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Why do I need a Cleanser and Toner?
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There are so many products out there; masks, eye creams, serums, toners.... What does my skin really need? For those who like a simpler approach, here are some "must-do’s" for a good skin care routine. |
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CLEANSER
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| This is the most important part of a good skin care routine. Not only is it beneficial for removing makeup, dirt and debris, but it sets your skin up for the rest of your routine. Cleansing must be performed both A.M. and P.M. |
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| What kind? |
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Cleaning lotions are best suited for normal to dry, sensitive skins. These have a creamy consistency that melt and dissolve makeup off the skin and leave the skin feeling moist and balanced. Avoid cleansing lotions that contain Mineral Oil, as these will leave a greasy film on the skin that may clog the pores.
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TONER
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| Toners are extremely misunderstood and therefore, often very unused as a part of a skin care regimen. |
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| Toners offer the following benefits: |
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- They plump up and hydrate the skin with water. After cleansing, wipe toner over the skin and leave it damp on the skin, (don't let it dry) and your moisturizer will help to seal in all of they hydrating properties of the toner.
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- They remove drying chlorines and minerals found in tap water. Many chemicals are put into today's tap water to destroy harmful bacteria. But they can be very drying to the skin so a toner will remove that.
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- They balance the pH in the skin... If someone uses a harsh soap or harsh foaming face wash that will dry out the skin due to their low pH balance, a toner will help counteract the dryness that can occur.
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- They can help enhance your skin. Depending on the ingredients used in the toner, they can help calm, control oil, stimulate blood circulation, destroy acne-causing bacteria, provide anti-oxidant benefits and so much more.
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| What kind? |
| To benefit the skin, toners must be ALCOHOL-FREE. Why? Simply put, if they are alcohol-based they dry out the skin and create dead skin cell buildup. With all of the exfoliating treatments out on the market, a drying, alcohol-based toner will only reverse the great results that exfoliation can offer. |
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| However, the problem with toners is that since they are recommended to use both morning and evening, and they are typically used with very absorbent cotton balls that you might purchase at the supermarket, the consumer goes the product so quickly. Try using lint pads/squares. They are ultra-thin, very soft and gentle and have a low absorbency. You will actually use 50% less toner with these, so they are very economical. |
