What is a facial toner for and how to use it correctly?

Do you want to be proud of healthy and well-groomed skin at 30? Then you should not neglect care products, starting from adolescence. To maintain PH balance, prevent clogging of pores, excessive dryness and premature aging, cleansing, toning and moisturizing the epidermis is necessary daily. Unfortunately, applying facial toner is often ignored. Why it is recommended to use tonics, how to choose the right one and how to apply it correctly will be discussed in the article.

What are they needed for

It is not for nothing that cosmetologists advise not to skip the daily stage of skin toning. When selected correctly, a facial product performs several functions at once:

1. Cleans on a deeper level. Please note: even after removing makeup with lotion/milk and washing with foam, a little oil and dirt remains on the face. To make sure of this, just swipe with a cotton pad soaked in tonic. It is necessary to achieve complete cleansing.
2. Restores healthy complexion. Professional cosmetics (and even more so low-quality analogues) “eat up” the natural shade. The skin looks dull, there is no shine or blush, dry or oily areas are clearly visible. Tonics solve such problems: they saturate the components with essential minerals, promote accelerated recovery, and eliminate factors that increase the irritability of the epidermis.
3. Normalize the acid-base balance. Violation of pH occurs constantly. Exposure to sunlight, exposure to tap water, poor environment, stressful situations - any of these factors leads to loss of attractiveness. Facial tonics contain substances that protect against negativity. Active components “block” harmful factors and normalize the PH balance.
4. Improve the effect of moisturizing/rejuvenating/nourishing creams and serums. In addition, deep cleansing, thereby promoting better absorption of active components, increases efficiency, acting as a kind of “conductor”. The ingredients of a cream or serum are better absorbed and act faster.

Need proof? Carry out the experiment and use the facial toner for a month. After 27-30 days, the result will be obvious: problem areas will disappear or become less noticeable, the color will become more even, and excess dryness/oilyness will disappear. Small facial wrinkles will also become invisible.

What it is

This is a liquid transparent skin care product, it comes in different shades depending on the intended purpose. Pinkish - soothes, green - relieves inflammation, blue - refreshes and tones. Someone removes makeup with it, using it instead of special milk. But it cannot completely wash away makeup products; it was created to consolidate cleansing and even out the acid-base balance. The latter allows the stratum corneum to renew itself, regulates the functioning of enzymes, improves energy metabolism and hormone production, and protects pathogenic flora.

If the cells become excessively oxidized or alkalized, they will quickly die. With a high acid content, tissues become more sensitive, irritated, dry or tight. When there is a lot of alkali in them, acne and inflammation begin to appear, the pores expand, producing a large amount of sebum or sebum. Cleansing cosmetics often disrupt the pH balance in the epidermis, irritating it, which weakens its protective functions and exposes the body to harmful bacteria.

Effect of tonics

Thanks to the active ingredients, toning cosmetics remove makeup residues and saturate the facial skin with essential nutrients (depending on the composition).

Ekaterina, expert cosmetologist:

“Tonic, unlike foam, cream, serum, micellar water, lotion, “cleans” not only the surface of the face, but also penetrates into the deep layers of the epidermis. Thus, cosmetics in this category protect from the inside, reduce high acidity, and nullify the effect of alkalis.”

Do I need to wash off the tonic, how to wash it off (washing): with soap or water

After application to facial skin, there is no need to remove the product. Before using other caring cosmetics, wait until the composition is completely absorbed.

If you have applied a large amount of product, the excess can be washed off with light touches using a cotton pad or gauze; it is not necessary to resort to soap or water. After the procedure, a thin mattifying film may remain on the face, which does not affect the effectiveness of the moisturizing or nourishing product. Find out what the most effective moisturizing facial cosmetics are here.

Kinds

The skin of the face will be healthy, and age-related changes will be invisible if the product is selected in accordance with its specific type. Depending on the physiological characteristics, it can be:

• For oily skin.

