Skincare Tips

12. Toners

Before the Korean wave many of us don't know what exactly a toner is and what's the use of it...a toner is a liquid which removes dead skin cells on the surface, brings your face to it's natural acidic state(i.e optimal pH level), helps your skin absorb the rest of the products that you use. Generally a toner is applied after double cleansing and exfoliation. There are different products in the market named as hydrators, boosters, lotions, essences but ultimately these are all classified under toners (lol I'll try not to confuse u)

Don't be scared to use a toner....not all types are astringents or alcohol containing....atleast now there's different types.
Types of toners:

1. Hydrating toners:

These are the toners whose purpose is to hydrate the skin, they contain least amount of alcohol, they basically comprise of water and humectants(they help keep hydration on your epidermis)...ex: glycerin, hyaluronic acid. They are very gentle on your skin. Great for all skin types espl. for dry and sensitive types. I recommend you to use hydrating toners instead of others of its category.

2. Acid toners:

These comprise of AHA's and BHA's ....generally used for exfoliating....I'll explain more about these under exfoliation as I think of them as exfoliants. Do not layer acid toners.

3. Skin tonics/ (regular) Toner

They generally consist of alcohol(low concentration), water , humectants. As they contain alcohol...they can strip off your natural oils on the skin. They are suitable for oily(a good amount), combination skin. It's not like they're really bad for your skin....it's just that some people may find that using it can be really harsh on your skin.

4. Astringents:

They consist of alcohol(high concentration), water, humectants. These contain a high concentration of alcohol...that can be irritating and damaging to the skin. They were popular back in the 90's-2000's , but later it was shown that they do more harm than good for the skin...so currently there's a misconception on the idea of using a toner (No guys tingling sensation that occurs when astringent is applied is not a good thing...so don't try it).

Don't ever use an astringent without knowing the alcohol level.....it damages the skin barrier to a great extent.....if used follow up with a really good moisturizer.  Witch Hazel which is considered as a great ingredient for acne prone skin is an astringent so I recommend that you do not follow DIY toners. 

Toners for skin types:

Dry/Dehydrated skin:

1. Hada Labo Gokujyun skin lotion, $15

2. Natural Pacific Calendula tincture toner, $14

this does contain essential oils, so it might not be the product for sensitive, acne prone skin type.

3. Primera miracle seed essence, $55

This is on the costlier side but it does wonders for acne prone skin, it also contains high amount of anti-oxidants and is suitable for all skin types.

4. Skinfood royal honey propolis rich essence, $22

This is great for acne prone dehydrated skin....it is slightly heavy so best for winter season.

Ingredients to look out for in a toner:

1. Alcohol: 

There are some kinds of alcohol which are really helpful....but most of them actually strip your skin's natural oils ...so avoid them as much as possible

2. Fragrances/ Essential oils:

They make your skin vulnerable espl. sensitive skin types....so be sure to avoid them.

3. Benzoyl peroxide/ Salicylic acid:

The two ingredients are mostly used in treating acne prone skin......but if present in high concentration, can be damaging for the skin.....so check the amount present.