What is a Facial Toner: Natural Skin Care Staple
We have all heard of facial toner, but what is it? To be honest, when I started my natural skincare journey I wasn't even sure how you were supposed to use toner! My only experience with toner was when I was a teenager and trying all kinds of things to treat my acne. I feel like we all used that iconic but oh so harsh blue Neutragena toner! In my experience, though, I would much rather use an alcohol free toner packed with botanical goodness. If you want to learn more about toners as well as which herbs to look out for, just keep reading!
What is toner?
Toners are typically used following a cleanser. They are meant to prep the skin for moisturizing by removing any leftover grime after washing. Their namesake also indicates that they often have toning qualities… who would have thought! They usually feature astringent plants, able to tighten the skin, but that's not all!
Different types of toner…
They can also have a myriad of other purposes, here are a few…
Minimizing Pores
These toners are astringent in nature and typically feature a botanical that has astringent properties. They work by tightening the skin which makes your pores look smaller. Its actually pretty impossible to make your pores go away as they do have a purpose on our skin. Texture is only natural!
Evening Skin Tone
Toners that have this action usually contain ingredients that help against hyperpigmentation. They may also calm the skin to reduce redness. Using toners like this consistently is key to them actually working. If you're treating hyperpigmentation like the kind left behind from acne it will take months to clear up even with the best products. I feel like sometimes we get discouraged when we don't see results from a new product immediately. We forget we are only human! Healing takes time.
Fight Acne
The most common question I get asked when I tell people I make skin care products is, how can I treat my acne?! And I feel it, the struggle is real… Good news, toners are an effective step to add to your skin care lineup that can help you treat it! Because you don't wash off toners, they are a great way to boost your routine with activities that can prevent and treat pimples. Vitamin C is my go to staple for acne. Grapefruit is another good one, but is you have sensitive skin citrus might be a little to harsh for you.
Cleanse with Micellar Water
I’m sure you've heard of micellar water before, it got pretty popular a few years ago, and for good reason too! Micellar water is basically an oil and water emulsion. This makes it great for cleansing the skin! It is able to dissolve both sweat and oil from the skin and it makes for a great makeup remover. Or if you're in a time crunch, use it as an alternative to a full wash routine..
How to use toner…
Use after cleansing.
Apply to cotton pad or soft washcloth
Gently pat or swipe over face.
Do not rinse off.
**Can also be used with an oil cleanser as a makeup remover, just follow your oil cleanser with a toner and wipe thoroughly, but gently.
Toning and astringent herbs…
Look for these herbs when you are searching for a botanical toner!
Witch Hazel
This naturally astringent plant is my go to for toning my skin! Witch hazel tightens the skin and minimizes pores. Traditionally these toners contained alcohol but many companies are creating alcohol-free versions too!
Chamomile
If witch hazel is a bit too intense for your sensitive skin try chamomile instead. Toners with chamomile also tighten the skin but also reduce redness and calm any irritations.
Rose
If you want a truly captivating skin care routine try rosewater! Rose has been used for ages to soften the skin. Rosewater in particular is great at it and it smells divine too!
Hyaluronic Acid
Although not technically an herb hyaluronic acid is an amazing skin care active. It works to hydrate your skin and lock in that moisture. Keep reading for an amazing hyaluronic acid toner to try!
The best botanical toners…
Lola Jane’s Rosewater Facial Toner
Paula’s Choice’s Purely Natural Refreshing Toner
Thayers Alcohol Free Witch Hazel and Aloe Toner
Thayers Milky Hydrating Toner with Snow Mushroom and Hyaluronic Acid
Thanks for reading! If you liked this and what to read more about nature skin care check out my post about Treating Acne Naturally!