There are many skin care toners on the market today. Some have been used successfully for many years and others are new to the market. Knowing a little about these products is often the key to selecting the best one for use on your own face.
The mildest forms of toners are often labeled skin fresheners or skin bracers. They are very low in alcohol (10 percent or less) and contain large amounts of water and a humectants that helps to keep moisture in the upper layers of the skin. Rosewater or rosewater and glycerin are popular examples of these products that have been sold for many years. These products are generally gentle and work well for sensitive to normal skins as well as those that are dehydrated or dry.
Skin tonics are stronger than skin fresheners are. The primary difference is the amount of alcohol used, which may range up to 20 percent. Orange flower water is often used as a tonic and is appropriate for combination, normal or oily skin.
The strongest forms of toners are called astringents. These may be up to 60 percent alcohol, contain antiseptic ingredients, humectants, and water. They are very drying and normally only recommended for oily skin types. Users should be aware that removing oil from the skin using astringents can lead to production of even more oil as the body naturally tries to prevent loss of moisture. Witch hazel is one type of astringent. It is best used by applying only to blemishes.
Isopropyl alcohol should be avoided in toners that contain alcohol. Instead, grain alcohol, also known as ethanol or ethyl alcohol is preferred. While isopropyl alcohol is less expensive, it is not something that most people will want to apply to their face.
SD alcohol is ethanol to which a bitter substance has been added to prevent people from drinking the product. Products from Europe may list this substance as Alcohol Denat. A code is sometimes listed after the SD Alcohol term that indicates the substance used for denaturing the grain alcohol.
Ingredients such as witch hazel, orange flower water and rose water have been used by many people for hundreds of years. Adding glycerin is a good choice for the colder months when the skin can become dry. In addition, toners that contain lavender, green tea, licorice or calendula work well with all types of skin. If looking for a toner that also exfoliates, choose one with lactic acid, pectic acid or tartaric fruit acid. For an anti-aging product, look for squalene, argan oil, seaweed extract, zinc gluconste or hyaluronic acid.
People that suffer with acne will want to choose a toner that contains glycolic or salicylic acid. Apply these toners using a cotton ball or cosmetic puff and avoid getting them in the eyes. These mildly acidic cleansers can also be used to balance the pH of the skin after using an alkaline foaming cleanser. There are a variety of good acne skin care products in the market place today.
Floral water toners are gentle yet effective. They are essentially a mixture of distilled water and plant extracts. A good mineral water can provide an inexpensive toner. Those high in magnesium can be very soothing.
Even if a toner is advertised as free of irritants, consumers should read the labels. In addition isopropyl alcohol, avoid products containing menthol, citrus oils camphor, jasmine and many of the artificial fragrance additives.
Skin care toners that are gentle yet effective can help to close the pores and keep the pH of the face neutralized. They should not make the skin feel tight or cause irritation. If a product is irritating to your skin stop using it and return to the store for a refund.