Adding a Toner in your skin care routine this summer
What is a facial toner ? Facial toner is basically the in-between skincare step meaning to be used after washing your face but before applying your serum or moisturizer. Before the purpose of using toners was to balance the pH of the skin after using an alkaline soap product for cleansing. Nowadays toner has its own individual qualities than an astringent.
Let’s look at the benefits of using a skin toner -
Face toners prepare the skin for moisturizers as they get rid of excess oil and makeup leftover on your face after you wash it.
Toners available in the market has wide variety of uses like preventing acne to dryness to aging.
If the toner has glycolic and salicylic acids it helps keep the skin matte throughout the day.
Identifying the right one for your skin type is important while choosing a toner.
Using a proper skin toner in summer has amazing benefits. Modern toners has hydrating active ingredients to soothe the skin. It can help prevent summer breakouts if you have an oily skin type. Toners also help tighten and shrink the pores resulting in less dirt getting accumulated on your face. It also helps in better absorption of sunscreen and moisturizer.
People often do not pay much attention to the toning part and skip this after cleansing. Toners may appear like water but their benefits are nowhere less than cleansers and moisturizers. They help your skin stay tightened and minimize your pores after cleansing.
So, were toners included in the skincare routine in ayurveda classics?
Yes! Floral waters and soft clays were widely used to tone skin in ancient days. Toners in Ayurveda are usually plant extracts and essential or herbal oils, mixed according to the needs of various skin types and problems.
Natural Toners that you can make and use at home
Green Tea Toner - Take a cup of water (about 120 ml) and bring it to boil and then add 1 tsp of green tea leaves or dip one green tea bag in it. Let it brew. After it cools down, transfer it in a bottle (glass is preferred) and keep it in the refrigerator. You can easily use this for 7 to 8 days.
Coconut water mixed with milk works great on blemishes and dry skin. Take 1 cup of coconut water and ½ cup milk and store in a glass bottle. Refrigerate the mixture. WHen using, dip a clean cotton ball and apply it on your face.
Fullers earth mixed with warm water/ milk can be used as a toner. But this has to be used as a facepack after cleansing and washed off before moisturizing.
