Facial toner is a caring cosmetic product for removing excess sebaceous glands and makeup residues. Its regular use allows you to tone and maintain freshness of the skin, maintain acid-base balance. It enhances the effect of other cosmetics and helps moisturizers to be absorbed.
The procedure is basic care; you need to use a tonic regardless of your skin type and its condition. However, if the composition is selected incorrectly, there is a risk of increased dryness and irritation.
Choosing a toner depending on skin type: advice from a cosmetologist
When purchasing the right cosmetic product, you should take into account the characteristics and condition of the dermis. A low-quality tonic can worsen existing problems and also cause side effects.
What to consider when choosing:
- To care for oily skin types, it is recommended to purchase a composition with an alcohol content of at least 50%. This allows you to effectively remove greasy shine and have an antiseptic effect. The presence of salicylic acid, natural essential oils and extracts of beneficial plants is acceptable. You can choose the best toner for oily skin in this material.
- In a toner for dry skin, the amount of alcohol should be minimal to avoid increasing irritation. It is recommended to choose a product containing vitamins and natural oils for high-quality hydration and nutrition.
- To care for problem and combination skin, it is recommended to contain active AHA acids to effectively eliminate pimples and acne. It is desirable to have nutritional components and salicylic acid for drying.
- Any composition is suitable for normal skin. The optimal alcohol content is 10%; the presence of additional components depends on the age and characteristics of the individual.
To care for sensitive skin, it is recommended to avoid using toner in favor of a lotion with a soft texture and delicate action. This reduces the risk of irritation and redness after application. Find out how to choose a moisturizing toner for your face in this article.
It is not recommended to purchase cosmetics that contain parabens, fragrances and fragrances. It is highly undesirable to use products with acetone and camphor.
Varieties
Before you go to the store, you need to do a little preparation and understand what types of products there are. And, in fact, there are a huge number of them, so it won’t be difficult to get confused in them. We present a small educational program on tonic cosmetics so that you can choose the right one for yourself.
Functions
First, let's decide why we need this tool and what we want to fix with its help. Accordingly, here's what facial toner is used for:
- matting and narrowing pores - salvation for oily types;
- moisturizing - for dry;
- calming - relieves redness and irritation in sensitive individuals;
- destruction of bacteria - suitable for problematic epidermis. The product dries and removes rashes;
- nutrition - suitable for off-season use, when the immune system is weakened and the skin lacks vitamins;
- tones - relieves fatigue, gives energy;
- whitens - necessary for girls with a high level of pigmentation;
- refreshes - useful in the summer, when the skin dries out and is exposed to sunlight;
- cleanses - gets rid of blackheads, especially in combination with other versions from the same line;
- improves complexion.
But there are also bottles that have “Face Tonic” printed on them. This means that they are intended for those who do not have significant problems and primarily need care.
Consistency
The classic version is a liquid that has no tint or odor, but you can also find other formats of this product that adapt to a specific skin type:
- Cream. Softened, light emulsion with a bright tonic effect. Suitable for those who spend most of their time outdoors. After all, then the epidermis is more exposed to the action of an environment that does not benefit it.
- Serum. This is a unique variety, differing from others in its huge concentration of active particles.
- Gel. Application is a little more difficult as it has a viscous texture. Because of this, the product is not completely absorbed into the skin, so excess must be removed.
- Spray. It is convenient to apply because the liquid is distributed in doses. But during operation, splashes may get into your eyes.
How to apply correctly: rules of application
Apply the tonic to the face along massage lines using gauze, fingers or a cotton pad. Cosmetologists recommend purchasing the product in the form of a spray, which reduces the traumatic effect on the skin.
Massage line diagram
Rules and method of use:
- The forehead should be treated from the center to the temples;
- when caring for the eye area, the product should be applied with light movements from the inner to the outer corner with the eyelid closed, and then under the eyes;
- It is advisable to apply the product to the nose from above, descending from the eyebrow line to the tip, and follow from the sinuses towards the cheekbones;
- It is recommended to wipe the cheeks, starting from the upper lip and ending with the lobe;
- It is more convenient to apply the product on the chin from the center, moving towards the ears.
During the procedure, you should pay attention to the neck area; it is best to wipe this area with smooth movements from top to bottom from the neckline to the chin area.
Signs of bad
Not every product is of high quality, and using a low-quality product will only harm you. So, signs of a bad tonic.
What to do if your face is sticky after application
In this case, the formula contains mineral oils or is simply too heavy for your skin. The sticky film will not allow cells to breathe and prevents the penetration of nutrients from creams and serums. After using the toner, your makeup will fall on poorly and your face will look sloppy and unkempt. So if you notice that toning always leads to the formation of a sticky thick film, change the product.