  Oily shine not only spoils the appearance, but also leads to the fact that cosmetics “float” and need to be renewed every hour or two. A tonic for normalizing fat secretion at night and before applying makeup will help avoid such troubles. The basis of such products: mattifying and moisturizing ingredients.

• For sensitive facial skin.

  A remedy with anti-inflammatory herbs that have a softening effect will help to “calm” hypersensitivity and relieve irritation. This could be chamomile, rose, or cornflower extract.

• For normal facial skin.

  The main task is to maintain balance and protect from negative external influences. Extracts of medicinal plants are the basis of the composition of such cosmetics.

• For dry facial skin.

  Dryness leads to exfoliation of the epidermis and increased irritability of the epidermis. Glycerin, proteins, and vegetable oils included in the composition prevent excessive dryness. If, in addition to the natural lack of moisturizing components, there is exposure to other factors (working in windy weather, air conditioning or a fan), it is recommended to use the tonic 2-3 times a day.

• For problematic skin.

  As a rule, problem areas are combined: the chin and nose suffer from excess fat, the forehead and eyebrows are dry, there are black spots and small pimples on the cheekbones. Exfoliating astringent ingredients (zinc, salicylic acid, soothing oils) tackle multiple problems in one application.

• Cleansing.

  Such preparations are intended for delicate peeling. The keratinized layer of the epidermis is removed, and the upper subcutaneous layer is saturated with useful components that contribute to the accelerated restoration of healthy skin. For cleaning, the composition uses fruit acids and salicylic acid, and rapid regeneration is the merit of extracts of medicinal herbs and essential oils.

• Refreshing.

  It is no secret that the environment around us is a source of pathogens and factors of premature aging of facial skin. Saturated with herbal extracts with the effect of relieving irritation, tonics restore the natural complexion, help reduce “bags” under the eyes, and block from the inside the destructive effects of negativity coming from external sources.

• Calming.
  Read also:  How to care for your skin in winter. 5 questions for a cosmetologist

  Human skin (especially women's skin on the face and hands) instantly reacts to external stimuli. Of course, you won’t notice a deterioration in your condition in a day or a week, but over time, unnoticed irritation will “lead” into premature wrinkles, dryness, and the appearance of a rash. Soothing tonics reduce hypersensitivity and protect the epidermis from negative external influences. For this purpose, the product contains aqueous solutions of microelements, essential oils of rose and tea tree.

• Moisturizing.

  Even oily facial skin does not have enough fluid for full metabolism; dry and problematic skin suffers even more from the lack of moisturizing components. The vitamins of groups A, B and E soften the stratum corneum, and decoctions of medicinal herbs moisturize. Alcohol is unnecessary because it has a “drying” effect.

• For acne.

  In this case, the tonic is not only cosmetic, but also a medicinal product. Acne is a consequence of an imbalance of acids and alkalis and contamination of pores. The task of the tonic is to provide deep cleansing so as not to accumulate fats and normalize pH. Such preparations usually contain alcohol as a drying and antiseptic component, as well as anti-inflammatory extracts of medicinal plants.

• Anti-aging.

  The lifting effect is achieved thanks to hyaluronic acid, elastins, amino acids and collagen. For a long-lasting effect, vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts are added to the composition.

Benefits of home cosmetology

Many girls who do not trust their skin to the effects of industrial cosmetics prefer to use homemade tonics. They are not only very effective, but also absolutely safe, since their recipe is known in advance and is selected taking into account the individual characteristics of the skin.

Herbal composition

This product can be used on any skin. It can have a slight rejuvenating effect and improve complexion. Taking a pinch of dried rowan berries, dandelion flowers, coltsfoot leaves, rowan berries, wormwood and St. John's wort, they are poured into a thermos and poured with a glass of boiling water. After twelve hours of infusion, a teaspoon of dry wine (white) is poured into the product. Rub the prepared mixture onto the skin at least twice a day.

