To Tone Or Not To Tone ~ That Is The Question…

The question remains, and the enigma of why we should all be utilizing a toner within our skin care routines is about to be uncovered. Toners are the most misunderstood part of skin care, as they are often perceived as ineffective and drying to the skin. The good news is that the truth about toners is quite the contrary.

Why we need them: Toners are incredibly beneficial for the skin because they work to pre-moisturize and provide an environment that allows for creams and serums to penetrate into the skin and lock in moisture. Toners are used to help purify the skin by absorbing excess oil, and evening out skin tone, while working to calm and act as the skin’s first moisturizer following your cleanser. You will be amazed to see how beautiful and refreshed your skin will look, and how much more efficiently the other aspects of your skin care routine will be functioning.

How to choose them: First, it is important to choose a toner that will work well with the chemistry of your skin so pay attention to whether your skin is dry, oily or a combination of both. Choosing a toner is just as important as how you choose your cleanser and moisturizer. Next, have a look at the ingredients to be sure you are avoiding any toxic or harsh ingredients. Alcohol, for example, is a dead giveaway that you’re dealing with an astringent that will dry out your face and most likely cause some irritation. After learning about a skin toner’s ingredients and benefits, you might think using it is a bit of a no-brainer; however, depending on your existing skin care regimen, incorporating a toner requires a bit of thought.

How and when to use them: No matter what, you’ll want to start by washing your face with a cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type. Use a towel that’s soft and clean to dry your face. It’s a good idea to have a particular towel devoted just to your face, as bacteria can thrive in towels. Another great staple to have in your bathroom is organic cotton rounds, as they are great for applying liquid-based toners that don’t have the option to be misted on to the skin. Apply to clean skin, and begin by gently swiping the toner across your t-zone. These areas of the face often collect the most oil and dirt and will benefit most from your toner. I enjoy using a toner that I can spray or mist upon my face, neck and chest because it helps to evenly distribute the product, and doubles as a quick pick me up for use at anytime during the day. Always apply your serum and moisturizer while the toner is still damp on the skin–This allows the creams and serums to penetrate the skin and lock in moisture. This is the basis for your natural beauty routine that you can perform both morning and night.

A couple of my favorites: Since I tend to have combination skin that can be overactive and dry, I like to use: