In cosmetics, toner or skin toner basically refers to a cleansing lotion or cleanser designed to cleanse your skin and lessen the look of wrinkles, usually used in the eye area to reduce puffy eyes. It also rejuvenates, protects and hydrates the skin, thereby moisturizing it. Toner can be applied in several ways: by using the toner already in the formula, by a cotton ball on the surface of the face or throughout the entire face, or by using the toner as a facial wash. Toner usually goes by different names depending on the product you are buying: cleanser, toner, face toner, eye gel, etc.
Most toners contain alcohol, either as an ingredient in the form of a fragrance, as toner powder, or as a thinner which is rubbed into the problem areas and left to dry for a few minutes before being used. Alcohol in a solution has a drying effect, which is why many people choose to apply the toner with a cotton ball or a small pad. If alcohol is used in a thin layer, it is possible to make the problem areas less noticeable, without having to add extra layers of alcohol to the toner. Alcohol is also sometimes added to the liquid composition to make the toner easier to spread and thicker. On the other hand, if alcohol is added in the powder form, it becomes difficult to dust away once it has been mixed with the product.
Toner is not just a cleansing agent. It can also be used to close pores and moisturize the face or other body parts. The alcohol in the toner serves this purpose. It is particularly effective against the oiliness that comes with oily skin, such as the occasional occurrence of pimples. For some women, the application of a moisturizer after toner is much more effective than the simple application of the toner itself.
Toner and moisturizer are both effective in eliminating the symptoms of acne and removing the oil from the face but the key ingredients in each product are different. Toners usually contain salicylic acid, which acts against the oil, while moisturizers use some derivative of the same ingredient. The nature of this compound determines which part of the chemical class it belongs to.
Most toners are alcohol free and most moisturizers are not, unless the product contains an ingredient called sodium lauryl sulfate. These substances have the ability to leave a greasy film on the surface of the skin and will cause irritation, especially to those with oily skin. When using these products with alcohol in them, it is important to make sure that they are not using astringents as these have a tendency to pull the oil out of the pores. As a result, these products can exacerbate the problem rather than solve it.
An excellent alternative for those who want to avoid a potentially damaging alcohol toner is a witch hazel or tea tree toner. Both of these ingredients have natural anti-inflammatory properties, which are great at treating the redness caused by acne. One of them even has the ability to prevent the reappearance of pimples once they have been cured. Another effective product that many people prefer is calendula. This herb is very soothing and can help to soothe minor skin irritation. One way in which you can take advantage of this property is to make a facial rinse by combining one-half cup of dried calendula flowers with one half cup of distilled water.
The best toner does not come in a bottle. Instead, it comes in the form of a tiny facial toner. This is best for those who are tired of having to carry around large bottles of expensive cleansers. Because the tiny bottle is so effective at delivering all of the ingredients necessary for deep cleansing, most toners will include it.
Toner is one of those things that every woman should have in her repertoire. There are many benefits of using toners, but the most important benefit is that it prevents over drying of the face and other irritations. Simply add a little toner to your daily routine and avoid those expensive cleansing products. You will be amazed at how clean and fresh your skin looks!