Uses of green tea

Freshly brewed and slightly cooled green tea can be used to wipe problematic oily skin prone to irritation. This should be done in the morning and evening hours. Green tea used for brewing should only be large-leaf.

Watermelon freshness

Dehydrated and tired skin can be brought into order with the help of a potion made from fresh watermelon. Half a glass of watermelon pulp (along with seeds), crushed in a blender, is mixed with a dessert spoon of water and the same amount of witch hazel tincture. After moisturizing clean skin with the product, wash it off with cool water after five minutes. Apply twice a day.

Mint tincture

The action of this product has a rejuvenating effect. After crushing a dessert spoon of dried mint leaves, they are poured with warm distilled water with a dessert spoon of apple cider vinegar. After mixing thoroughly, the drug is infused for at least three days. Dry skin is afraid of the effects of acid, so the composition intended for it is prepared without the participation of vinegar.

You can prepare a tonic at home, but also other cosmetics, such as a gelatin face mask. The gelatin mask recipe can be found here. Peeling with calcium chloride is also an effective remedy. Find out how to do peeling with calcium chloride at home here.

Summing up everything said above, I would like to once again emphasize that the procedure for toning the facial skin is by no means a redundant link in complex skin care. Regular use of tonics that tighten pores and thoroughly cleanse the surface of the skin can delay the appearance of facial wrinkles for a long time, preserving the youth of the appearance, the freshness of the face and the natural beauty of its outlines.

Compound

What all tonics have in common is that they necessarily contain purified water with a neutral pH. The choice and quantity of active components depends on the purpose of the product. The main types of modern tonics:

• Hyaluronic facial toner. An anti-aging option that softens the skin, makes it elastic and resistant to aging processes.
• Contains alcohol. The amount of alcohol compounds can vary from 10 to 50%, but no more. They have drying and antimicrobial properties and are recommended for oily and problem skin.
• Water-glycerin. Softening the stratum corneum, protecting against negativity from the external environment and gentle cleansing is the task of drugs with this composition. Glycerin is a good component for increasing elasticity, and in combination with oils and plant extracts, its properties improve.
• Aquatic. The most common composition, where neutral liquid occupies up to 78% of the composition. Aqueous solutions of oils, extracts, decoctions, amino acids have a wide spectrum of action (heal microtraumas, promote rapid regeneration, narrow pores, whiten, etc.), but, most importantly, do not change the acid-base balance of the epidermis.

In addition to the listed composition options, combinations of alcohol-containing tonics with mattifying components and a high content of minerals (for example, zinc, which regulates the secretion of fat and prevents the appearance of blackheads on the face) are possible.

Keep your skin toned

If creams and masks can be compared to food for our skin, tonic is its “water”.
And life without water on the face, as well as on the planet, is impossible. Cosmetic tonics and lotions help cleanse, moisturize, mattify, heal, and whiten the skin. Toners help prepare the skin for cream application. The specific action depends on the set of active components that are part of your product. How to give your face new colors, make it brighter, younger and more impressive? And at the same time not spend extra money on care? After all, tonic, although a necessary functional product, is far from the main “genius” of a woman’s cosmetic bag. In this rating, we decided to analyze the best popular mass-market tonics point by point. Even professional cosmetologists do not hesitate to use many of them in their salons. The sales volumes and profits of the leaders of the global beauty market allow large companies to have their own laboratories, conduct constant quality control and develop innovative approaches to rejuvenation and beauty. Therefore, products in the Economy segment are often not inferior in effectiveness to premium tonics. What will your skin drink tomorrow? Decide for yourself:

Application: how to apply correctly

Even when choosing a tonic that is ideal for your type, it is problematic to achieve the desired effect if you use it incorrectly. Cosmetologists recommend using the following to apply tonic:

