The Unsung Hero of Skin Care
Toner, what I like to call the Unsung Hero of Skin Care
So what exactly is toner? And is it really that important in your skin care routine?
Yes, toner is one of the most essential products to your skin care routine. I am asked this question almost daily by my clients and customers when we talk about at home routines. Here is everything you need to know about toner, and why it’s a simple yet VERY vital part of your skin care routine!
Did you know that your skin is as acidic as a bowl of tomatoes? When you use a cleanser it has a higher pH that then rips the protective barrier off of your skin, as a result skin becomes more dry and produces more oil. Oily and acne prone skin tends to be more acidic. Regular cleansers try to restore the pH balance, but aren’t able to.Toner is there to re-balance that pH and get it back to where it needs to be. There are often added benefits to toners, such as added moisture, soothing effects for sensitive skin, or even just balancing the oils in your skin if they are being over produced. ( My favorite pictured, will shrink pores! Not kidding, I have pictures to prove it )
And why do I need my skin’s pH to be balanced?
Balancing the pH of your skin is especially important in preserving your skin’s acid mantle. This is your skin’s first line of defense against outside factors, such as weather and pollutants in the environment. Your skin has an average pH of 5.5, this means it’s slightly acidic. The acid mantle acts as a barrier against bacteria and keeps moisture trapped inside.
How does our pH become unbalanced?
If you work outside in the heat and dirt, you will sweat more, and there will be more bacteria trying to make it’s way into the skin. For awhile now, we’ve been hearing about the effects of the sun on our skin, causing things like burns and skin cancer. Having a balanced pH may not play a role in preventing these things from happening, SPF is definitely a must. However, your acid mantle can help your skin repair itself faster. That is because this layer that protects your skin, also helps your skin nourish and condition itself. On the flip side, maybe you work in an office with the air conditioning blasting all day, and little air circulation. This can be a breeding ground for bacteria, as well as quite drying for your skin. Again, this will affect your skin’s acid mantle. By using a toner in your routine, you’ll be making sure that your skin is ready to face the day. It should always be used morning and night, after cleansing, or exfoliating if it’s a day to exfoliate. When your skin has a recharged defense system, it is less likely to succumb to dryness, oiliness, or sensitivity, which also means acne! A toner is also essential in preparing your skin to accept the next steps in your skin care routine.
Let’s recap What are the benefits of a toner?
- Removes leftovers from your skin
- Restores the pH balance
- Prepares the skin for the next steps
- Refreshes and hydrates
- Calms and soothes Bottom line… use a toner!
One last tip I tell all my clients and customers, when picking out a cotton round etc, skip the cotton! I use Gauze pads from the first aid section at my local store. The thicker the cotton round, the more Toner you waste. If my customers and clients are running out of Toner before the rest of their products, then that’s one of the first questions I ask. It makes your toner last double the amount of time it would if you used traditional rounds, I just get the gauze pads and I cut them into triple plied squares. I’ll link my favorite, only $2.69, and they last me over six months.
Here is the link for the toner pictured, and my personal favorite. Who doesn’t want all of these benefits plus smaller pores?!
Gauze pads here.
– Lacey
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