Saturday, August 24, 2013

Do You Need a Toner?

Do you remember the days of harsh astringents for your skin?  Do you know why they made these harsh  toners back then?  It was because soap was causing the pH of our skin to go from acidic to alkaline.  The toners of the 80s helped return our skin to the proper pH after cleansing. 

Today's cleansers are pH balanced to your skin.  Your skin has a natural acidic pH of 2.0-3.0.  When you use regular soap, your skin will feel dry and tight.  This is because soap is alkaline.  Always use a pH balanced cleanser made specifically for your face and you won't get that dry/tight feeling after  cleansing. 

Today's toners are really hydrating mists.  They are great for helping serums and moisturizers penetrate, for hydrating and refreshing your skin throughout the day.   Some contain anti-oxidants, which help fight the free radicals our skin is assaulted with every day.  Spritz an anti-oxidant mist on your skin immediately after cleansing.  While still moist, apply your serum and moisturizer with SPF.  Anti-oxidants also help with UV damage, so doing this in the morning is the best time. 

**Photo courtesy of ASCP**

Others are made with hydrating ingredients and can  be used morning, night and all throughout the day.  Spritz anytime you feel you need some hydration.  Take with you on a plane trip to keep your skin moist in the dry cabin air.  (Remember to pour some in a 3 oz spray bottle for flying!) Spritz your face if you need an afternoon pick-me-up to get through the rest of your day! 

There are still astringent toners out there.  There are some for acne & anti-aging that have active ingredients such as salicylic acid (acne) and glycolic acid (anti-aging).  These should only be used as directed, as they will be too harsh for your skin to use repeatedly throughout the day.  They have exfoliation properties, and over exfoliation is NEVER a good thing!  If you are using a treatment toner, follow your estheticians instructions for use. 

Gone are the days of swiping harsh ingredients on our skin to restore pH balance.  Using the right cleanser changes the way the toners of today work.  So spritz away and stay hydrated! 

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