You see people with healthy and glowing skin. It’s not because they have extra, secret genes. It is likely because they are committed to their daily skincare routine. However, it is overwhelming when you look at the number of skincare products on the store shelves and deciding which one will give you gorgeous, glowing skin. You may ask yourself how many products do you need to have. To make it simple and easy to follow, think of your skincare routine in three steps:
Cleansing.
This the first step of your daily routine to good skincare. Wash your face with warm water or cleanser. Washing face will help to get rid of dirt, pollutants and other free radicals – not necessarily squeaky clean, you don’t want to wash off healthy oils from your skin. Be mindful that water or cleanser alters your normal skin PH balance of 5.5
Toning.
You absolutely need to add toner after cleansing to have healthy looking skin. It tightens pores and remove the last trace of impurities left after you wash your face. If you believe facial toners dry skin, use alcohol-free toner, so is not as drying. One of the main benefits of toner is to restore PH balance of the skin rather quickly to 5.5.
Moisturizing.
The third crucial step for healthy skin is moisturizing. Moisturizing will prevent skin damage from outside elements and dehydration. Most moisturizers contain vitamins, oils and botanical extracts that improve or reduce the fine wrinkles and give the appearance of healthy and smooth skin. Choose a moisturizer without perfume/ alcohol – that will dry the skin. In addition, you should add an eye cream to moisturize the sensitive skin around your eyes. The right eye cream may reduce or eliminate dark circles and puffiness.
There are a great number of cleansers, toners and moistures out there which may be challenging to pick the right ones. However, in order to choose the right products, it would be beneficial if you know your skin type (dry, oily, or combination). Buy products that work synergically with your skin type.
In the sea of beauty products in the store, one mysteriously stands out – facial toner. You may ask yourself, what is the function of the toner? Should I buy it? Well, in a nutshell, facial toners are usually designed to enhance skin’s surface, temporarily tighten and nourish skin, and naturally remove any last traces of impurities, oil, makeup and chlorines that resulted from washing your face with tap water.
Toner Function
Skin is exposed to outside elements such as sun, dust, wind and other impurities during the course of the day. When you wash your face with water or soap, your skin’s PH balance will change to more alkaline, causing skin to become drier and more sensitive. Healthy skin should maintain the PH balance of 5.5 – more on the acidic side, also known as the “acid mantle.” Acid mantle is a thin shield that helps maintain a barrier to fight harmful, free radicals that can speed up the aging process. Toners can provide proper hydration and restore PH balance.
How to Choose
It is important to read the ingredients list to make the right choice for your skin.
Oily Skin: If your skin is oily and/or prone to acne, you may need to choose a toner with a stringent formula. These types of toners contain potent ingredients to ease the problem. Normally a good toner is able to restore PH balance, nourish and calm skin.
Feeling Stresed? If you have a stressful life (and who doesn’t?), skin is more prone to dryness and inflammation. Choose a toner with ingredients such as calming chamomile, or contains Arnica – which not only reduces redness and inflammation but is known to work wonders with acne.
Need Hydration? Look for ingredients that deliver water to cells directly such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin or Aloe.
Application
There are different, pretty straight-forward ways to apply toner.
- Some people like to spray or sprinkle it onto their face – don’t forget to close your eyes;
- Some may apply it to their hands and tap gently all over their face;
- And finally, others apply a moderate amount of toner to a cotton ball or pad, then swipe it gently all over the face and neck in upward motion.
Helpful Tips
- Always use toner after washing your face and before applying moisturizer or serum.
- You never want to help gravity by applying in a downward motion, always upward.
