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Do You Really Need Toner?

March 31, 2011

Do you really need toner? Toner has undergone an interesting transformation in the past few decades. When I was in skincare school, even our relatively modern study material referred to it by the mostly now-dated term “astringent.” That word conjures up tactile memories of pretty unpleasant sensations for even the oiliest of skin types due to its harshness. (Like “cream rinse” for conditioner and “dungarees” for denim, it appears this term has been rightfully retired.)

As you probably know if you’ve experienced intermittent skin issues, breakouts and irritation often go hand in hand. Even when your skin is producing crazy amounts of sebum, using a toner with lots of alcohol can greatly exacerbate the problem. (The layman’s version of this phenomenon that I’ve been taught is that when oily skin is stripped frequently of oil, it creates even more to compensate. While I wouldn’t advise adding oil, as some believe, I have witnessed this vicious cycle on the faces of breakout-plagued clients.) The vast majority of skin-types don’t require such severe intervention, even if your first impulse is to dissolve the oil away with “stronger” ingredients- essentially, Seabreeze is out.

So as you’re allocating your skincare budget, is toner worth the investment? Yes and no. The best strategy for toner use is not to strip skin, even if it feels temporarily good to get it squeaky and oil-free. Although you won’t find many high-end beauty fans rocking toners like the aforementioned Seabreeze or cleansers like classic Noxzema, ingredients like camphor, clove or menthol products often appeal to oily-skin types and exacerbate the breakout cycle. Toners with harsh ingredients are certainly not going to benefit your skin.

However, toners do have a place both in the cleansing routine and in skincare overall. In facials, estheticians often use the product between every step of a facial, regardless of facial style. Toner has many functions- it serves as a second step for cleansing, removing residual traces of eye-makeup remover and cleanser. It provides a layer of hydration to skin (this is important) before moisturizer is applied- moisturizer, both for face and body, works best when there’s a little bit of moisture to lock into skin.

Toner can also be used to refresh skin throughout the day, and add little moisture. Lastly, toner can be used to set makeup when lightly applied in a spray toner bottle.

For Oily Skin: Try Bliss Daily Detoxifying Facial Toner with hydrophilic hyaluronic acid. Citrus provides a slight astringent effect without stripping skin of essential moisture.

For Dry Skin: Perricone MD Firming Facial Toner has firming Alpha Lipoic Acids to soothe skin and diminish fine lines.

For Combination Skin: DDF Aloe Toning Complex is soothing and provides all over moisture.

For All Skin Types: Rosewater, a common ingredient in certain cuisines, is one of the oldest and most revered toners for all skin types. It’s refreshing and inexpensive, and can be found at food markets and decanted into sprayers for frequent use.

Do you use toner frequently or even daily? How do you work toner into your skincare routine?

1 Comment
Filed Under: Skin care Tagged: bliss, Bliss Daily Detoxifying Facial Toner, ddf, DDF Aloe Toning Complex, do i need toner?, do you need toner?, Hyaluronic Acid, is toner necessary?, perricone, Perricone MD Firming Facial Toner, Rosewater, rosewater toner, toner

Review: Juara Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner

March 15, 2010

Juara Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner

Over the years I’ve tried many toners and even used witch hazel on my face. But none quite had that wow factor that Juara’s Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner has. This toner is water based, dermatologist tested and suitable for all skin types so it’s great for sensitive skin. The key ingredients are hyaluronic acid, tamarind and three types of teas. Hyaluronic acid is a protein that is naturally found in skin and it decreases with age. When applied to skin it helps skin retain its natural moisture, studies have also shown that it helps to decrease skin irritation and may even enhance healing. The extract of the tamarind seed has been found to increase skin hydration and stimulate the skin’s regenerative process. The white, green and black teas all of which have been shown to decrease the free radical damage to the body and help stimulate cell repair and who couldn’t use a little bit of that?

Application:

Immediately after washing you would apply the toner is with your hands, no cotton ball required.

Results:

The texture is not like other toners as it’s a little bit thicker with a gel like consistency. The toner immediately was absorbed by my skin and the scent was light not too heavy like I expected. My skin felt silky to the touch and was so soft! I have combination skin and my cheeks tend to get dry without any moisturizer but in this case I really did not need any.

Have you tried this toner?

Juara Tamarind Hydrating Tea Toner retails at $27 for a 4.75 oz bottle.

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Filed Under: Skin care Tagged: black tea, cruelty free, green tea, Hyaluronic Acid, Juara, Juara Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner, paraben free, Tamarind, toner, white tea

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