SKIN TONERS

SKIN TONERS: Learn Why They Are An Important Part of Your Daily Beauty Regimen

With all the products I am already putting on my face on a daily basis, things to treat this and that, and things to prevent this and that, and things to moisturize, firm, soften and exfoliate this or that, the last thing in the world I want is to add to the list.  I have to admit I have always balked at the use of skin toner, not really getting its purpose or being convinced I should spend time/money on it with all the other products I am already using.  So, I put on my detective hat, searched out an expert, used various skin toners on my own skin and learned why skin toner is an important part of our skin care routine.  I think you’ll be as intrigued as I was when you learn more about skin toner and what it can do for your skin.

Here’s some info about skin toner from Allyson Rogers, licensed esthetician and Director of Education for DermaQuest:

Q. What do skin toners do?

A. Toners are part of the cleansing process and benefits are threefold; 1) Toners, if applied with a cotton ball and swiped across the skin, can remove any cleanser left on the skin 2) Toner, if applied with a cotton ball and swiped across the skin can remove any dirt left on the skin the cleanser missed and 3) Toners are balancing, helping the skin maintain its normal pH.   Toners today also have other benefits with ingredients added to their formulations to hydrate, exfoliate or soothe the skin.

Q. Why is skin toner an important part of a total skin care program? 

A. Toners are important because it is an extension of the cleansing process and it also helps to ensure the skin is balanced before applying the next steps in a skin care program.  If the skin is balanced, it will more easily “accept” the next product to be applied to the skin.  Also, toners today have the additional benefit, depending on how it’s formulated, to hydrate, exfoliate or soothe the skin as well.  I like toners to be applied directly to a cotton ball and swiped on the skin for the most benefit after cleansing but toners can also be sprayed directly on the skin after mineral powders are applied to the skin to help “set” the minerals and help them adhere to the skin.

BEST SKIN TONER #1: Anakiri Soothing Mineral Mist Anakiri Soothing Mineral Mist – The professionals at Anakiri combine their expertise in the latest anti-aging science and natural medicine to create easy to use yet high effective products.  This toner is deeply hydrating and has a wonderful citrus scent.

BEST SKIN TONER #2: Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic – Alcohol free and with a soft floral scent (I know I keep mentioning how these products smell but that is a big deal for me with anything I put on my face.) ‘naturally active’ ingredients make this toner a great choice for any skin type.

BEST SKIN TONER #3: DermaQuest Hydrating Mist Toner DermaQuest Hydrating Mist Toner – DermaQuest products are parabens free and they don’t participate in any animal testing.  The fragrance of this toner reminds me of the way spa’s smell ~ always a scent that brings joy to my heart!  I love the products in the DermaQuest line.s

BEST SKIN TONER #4: Arcone Cranberry Toner Arcona Cranberry Toner – A miracle in itself, this three-in-one cranberry milk toner cleanses, tones and hydrates.  It also offers multiple omegas, a fresh fruity scent, and the precision of cosmeceutical-grade ingredients.  You’ll be hooked in no time.

Now that I know the facts about skin toner I have jumped on the bandwagon.  I can especially see how skin toner could be particularly helpful in the hot summer months when skin needs extra attention to clean off sweat, makeup and whatever else the environment sticks to our faces each day.  If you are not a regular skin toner user, try one and see if you notice a difference in the way your skincare products work, the tone of your skin or its level of firmness and softness.  Take a chance on skin toner; chances are you’ll be glad you did!

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Laura Miller is a beauty writer and skin care detective in the beautiful South.