1. Cotton pad. The material perfectly absorbs and retains surface contaminants and is suitable for cleaning any type of skin. For effective toning, it is enough to apply a few drops of the product to the center of the disc and wipe the face with movements from the center to the edges: from the nose or chin along the cheekbones to the ears, from the center of the forehead to the temples. There is no need to press on the cotton pad; the active components will penetrate deeper if applied with light massage movements, reminiscent of stroking.
2. Gauze or cloth napkin. Skin with increased sensitivity reacts even to gentle movements with a cotton pad. To avoid a negative reaction, cosmetologists advise using masks made from tonic applied to a napkin. A cloth or gauze soaked in a cosmetic product must be placed on the face for 20-30 seconds to achieve a moisturizing, cleansing, softening effect.

Remember that the effectiveness is higher if used both after removing makeup and before applying decorative cosmetics. There is no need to rinse off: it leaves no greasy shine or dirty areas of the face. Moreover, the tonic enhances the effect of creams and nourishing masks that are applied at night or under makeup.

How to choose a facial toner

When choosing a toner, it is recommended to consider several important factors:

1. Skin type Dry – suitable compositions enriched with hyaluronic acid, glycerin and amino acids. It is best to give preference to options with a high content of natural oils and vitamins.
2. Oily – products containing at least 50% alcohol are recommended.
3. Sensitive - only delicate formulations enriched with soothing ingredients and nourishing oils are acceptable.
4. Problematic - to care for this type, it is worth purchasing products with an exfoliating and astringent effect.
5. Combined - it is recommended to use two types of tonic: for treating the T-zone - mattifying, for the U-zone - refreshing/moisturizing.

Tips for choosing

The main recommendation is to purchase a product that suits your face type. There are no universal tonics with “all-round” action, there are only neutral ones that will not cause harm, but the expected effect will be lower. Also, before purchasing and using, make sure that:

• the composition of alcohol does not exceed 50%, a larger amount is a violation of the norm and is harmful to the face;
• there are no chemicals among the components - high-quality cosmetics are made from natural ingredients;
• the effect is exactly what is needed: moisturizing, nourishing, anti-inflammatory, rejuvenating, etc.
• certificate: its presence confirms that the tonic has passed clinical trials and will not cause health problems.

Just in case, we remind you that tonic is a cosmetic, it has a certain expiration date, after which the beneficial properties disappear and the product can become dangerous. Check the release date on the packaging before purchasing so as not to risk your beauty and health.

When to use a toner with a lifting effect

The lifting effect includes:

• hydration;
• toning;
• satiety and nutrition;
• lightening and removal of age spots;
• 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.

The best tonics

Modern cosmetic formulations of tonics for all skin types. If you have not yet decided on “your” brand, we recommend to your attention affordable and effective, tested by our experts:

• Bloom face toner from the Vilenta cleansing series. Feature of the product: it simultaneously cleanses and mattifies, hiding visual defects (oily shine, enlarged pores, uneven color). Deep cleansing is achieved thanks to peeling components: fruit acids, tangerine flower extract. By using it twice a day, you can be sure that the cells will receive enough air for normal regeneration, and the skin will be hydrated and protected from toxins. The product has a pleasant, unobtrusive tangerine aroma, which calms the nervous system and improves mood. There is no alcohol, so excess dryness is excluded.
• Tonic HYALURONIC ACID PRO. Multifunctional toner with cleansing, moisturizing and soothing effect. The peculiarity is instant action without a feeling of tightness. Light texture, vitamin PP, Ultra-lift complex, hyaluronic acid and seaweed help heal small wounds, slow down aging, saturate with minerals, and prevent the formation of comedones. The product is suitable even for sensitive and dehydrated skin, since it does not contain alcohol, and cleansing and moisturizing occurs without discomfort or irritation.

