If you’ve perused the skin care aisle at any drugstore, you’ve seen bottles of toner. Typically a lightly-tinted or clear liquid, toner is a curious skin care product for many people. There are quite a few misconceptions about its purpose as well. Your reason for using toner depends on the type of skin you have. We are big fans of toner and what it can do for your skin. In this article we will explain how a toner benefits the skin, in addition to providing simple recipes for every skin type.
What Does A Face Toner Do?
Simply put, toner removes any traces of dirt, impurities, or grime that remain in your pores after cleansing. When you incorporate toner into your skin care routine and use it regularly, you can improve the tightness of pores and overall appearance of skin. Toner also works to restore the skin’s pH level and smooths it out by refining any rough patches.
Ideally, you want the skin to be at its natural pH as much as possible. The skin has an acid mantle, which is a protective layer on the surface, and it should sit around 5.5 pH. That is slightly acidic, but that is where the skin can function its best and renew itself. That said, toner doesn’t just help to balance the skin’s pH; rather, it also aids with:
- Hydrating the skin: Spritzing toner on the skin helps to replenish moisture, but make sure to use it before moisturizing the skin.
- Helping other skin care products sink in: Toners help prepare your skin to optimally absorb other products in your skin care routine.
- Removing leftover dirt: Toners act like second cleansers, removing the remains of makeup and general grime that don’t get picked up when you wash your face.
- Making the skin appear smoother: Apply toner with a cotton round to remove the buildup of dead skin cells, which can make the skin appear smoother.
How To Make Your Own Toner
It is very easy to make a simple DIY toner for every skin type. If you’ve been looking for a simple toner that doesn’t upset your skin type, consider the following two-ingredient recipes. Let us know if one works for you in the comments below.
Toner For Sensitive Skin
One of the best ingredients for sensitive skin is rose water, which exhibits powerful antioxidant properties that balance the skin. Rose water also replenishes the skin with moisture and offers soothing properties, making it great for those with sensitive skin. Because of its gentle nature, rose water makes for a great DIY toner.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup dried rose buds
- Hot filtered water
Instructions:
- Pour the hot water over the rose buds (enough to submerge them) and allow them to sit for one to two hours.
- Use a strainer to separate the rose buds from the rose water. Pour the strained rose watering a spray bottle and use when needed.
- Ideally, spritz your face with this rose water twice a day after cleansing. Just store it in the fridge and use it within seven to 10 days.
Toner For Dry Skin
If you have dry or dull skin, toner can help provide hydration. In the case of this recipe, the rose water helps to soothe the skin and even out skin tone.
Ingredients:
- Rose water (see above recipe)
- Geranium essential oil
Instructions:
- Use the above recipe to make the rose water. Add three to five drops of geranium essential oil to the rose water and shake to combine.
- Make sure to shake the bottle before each use. Store in the refrigerator and use within seven to 10 days.
Toner For Oily And Acne-Prone Skin
Green tea, just like rose water, is rich in powerful antioxidants. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and acne. The apple cider vinegar works to restore your skin’s pH level back to normal.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup steeped green tea
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
- After you steep the green tea bag in hot water, allow the tea to come to room temperature before discarding the tea bag. Pro tip: place the tea bag on your eye if you need to reduce puffiness.
- Pour the green tea and apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle, screw on the lid, and shake to combine.
- To apply, you can either spritz the toner on your face or apply it to a cotton round and gently pat your face. Store it in the fridge and use it within 10 days.
