0 which helps it cut through oil and dirt, but can strip the skin of moisture and leave your with a skin high in alkaline. Toner can assist the skin in getting back to a comfortable pH level.
  • Dry skin? —After cleansing, your skin is left with a high pH level and will have to work at restoring the pH balance. Applying moisturizer directly after cleansing may limit the skin’s ability to absorb the moisturizer because it’s preoccupied in restoring the pH balance. By using toner and restoring the pH balance before applying moisture… your skin will be ready to concentrate on absorbing the moisturizer!
  • Blackheads or Oily skin?—Do you have oily skin or blackheads around the nose? If so, I would absolutely recommend the use of toners. Oil on the skin can oxidize and turn black when the pH balance of your skin is off. Pores are generally larger around the nose, so the oxidized black oils get trapped in the pores and you’re left with blackheads. Toners will help thoroughly clean your pores and help with minimizing blackheads!

HOW: Here’s the best way to apply toner.

1. Cleanse face and lightly pat dry.

2. Apply toner onto slightly damp face. The method of application really depends on why you’re using the toner!

  • Cleansing purpose: Use with a cotton pad so that you can wipe away the impurities.
  • Restoring pH balance or moisture: Use your (clean) hands to press/pat the toner into your skin. Of course, a cotton pad can still be used, but it’s not necessary for this purpose.
  • Minimize blackheads: Use with a cotton pad. You want to be able to wipe away the impurities as well as the oil that’s trapped in your pores.
  • More than 1 reason for using toner… use a cotton pad.

3) Next comes serums, moisturizers, etc.

ADDITIONAL TIPSHere are some additional tips on toners!

  • Morning Cleanser—If you have dry skin and don’t want to use a cleanser in the morning… consider using water to wash your face and using a toner to “cleanse” and prep the skin for your moisturizer!
  • Alcohol Free—Alcohol is very drying for the skin and may harm the collagen in your skin (yikes!). Whether you have oily or dry skin, you should always use alcohol free toners. Stripping oil from the skin may stimulate your skin to produce more oil!
  • Additional Treatment—Doesn’t hurt to use toners that contain additional helpful ingredients like antioxidants, alpha hydroxy (lactic, glycolic), beta hydroxy (salicylic) acids, and vitamins for anti-aging purposes. Toners containing salicylic acid are great for blemish prone skin while clearing pores of acne causing bacteria.
Now that you know everything about skin toners, I want to share one of my absolute favorite recipes for an easy and effective toner that you can make at home. This is a simple toner formula that can be used on all types of skin including sensitive skin. Use this rose-infused toner night and day for clean, refreshed, and rosy skin!
What you’ll need:
  • Petals from 1-2 roses – the more fragrant, the better!
  • 2 tablespoons of alcohol free witch hazel –  helps cleanse and refresh skin
  • 1 cup of distilled water – you’ll want to make sure the water is clean and pure
  • Strainer
  • Heat safe bowl
Directions:
  1. Wash rose petals. Boil water.  Pour boiling water into bowl with rose petals and seep for 30 minutes.
  2. Strain out rose petals and let cool.
  3. Add witch hazel
  4. Pour toner into clean glass jar. You can store your toner in the fridge up to 1 week.

How to use (morning and night):

  1. Wash face
  2. Take cotton ball or pad and soak with toner
  3. Sweep over face and neck
  4. Follow with serum and/or moisturizer

Until next time, stay pretty… inside and out.

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Comments


  1. I just made some rose petal infused with hazel with 11 percent alcohol, what type of aloe could I add to make this moisturizing


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