Is there an alternative

To replace a cosmetic product, you need to take into account all the nuances, understand how the tonic works and works. All drugs presented on store shelves have different effects on the epidermis and have different purposes. Very often, lotion is used as a replacement, but it is important to note that it always contains a percentage of alcohol and is more suitable for combating acne and eliminating oily sheen. It will relieve its owner from excess production of sebaceous glands and dry out the top layer of the epidermis. As a result of washing with it, a feeling of some tightness may appear, which is neutralized after using a moisturizer.

Tonics are designed to cleanse and restore water balance in cells. They prepare the skin for further application of serum and maximum absorption of nutrients. From this we can conclude that these two cosmetic products do not replace each other, but only complement.

To restore freshness and restore vital energy, you can use mineral water. The buyer always knows about its origin and can be sure that there are no fragrances or parabens. At the same time, cosmetologists give preference to well-known brands that carefully monitor product quality:

• "Evian";
• "Perrier";
• Borjom;
• Essentuki;
• Narzan.

Also, as an alternative, it is permissible to use hydrolates - a product obtained after the production of essential oil. This liquid contains a huge amount of nutrients, but, unfortunately, it is not suitable for everyone, but only for those with healthy and normal skin.

Home Recipes

If you have the spirit of an experimental cosmetologist, you can create recipes for tonic cosmetics yourself. The main thing is to remember to check how your skin reacts to them before using them. Before applying to your face, drop a little on the crook of your elbow and make sure there is no redness or irritation. At home you can use:

• Proven mineral water, “Narzan”, “Esentuki”, have properties that normalize the acid-base balance, remove toxins, and saturate with microelements. Remember that “bubbles” in mineral water are carbon dioxide harmful to the epidermis, so before applying such a home remedy, let the gas escape or use still water.
• Hydrolates. Aqueous solution of essential oils. Such “mixtures” are suitable for normal face types, as they have a slight moisturizing tonic effect. You shouldn't expect miracles from self-made products - you won't be able to achieve the correct consistency at home.
• Decoctions of medicinal herbs. A plant-based solution can resist microbes, relieve irritation, and slow down aging, but to also cleanse, you need to add alcohol. Alas, it is problematic to mix alcohol-containing components and herbal decoctions at home without causing harm. In this case, preliminary testing is mandatory!

We offer several harmless home recipes for tonic preparations that have a moisturizing and refreshing effect:

1. Refreshing for aging skin:
   • pink petals 12 g

   lime zest 3g

2. rose oil 5-7 drops

The petals are brewed like regular tea, crushed zest is added to the decoction, and the mixture is infused for half an hour. Oil is added to the cooled product.

3. For oily skin (with mattifying effect)
   • oat flakes 12 g

   calendula oil 5-7 drops

4. milk 50 ml

Mix the flakes with milk and bring to a boil. Strain the mixture, add oil. Effect: narrowing of pores and normalization of fat secretion.

5. Moisturizing for dry skin
   • mineral water 70 ml

   cucumber 30-50 g

6. avocado oil 20-25 drops

Cut the cucumber into small circles or grate it on a coarse grater, pour in mineral water and add oil. Recommended for applying toning masks.

If the “home laboratory” is not your thing, we recommend using products from trusted cosmetic brands. It is not necessary to “buy” into an advertised name; the composition of most tonics is identical, so finding a drug of the required composition for a reasonable price is quite possible.

What can be used instead of toner: hydrolate, gel or lotion

This is not the only means for effective toning and preparation for moisturizing. As an alternative, use lotion, gel or hydrosol that has a similar consistency and composition. Find out the difference between a tonic and a lotion by following the link.

If you do not trust industrial cosmetics, you can replace them at home with the following analogues:

• green tea;
• decoction of chamomile;
• a mixture of lemon and grapefruit juice;
• cucumber water;
• herbal infusion.

There is a wide range of similar products on the market, from which you can choose the composition for any skin.

How is tonic different from lotion?