If allergy
No one is immune from allergic reactions to cosmetics – and it’s not even a matter of price. Spots, redness, itching, small characteristic rashes are an individual reaction to contact with certain substances. So, even if the product is very expensive and of high quality, if it causes such a reaction, you will have to stop using it. Next time, do a preliminary allergy test on your wrist or elbow. Avoid products with ingredients to which you have a history of allergies.
Allergies can be caused by any drug, the price does not matter. If your skin is sensitive, choose care from the appropriate categories.
Why does it foam
If the liquid foams, it means it contains alkalis, parabens, mineral oils - your skin does not need anything from this list. The tonic should not foam at all - it is not a foam or gel for washing. Also, this sign may indirectly indicate that the product is spoiled. Check the expiration dates, read reviews on the Internet, but it’s better to throw it away - a new high-quality product will cost you less than treatment from a dermatologist. When you find the perfect toner, don’t experiment - this is the advice all cosmetologists give.
Read about the use of Black Pearl refreshing tonic in this article.
How to use at home: how often to wipe your face
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.
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.
Positive effects from using products with a lifting effect.
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.
We recommend that you read in more detail about what a facial moisturizer is in this material.
Do I need to wash off the toner and how to wash it off after 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.
Do I need to wash it off?
This is a fairly common question; many people wash their face even after using a toning solution, preventing the active substances from penetrating inside. It does not have time to do its job, and the meaning of its application is lost. With the correct selection of the composition, there will be no film or feeling of tightness left on the skin; no rinsing is required. Otherwise, you need to replace the product with another one that suits you.
Is it necessary to apply face cream after toner?
Toning is one of the stages of comprehensive care. After using this product, you need to use a moisturizing or nourishing cream. For what? This allows you to prevent drying of the skin, as well as adjust the water balance and restore the mineral composition of cells.
The choice of cream depends on age, skin condition and time of the procedure. In the morning it is advisable to use light day creams, and in the evening it is optimal to apply a night care cream with a thick and dense consistency.
Regardless of the type and condition of the skin, regular care includes three mandatory stages - cleansing, toning and moisturizing.
conclusions
- Tonics have cleansing, moisturizing, refreshing and toning properties for the skin.
- Correct application of the drug is the key to preserving the protective layer of the epidermis and neutralizing aggressive components and water hardness.
- The product is a booster and enhances the effect of intensive skin care products.
- During the day you need to use tonics at least twice. In the summer, the number of applications increases many times over. After use, it is recommended to apply moisturizing or nourishing creams (for example, Dove nourishing cream).
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.
Review of tonic products
We offer several variations for different skin types from the most famous brands.
Cleansing:
- Weleda - has a natural composition;
- Natura Siberica - suitable for oily skin.
Moisturizing:
- Secretkey - soothes sensitive skin;
- Aravia AHA Glycolic - contains acids that have an active effect.
Budget:
- "Rose water" from Garnier - calming effect;
- One hundred beauty recipes - the best price.
Results
- Facial toner is a caring product for regular care. Necessary for removing makeup residues, normalizing the functioning of the sebaceous glands and preparing for applying cream.
- When choosing a toning product, you need to consider your skin type. Particular attention should be paid to the amount of alcohol in the composition and the content of additional components.
- It is advisable to apply twice a day – morning and evening. In summer, the number of procedures can be increased.
- The product does not need to be washed off after use. You must wait until it is completely absorbed before proceeding with the next steps of facial care.
What to look for when studying the composition
Most cosmetic cleansers include:
- pure thermal water;
- matting components;
- essential and vegetable oils;
- medicinal herbs, plants and flowers;
- salicylic acid.
More recently, alcohol was included in almost every tonic product, however, today it is used to solve problems with oily skin. A 50% alcohol solution together with matting ingredients will eliminate excess fat and normalize sebum production after just a few uses. Oily substances derived from cocoa, grape seed or olive provide nutrients and moisture. Medicinal plants have a wound-healing effect, prevent the development of the inflammatory process, and salicylic acid is aimed at combating the most unpleasant rashes.
Video
This video will tell you how to properly use facial toner.
Many people consider facial toner to be an unnecessary product in skin care. Right now we will prove that this is not so, but at the same time we will explain why it is absolutely necessary, how to choose it, what components to pay attention to and how to use it according to all the rules.
- What is a facial toner
- What are tonics for?
- Types of tonics
- Composition of facial toners
- Application: how to apply toner correctly
- Review of facial toners
Answers to the most common questions and tips for use
The basic rule of use is to apply it to previously cleansed dermis using special devices or fingers. The rest is conditions or tips for use, methods for applying tonic to the face.
A list of moisturizers for oily skin can be found in this article.
How to wipe your face correctly: with your hands or a cotton pad
The use of cotton pads or tampons and tissue napkins is allowed as special devices. Or you can apply it with your hands - using your fingertips. It is recommended to carry out the procedure along massage lines. Application rules:
- From the central area of the forehead to the temples.
