Natural Skin Toners – Everything you need to know

Have you ever thought why you should be using ‘toners’ in your skin? What exactly does toners do? If your answer is No, here in this article I am going to explain the facts and details about skin toning. 

What does ‘Toners’ do?

A skin toner should be essentially a part of your beauty regime. Toners are mostly helpful for people with Acne prone skin. It helps with extra cleansing after makeup and unclog the pores b removing oil and traces of dirt and grime. 

More importantly, toner will help soothe, nourish and hydrate the skin while restoring its delicate pH balance. 

Though by using cleansers your skin will be clean, cleansers contain oil which leaves a thin layer of oil film in your skin. That again can result in clogging the pores and there by dust, pollution and impurities can keep lingering to your skin. 

Here is where a toner comes handy. After using a cleanser with warm water and a washcloth, splash your face with cold water. Then you can use a skin toner. 

What types of toners are available?

Toners are water-based liquids with some specific active ingredients like Essential oils, plant extracts etc. depending on your skin types. 

There are different types of toners available in the market. 

• Hydrating toners

• Calming/soothing toners

• PH balancing toner

• Cleansing toner

• Astringent toners etc. 

But when you think of an ideal toner for your skin type don’t picture the astringent alcohol based traditional harsh toner. Toners have come a long way and are formulated to address a variety of specific skin concerns.

A great toner is non-alcoholic, as alcohol-based ones dry and damage the skin, your toner helps to remove any remaining produce no matter how natural it is and leaves the face perfectly cleaned.

Today most dermatologists agree toner isn't necessary. Its main purpose is to remove traces of makeup and residual cleanser, but a high-quality cleanser, even a creamy one, should rinse off easily with water alone. So why go running behind artificial toners. 

Here I am going to explain ways in which you can naturally tone your skin. 

Simple toners can be made using cool herbal tea, like rosemary, chamomile, or water from rosebuds.

Why Skin toner is more important for oily skin types? 

Oily skin can be easily prone to acne and other skin diseases. As per Ayurveda body constitution (Prakriti) Kapha skin types are usually characterized by oily skin. But acne can be a result of vitiated Pitta as well. 

So, a person dominant of Kapha or Pitta with or a combination of Kapha-Pitta can use the following toner. 

• Camphor - Camphor gives us a glowing face and skin, helps to cure cuts and wounds, boils and infections. It is cooling and refreshing and has anesthetic, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is called as ‘Karpura’ in Sanskrit and soothes skin itching, irritation, redness, skin infections, and allergies.

• Rose water – It possesses amazing anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and hydrating properties that are suitable for all skin types. It is certainly the most cost-effective and it helps maintain the skin's pH balance, and also controls excess oil. Rose water also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the redness of irritated skin, help with acne, dermatitis, and eczema.

DIY Skin toner for Oily skin – 

Add a pinch of natural camphor in a bottle of rose water and shake it well. Use this mixture as a facial toner and wipe your face with it 3 to 4 times a day to reduce excess oil and sebum, reduce open pores and cool and sooth the skin during hot summer.

Another wonderful skin toner for oily skin is Lemon juice. Lemon juice is loaded with skin-friendly vitamins that help to lighten age spots, scars, skin disorders, and hyperpigmentation. 

Don’t use it directly on skin. Diluting with water in a spray is really effective and will last quite a while, with its antibacterial properties. You can even add honey to your Lemon skin toner to prevent black heads. 

Natural skin toner for Vata skin. 

Chamomile infusion toner is one of the best skin toners for dry and damaged skin that provides deep nourishment to the skin. It is also one of the potential home remedies for dark circles and bags around eyes. 

Vata skin type is characterized by the dryness. Chamomile moisturizes and cleans dry skin from inside, soothes skin irritation and sunburn and functions as excellent natural skin bleach that lightens the complexion.

DIY Chamomile toner for dry skin

Boil 100 ml of water in a pot and steep one chamomile tea bag or better still a teaspoon of the flowers themselves, in the water for 5 minutes. Apply this tea on the face and neck, let it soak into the skin pores for 20 minutes and then wash the face and neck with normal water. Repeat it once daily.

If you have a combination skin and need to pacify all the three doshas, you might be looking for a Tridoshic toner. Mint leaves are your answer. 

Mint leaves are loaded with menthol and anti-bacterial properties that make it a popular natural toner for and a common ingredient in cleansers, astringents, and moisturizers. It will leave your skin revitalized even when you're on the go.

DIY Mint toner for Tridosha 

Wash 2 handfuls of mint leaves and boil it with 2 cups of water.  Strain and let it cool down. Store this mint toner in the refrigerator for regular use. Just trickle 3 to 4 drops of the toner on a cotton ball and wipe your face with it 2 to 3 times a day. Or put into a spray bottle and spritz your face in a morning for a refreshing toner.

Another way is to strain and store in ice tray. You can use an ice piece on your face every night before bedtime to reduce the dullness and naturally tone your skin. 

Article by Arya Krishna