What is the purpose of facial toner, and how is it used?
When it comes to skincare, facial toner plays a key role in a daily skincare routine, but we still don’t fully understand the change one skin toner can make.
Although we may think that skipping facial toner won’t have much of an impact on our skin, the truth is quite the opposite. We are aware that our customers are often confused about when, how, and why they should use facial toner, so we decided to create this small guide.
Why choose face toners with natural ingredients and a minimal number of components?
Lower risk of irritation
Natural face toners with fewer ingredients reduce the risk of irritation and allergic reactions on the face. Fewer ingredients mean a lower chance that your skin will react negatively to any of them.
Clarity of ingredients
When you use natural skin toners with only a few ingredients, it is easier to understand exactly what you are applying to your skin. This transparency allows you to avoid harmful chemicals and potentially harmful preservatives.
Benefits of natural ingredients
Natural facial toners often contain plant extracts and essential oils that provide additional benefits for your skin. For example, chamomile can soothe irritation, while aloe vera can hydrate and refresh the skin.
Preserving the skin’s natural barrier
Natural toners with a simple formula are usually gentler on the skin and help maintain its natural protective barrier. This is especially important for people with sensitive or dry skin.
Eco-friendliness
Many natural skin toners are formulated with ingredients that are more environmentally friendly and sustainable. Choosing these products can help reduce the negative impact on the environment.
The Benefits of Facial Toner
Hydration
Facial toner instantly refreshes the skin, providing it with the hydration it needs. This step is especially beneficial during the warmer months or after an intense workout when the skin is dehydrated.
It Helps with Cleansing
After using a facial cleanser, facial toner removes any remaining impurities, makeup residue, and oils that may not have been completely removed. This ensures that the skin is fully clean and ready for further care.
Balancing pH Levels
After cleansing, the skin’s pH balance can be disrupted. Facial toner helps restore the skin’s natural pH level, which is crucial for maintaining healthy and glowing skin.
Pore Reduction
Regular use of facial toner can help reduce and tighten pores, resulting in a smoother skin texture.
Preparing the Skin for Other Products
Facial toner prepares the skin for better absorption of serums, creams, and other skincare products. The hydrating ingredients and active principles in the toner help improve the absorption of the following products, making them more effective.
Oil Control
Toners that are specially formulated for oily or combination skin help control excess sebum and maintain a matte appearance throughout the day.
Soothing Effect
Toners with plant extracts and calming ingredients, such as chamomile and green tea, can help soothe irritation and redness, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Read more about the importance of facial toner
How to Choose the Right Facial Toner?
When selecting a facial toner, it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients. For example, avoid toners with denatured alcohol, mineral oils, and parabens. Instead, choose those that contain hydrating ingredients and beneficial acids, such as hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid.
What to Avoid in the Ingredients of a Facial Toner?
Denatured alcohol: Although it is sometimes used in cosmetic products for its antiseptic and astringent properties, denatured alcohol can dry out the skin and disrupt its natural barrier. This can lead to irritation, redness, and accelerated skin aging.
Mineral oils: These oils can be heavy on the skin and lead to clogged pores, which may cause acne and inflammation. While they provide a temporary feeling of hydration, mineral oils prevent the skin from breathing and do not offer long-term hydration.
Parabens: These preservatives are commonly used to extend the shelf life of cosmetic products. However, parabens can cause irritation in people with sensitive skin, and there are concerns about their potential link to hormonal imbalances and other health issues.
What Are Parabens and What Are Preservatives?
It’s important to know:
Potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate are not parabens. They are preservatives used to extend the shelf life of food and cosmetic products, but chemically, they are different from parabens.
Parabens are a class of preservatives commonly used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries to extend the shelf life of products. Parabens are esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid, and some of the most commonly used parabens include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben.
Types of Toners According to Skin Type and Age
- For normal skin in youth, facial toners with vitamin C, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, or urea are an excellent choice. As you age, you can look for toners with antioxidants and peptides that help fight the signs of aging.
- For oily and combination skin, facial toners with zinc, activated charcoal, clay, and salicylic acid can help control oil and keep pores clear. For mature oily skin, look for toners that balance oil and hydration, such as those with niacinamide.
- For problematic skin, toners with green tea, centella (tiger grass), chamomile, and salicylic acid work well regardless of age. However, mature problematic skin may benefit from additional soothing and regenerating ingredients, such as peptides and ceramides.
- For dry and sensitive skin, choose water-based toners with plant extracts, free from alcohol, fragrances, and AHA or BHA acids. Older dry skin may benefit from additional hydrating ingredients like collagen and elastin to combat dryness and loss of elasticity.
Important:
- AHA acids: These acids, such as glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acid, are water-soluble and work on the surface of the skin to remove dead cells. While they can improve the texture and radiance of the skin, AHA acids can also dry out the skin and disrupt its natural barrier, which may worsen dryness and cause irritation.
- BHA acids: Salicylic acid is the most well-known representative of BHA acids. It penetrates deeper into the pores and is effective in treating acne and oily skin. However, BHA acids can also dry out the skin and cause peeling, which can further worsen dry skin conditions.
Therefore, for individuals with dry skin, it is recommended to use hydrating toners without these acids to avoid potential negative effects and to keep the skin hydrated and healthy.
Most Common Misconceptions About Using Toner:
- Toner is a substitute for cleansers: Toner is not meant to replace a cleanser. Its main role is to remove any remaining impurities after cleansing the face and to prepare the skin for further care. Use it as the second step after a cleanser, not as the first.
- Toner should be rinsed off after application: If you rinse it off, you could leave mineral residue on the skin, reducing the toner’s effectiveness. The toner should remain on the skin to allow for better absorption of subsequent products.
- All toners are the same: There are many different toners formulated for different skin types and specific needs. It is important to choose a toner that suits your skin type and the issues you want to address, such as dryness, oiliness, acne, or sensitivity.
- Toner is only needed for oily skin: Toners are beneficial for all skin types, not just oily skin. There are formulations that cater to dry, combination, normal, and problematic skin, providing hydrating, soothing, or exfoliating effects as needed.
- Toner can replace a moisturizer: Toner is not a substitute for a moisturizer. While toner can refresh and hydrate the skin, a moisturizer is essential for locking in moisture and providing long-lasting hydration.
- More toner means better results: Using too much toner or applying it too frequently can cause irritation, especially if the toner contains active ingredients like acids. Follow the recommendations on the product and adjust the frequency of use based on your skin’s reactions.
Helichrysum Facial Cleansing Tonic
Contains Helichrysum hydrolat, rose water, and panthenol Alcohol and preservative-free formulation Gently cleanses, refreshes, and revitalizes the skin Boosts microcirculation and deeply hydrates the facial skin Soothes and rejuvenates the skin Removes makeup residues and limescale that accumulates in pores due to hard water Tightens pores and prepares the skin for further care Convenient spray bottle for easy application Handcrafted in small batches