Toners – How To Include Them In Your Skin Care Regimen

The use and importance of skin toners has been widely debated. While some feel that it is an essential step in the skin care regimen, other experts think of it as an unnecessary addition. Here are some important features of toners and how they can benefit your skin.

Basic Functions of Toners

Removes Residue Particles

Even after you clean your skin with a cleanser, your skin pores are not totally clean. This is because cleansers, especially those that are thick and creamy often leave behind a thin film or residue particles on the skin surface. Moreover, stubborn make-up particles are not removed by mild cleansers and they continue to remain in the skin pores. These residues can promote bacterial infestation within the skin pores and lead to excessive oiliness and acne. Toners help to flush out the stubborn make-up particles and residue left behind by the cleansers and keep them squeaky clean.

Maintains the pH Balance

During the cleansing process, the pH balance of the skin changes momentarily. Toners restore the normal pH balance (5.5 to 6.2) and prevent any undue dryness and irritation.

Clarifies the Complexion

There is a common misconception that toners help to shrink the size of skin pores. However, it is not true. Skin pores cannot regain their original size after they become enlarged. However, toners help to minimize the appearance of enlarged pores. Toners, especially ones containing cosmetic alcohols cause a slight swelling at the mouth of the skin pores that makes the actual pores look less noticeable. As a result, the skin appears more radiant and brighter.

Types of Toners

As with other skin care products, you should use a toner that suits your skin type and caters to its specific needs and requirements.

Toners for Oily & Acne prone Skin
Women with oily and acne prone skin benefit greatly by using toners and astringents (that contain more alcohol as compared to toners). Alcohol based toners remove the residue particles left behind by cleansers as well as stubborn dirt particles that rest within the skin pores. Toners that contain salicylic acid help to exfoliate the insides of the skin pores and thus control acne and blemishes.

Toners for Normal & Dry Skin
Women with normal or dry skin should use hydrating toners that contain humectants and botanicals that moisturize dry and sensitive skin. In fact, you do not have to completely avoid toners with alcohol. Fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohols are in fact good for the skin and do not cause any dryness. However, avoid using toners that contain salicylic acid and glycolic acid because they can cause extreme skin dryness and irritations.

Product Picks

Obagi Nu Derm Toner

This is a amazing toner that contains a combination of natural ingredients and herbs that tones the skin and restores its normal pH balance. It contains a natural astringent called 'Alum' that helps to adjust the skin's pH levels so that other active ingredients of skin care products are able to penetrate easily.

Obagi Nu Derm Toner offers a variety of skin care benefits.

It accelerates cellular movement and skin turnover ratio.
It promotes the cellular function by penetrating deep inside the dermis layer of the skin.
It pushes up fresh cells up to the skin surface so that the skin becomes smooth and wrinkle-free
With regular use, there is significant reduction in pigmentation marks like freckles and age spots.
It promotes the growth of uniform cells in the deeper layers of the skin for better skin structure and improved skin tone.
It increases the production of collagen and elastin fibers within the body and makes the skin more firm and taut.
It provides intensive nutrients that promote natural hydration and circulation.

About the Author:

Dr. Marilynn Syrett is a graduate from Western University of Health Sciences. She has authored several articles about antiaging skin care products including many from iS Clinical and Obagi range of skin care products.

Author: Marilynn Syrett
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