There are 3 essential elixirs for your face. Namely, cleanser, toner and moisturizer. Without any of these, your facial is incomplete. Especially so if you are wearing make-up. Most of us have a clear idea on what a cleanser and a moisturizer is used for. However, many do not have the slightest clue how important a facial toner is!
As such, what is the use of a toner? Many people think that cleanser and moisturizer is enough for their skin. However, they are ignorant about the fundamental usage of a toner. They do not understand that toner is very much essential even more than a cleanser if you are not wearing any make up.
So, what does a toner do to your skin? Toner has 5 main properties. Firstly, it helps to clear away any left over traces of makeup or impurities after you cleanse. Secondly, it balances your skin PH. Thirdly, it does what its name suggests; tone. Fourthly, it diminishes the appearance of pores. And finally, it helps in preparing the facial skin in accepting the moisturizer. Let me explain how this is all done by the toner.
A cleanser is a vital thing to have for your daily facial if you wear make-up. It helps to clear the makeup of the makeup and clean you skin. However, due to pores and other factor, the skin may not be expel all the makeup contents. Hence, the need for a toner. Toner can be used by just splashing on to your skin or by using cotton swabs. If you use cotton swabs, you will notice the excess dirt that comes out of your skin. If you see this even after first round of toning, you need to change your cleanser. This is so because your cleanser is not properly helping to clear the makeup.
Toner helps to balance your skin PH level. As we all know, the water we use to wash our face is rich in fluoride, chlorine and other chemicals that are used to treat the water so that it would be safe for human skin. However, the PH level of this water tends to skew towards the higher side, while your facial skin needs a balanced PH. Normally, the skin normalises the PH and balances the skin PH in around 30-40 minutes. However, your toner helps you to set the PH in balance instantly. You will be able to experience this a you would feel much fresher and cool after you apply your toner and pat it dry with your fingertips.
Toner helps to tone your face. It does this by making your skin supple and tight, preventing your skin from sagging.
Next, toner helps in diminishing the pores. Pores are natural and will not go away as our skin is constantly in connection with a lot of free radicals in our environment. Pores can be enlarged by using wrong products on our face, improper cleaning, environmental factors such as pollution and lifestyle factors such as stress. What a toner does is clean deeper into the pores so as to unclog the impurities from deep within. This makes sure that your skin is free of dirt. Overtime, as your skin tightens, your pores will start to diminish and appear less obvious.
Finally, toner helps in preparing the skin to accept moisturizer. Moisturizers are rich and helps to keep our skin hydrated for a long period of time. However, if a facial toner is not used, the pores are not properly unclogged and any other products that you apply will only push the impurities further into your skin. This would mean enlarged pores and even result in acne and pimples. Hence, the cooling and cleansing properties of a toner helps your skin to readily accept the moisturizer. You will notice a increase in your skin's absorption of moisturizer after you apply your toner.
Your skin type will determine which cleanser, toner and moisturizer to use. Therefore, be sure to check with the beauty consultant at the respective retails outlets where you buy your facial items and the contents.