Lotions and tonics have a lot in common: the drugs remove impurities and normalize pH. That is why the products are often considered identical. In fact, cosmetics have different purposes. Unlike lotion, tonic:

• serves for final cleaning, as it removes contaminants that milk, foam or lotion could not remove;
• moisturizes and tones thanks to active ingredients;
• multifunctional: the function of the lotion is hygienic; in addition to cleansing, the tonic relieves inflammation, normalizes color, and provides a mattifying and anti-aging effect;
• can be alcohol-free, that is, more gentle on dry and sensitive skin;
• have a more delicate effect on the skin, without irritating it in problem areas.

Ekaterina, expert cosmetologist:

“It is not recommended to mix lotions and tonics. Pharmacy combination products are suitable only for normal skin. The skin that is prone to dryness, increased oil production or aging needs thorough cleansing and saturation with the necessary components, so a special toner is needed for it.”

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.

conclusions

Is it possible not to use toner? Of course you can. If you are ready to spend more time and effort on maintaining facial beauty at the age of 30+. The opinion, “Our mothers and grandmothers managed without such means” is irrelevant today. 20-50 years ago the environment was different, women did not experience so much stress, nutrition was better. And decorative cosmetics were natural and were used less often. The skin of modern women is exposed to external influences every hour, and any factors can cause harm: nature, radiation from a computer or mobile gadgets, vehicle exhaust.

Toning is a simple and safe way to protect yourself from negativity without tedious cosmetic procedures. It is not difficult to apply twice a day: before make-up and after removing makeup, and the effect with regular use will not take long to appear. Moreover, you can choose the effect yourself: with their help you can achieve ideal hydration, get rid of blackheads and pimples, rejuvenate the skin, even out its color and texture.

When, why to wipe your face and how often should you apply/apply the product

Cosmetologists recommend using a tonic every day up to 2 times. The procedure is most conveniently carried out during morning and evening face washing. In the early hours, this allows you to prepare the skin for applying makeup, and in the late hours, it allows you to remove remnants of cosmetics and enhance the effect of using a night care cream. The tonic does not provide any lifting effect. Find out more about what you need a facial toner for here.

If you need to apply makeup several times a day, it is recommended to apply each procedure using a toner. In summer, it is permissible to increase the number of applications or add a refreshing tonic, which eliminates dirt, greasy shine and sweat.

Why is it used

Tonic removes makeup residues and excess fat. The positive qualities of this cosmetic product are as follows:

1. Restoration of natural acid balance.
2. Neutralization of the effects of hard water.
3. Antiseptic capabilities.
4. Eliminate redness.
5. Replenishment with antioxidants that prevent aging.

The tonic refreshes and cleanses the skin, and increases the effect of the cream applied afterwards. It is also effective to apply it after a mask.

Tonic for dark and light brown hair with yellow tones

For the convenience of customers, manufacturers have divided tonic into 4 main types:

1. Light.
2. Dark.
3. Red.
4. Chocolate.

Important! Using tonic on gray hair gives an unpredictable result; most often the shade turns out to be overly saturated with piecemeal dyeing, because it simply won’t work on a third of the strands.

Each type of product is designed to revitalize your natural hair:

• Blonde hair can be easily dyed, lightened into a warm and sunny shade, or removed from it yellowness, which for some blondes is the main problem. But you need to be careful, if you overexpose the product, you can get an unpleasant ash-green tint.
• Light brown, faded curls will sparkle with bright colors thanks to the dark palette of tonic.
• Copper-haired beauties can easily change their shade in a rich red palette.
• Brown-haired women can use them to add a bright shade to their dark hair, fiery or golden.
• Both brown-haired and fair-haired women can choose chocolate shades, turning their hair into the color of sweet temptation.

Now the trend is an extreme palette of tonics. It is most often used by outrageous youth. Some people dye their hair completely in the rich color of spring green, while others shine with pink or purple strands in nightclubs.

But the main trend of the season is dyeing the ends of the hair in rich, extreme colors. For example, a blonde with bright red or blue ends of her curls.