Skin Matters #5 : Toners

I was never one for toners as I found that it was an extra step I could do without,  also the toners of old were full of alcohol and I actually felt that they would dry out my skin. But with more and more research going into products toners are not the toners of the 80's and 90's. Toners produced today, do more for the skin than you could possible imagine.  

Your skin's optimal PH level is 5.5  which means your skin is slightly acidic and it is this acidity that helps to protect your skin.  The  "acid mantle"  as it is known is a basically a barrier that fights off  all the "nasty" things that your skin comes into contact with throughout the day, it also retains the moisture and oil levels in your skin. When your PH levels are not balanced your skin starts to experience problems such as  breakouts, excessive oiliness, moisture loss and dryness.  
Cleansers which contain soap have a high PH and this throws the balance of your skin out and can make your skin too acidic which can result in angry breakouts and redness, on the opposite side of the spectrum a PH that is too low does not remove the dirt and oil from your skin which then leads to build-up, but I am sure you all have the right cleansers as you would have undoubtedly read my previous posts on cleansers. (Hint hint scroll a few posts back to see the other posts in this series) 

A good toner basically works at "balancing" the PH level of your skin, so where you cleanser might have thrown it out the toner will bring it back to its optimal levels, however if you have an excellent toner it will also help to address some of your skin concerns such as hyper-pigmentation, acne, fine lines the list is endless, your beautiful skin will start with finding the right toner for your skin concerns.    

Brands such as  Kiehl's, Estee Lauder and Clarins  (to name just a few)  have invested in research and development of their products and they making toners that are not only balancing your skin but are targeting your skin concerns as well.  Below is a list of Toners that work to address certain skin concerns as well as balancing your skin 

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Clarity-Activating Toner if you are looking for a toner that will "re-texturize and noticeably give you clearer skin" then this is the product for you, 

Estee Lauders Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Toning Lotion/Refiner also works as an exfoliator and it works to "reveal a brighter  luminous skin"

Yves Rocher Clarifying Toner helps with acne control it clarifies and purifies the skin 

These are just a few examples of toners that do more than just balance your skin. 

I use the Kiehl's Calendula Toner as my regular toner, I find that it calms any redness on my face, and it reduces the oil on my T-Zone, I get occasional hormonal breakouts especially on my chin area and for that I like to use Lush's Tea Tree Water I find this toner is mild and works very well at getting rid of the pimples.  


What should you look for in a toner......

I advise that you visit the beauty counters in your local stores, Edgars, Stuttafords, Dischem and  Woolworths have some pretty cool ladies and gents waiting to advise you.  They have excellent knowledge of the products they sell.  If you are going to go to Clicks make sure you read the ingredients on the label just as you would do for your hair.Things to avoid are ingredients that would be harmful to your skin for me ALCOHOL is a definite NO NO (I like my Mojitos but not on my skin).
I also enjoy products that are as close to nature as possible, products that have natural ingredients in them like witch hazel or aloe. Remember when you are choosing a product make sure that fits into your life so that you don't end up with a product that just sits there. 

Do you use toners?  What are your favorites?  Do you have a DIY recipe for toner?


XXX


Love yourself Beautiful 


Mzansifro!!!


DIY Receipes 

Witch Hazel and Vit C Toner (from Wellness Mama website)

1/2 Tsp Vit C Powder 
1/4 Cup Witch Hazel 
8 Drops Lavender Essential Oil 
Place ingredients in a bottle and shake well 

Rose Water Toner 
1/4 Cup Rose Water 
8 Drops Geranium Essential Oil 
Place ingredients in a clean bottle and shake well