- Around the eyes, application from the inside to the outside along closed eyelids and back is allowed. Movements should be soft and careful so as not to damage the thin layer of the epidermis.
- From between the eyebrows to the tip of the nose, then from there to the sides of the ears.
- Upper lip to lobes.
- Center of the chin along the facial line to the ears.
- The neckline goes up straight to the chin.
Some manufacturers additionally include instructions for application if required by the product's purpose, consistency or composition.
Many cosmetologists speak out against the use of cotton pads and recommend moistening the dermis with tonic with your fingertips.
When to apply or how to use - before or after washing
Before using the toner, mandatory pre-cleansing is required. For this purpose, the use of hydrophilic oils, foams, gels, scrubs and other cleansers is allowed. The selection of the product must be carried out according to requests, especially if makeup removal is required.
The ranking of the 10 best moisturizers can be found here.
Many women neglect cleaning with water and use milk to remove makeup. But this approach is not always appropriate, especially if cosmetic products are poorly compatible.
Those. The product should be applied after washing not to a damp face, but to a dry one. You can use hydrosol or homemade tonic as a replacement. After applying the tonic, a moisturizing or nourishing cream is used. Many girls prefer Laurel moisturizing creams.
On a dry or damp face, should I use cream/hydrolate/gel for washing?
Excess moisture on the surface of the dermis prevents the uniform penetration of the beneficial substances of the tonic into the upper and lower layers. Therefore, application is recommended on cleansed and dry skin. To achieve the desired effect, you need to wait until the epidermis is completely dry or gently pat your face with a cloth or soft towel.
Rubbing motions while drying may cause irritation and cause slight swelling.
How often to use: every day or situationally
The frequency of use is determined by several basic rules:
- The minimum number of applications is two (after morning washing and evening makeup removal). It is recommended to saturate the surface of the skin during each cosmetic procedure, especially before using masks, serums and creams.
- If care is carried out more than twice a day, the use of tonic is mandatory each time.
- In the summer, you should wipe your face as often as possible. This is explained by the need to refresh and moisturize the epidermis, prevent it from drying out and ensure uniform tanning. In addition, it is also recommended to remove residual sweat with a cosmetic product.
- After intensive cosmetic procedures, the use of tonic is beneficial.
- If the mineral composition of water makes it hard, after each wash the product will soften it and prevent dryness and flaking.
It is necessary to select the drug solely according to your needs and skin type.
What are tonics for?
As you know, there are three main stages in skin care: cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. But, according to the confessions of beauty users, the second stage is often neglected (laziness, lack of time, lack of awareness - emphasize as necessary), considering tonic an optional remedy. And they are very wrong. The fact is that this tool performs several important functions at once. What does tonic do?
Sometimes the shade of a toner can indicate its functionality.
Completes the skin cleansing process. Even if you carefully removed your makeup with milk or cleansing lotion and then washed your face with foam, you will most likely still find traces of dirt on a cotton pad moistened with tonic. This means that it is the toner that completes the cleansing process after the stages of makeup removal and washing.
Restores pH balance. Some cleansers, as well as hard tap water, can temporarily disrupt the acid-base balance of the skin, which, in turn, weakens its protective functions and reduces its ability to withstand aggressive environmental factors. The tonic quickly brings the pH level back to normal.
Prepares the skin for the application of serums and creams. Tonic is a kind of conductor that allows the active ingredients in the serum and cream to act more effectively on the skin.
Refreshes the skin. Dull complexion, lack of blush, dry areas of the skin, even enlarged pores and inflammation - if the tonic does not solve all these problems globally, it will definitely minimize them. To get evidence, conduct a two-week experiment on regular use of tonic, or better yet, extend the test to 28 days - this is exactly the period the body and skin in particular need to form new “habits”.
Toning is included in the daily skin care ritual for a reason. To make sure whether a toner is really so necessary, conduct an experiment: use it for at least two weeks, and after that you will notice that your skin has become fresher and cleaner, and your complexion has become more even.
Video
Useful video explaining why you need tonic and skin toning
When caring for your facial skin, the right approach is important. The right combination of cosmetics is the key to health, radiance and beauty at any age. One of the necessary preparations can be a facial tonic, which is used at the stage of cleansing and refreshing the dermis. The product performs several different functions at once and occupies an intermediate position in care. You need to use the toner correctly, otherwise the wrong product or
Alternative to cosmetic brands
But there is a wonderful alternative option. Go to any supermarket and take a closer look at the shelves with mineral water. You will see wonderful French mineral waters there - Evian, Perrier, Vittel, as well as mineral waters of the Carpathians and the Caucasus.
Mineral water is an excellent alternative to any tonic and is affordable for almost everyone. This tonic is created by nature itself and goes a long way through rocks, enriched with natural mineral salts and thus achieving crystal purity.
