How about them toners? Learn about the most skipped step in skincare! - Skin Wellness Product Series - PT 4
How about them toners?
Learn about the most skipped step in skincare!
In Part 3 of this series we talked about Oil cleansers. Now let’s chat about what comes after the cleansing process and why it is so important. A step NOT to be forgotten!
I know... it seems like a toner (or, as I call them, a facial mist) is a really easy step to dismiss, and to be honest, many of the traditional toners on the market are actually drying to the skin.
That's terrible!
Just a couple of weeks ago, a client asked me, "Why do I even need a toner?".
Well… there are numerous reasons as to why a toner is an important step and I know, as an esthetician, toners are the most skipped step.
So let’s get into it;)
Sometimes toners are referred to as an "astringent", which, as Google defines it: "A substance that causes the contraction of body tissues, typically used to protect the skin…"
On the surface, products have the ability to affect the skin’s barrier function and hydration levels. Hydrating ingredients such as hydrosols, herbal infusions, honey, glycerin and other aqueous ingredients are key in boosting the skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF).
However, when a topical skincare regimen consists primarily of water (which is sadly pretty normal:(), nutrient-lacking synthetic ingredients, and functional ingredients with no therapeutic value (such as fillers, preservatives, penetration enhancers, etc.) … the microbiome nor the upper layers of the skin receive useable nutrients. Further, many of those said ingredients have been linked to inflammation and other negative health outcomes.
To be fair, anytime a water-based ingredient is used, there absolutely MUST be a preservative used, otherwise it will need to be refrigerated and used within a couple days. It's just that so many preservatives used in the market these days are downright harmful to not only our skin, but to our whole body's health as well. I have done my research and chose to use the cleanest and safest preservatives that I can find, so as to not cause any harm to the skin or body.
But let me tell you... toners (if made from quality ingredients and not just a bunch of other SH**) can be an incredibly healing product in the skincare regimen. It is a MUST USE for ideal skin health and that dewy glow!
And why are these horrible ingredients used anyway?
They don’t feed your skin or nourish it, which is why we buy products in the first place, isn't it???
Well, what I can say, is that the companies making said products don't actually care about your skin.
There, I said it.
They don't give a damn... all they care is about keeping the cost of production down so they can profit as much money as possible from you.
To add another frustration on top of this, so many of these companies are charging a ridiculous price for their beautiful packaging full of non-skin-healthy ingredients!!!
A rant for another day!!!
Anyway...
I DO care about your skin and whole body's health and I prefer NOT to gouge your pockets to help you. I also love educating so that you can make the best possible choices for yourself.
Mists/Toners SHOULD
▴Add nourishing hydration to the skin (WHO DOESN'T NEED THAT!?!)
▴Tone or tighten the appearance of the skin
▴Cool and refreshing
▴Soothe and protect
▴Balance the skin pH levels when used correctly and with proper ingredients
▴May increase penetration of some ingredients (oil soluble that is;)
▴Helps set mineral makeup
HOW TO USE A MIST/TONER PROPERLY FOR BEST RESULTS
Shake well, mist generously onto clean skin after cleansing.
Or spritz into clean hands and pat gently onto skin (this is my preferred method). Feel free to repeat if necessary. You want the skin to be nice and dewy when applying your Oil Serum. You can also spritz over top of your mineral makeup application to help set it and aid in that dewy glow, which is a nice added bonus;)
Don't forget your neck and décolleté too!
ANGIE'S PRO TIP
I use Mists extensively. I prefer to spritz the Mist in my hand and really pat it into my skin. This ensures optimal hydration, plus, it smells AMAZING:)
You always want your skin to be nice and damply hydrated before applying the next step.
I then put a pump of my oil serum into my hands and then another spritz or two of the Mist and mix before applying to my face, neck, and décolleté. This acts as a moisturizer, without adding an emulsifier;)
Added bonus, spritz over your mineral makeup to help set it!
You can also spritz throughout the day for an extra boost of hydration. Or take along with you while you're travelling.
Want to learn more about the Facial Mists I have created?
Nourishing Mist
2 oz. Dry - Normal
Excellent for sensitive skins.
“I love how it feels on my skin and it stays super hydrated throughout the day and night.” -Sarah
STAR INGREDIENTS
▴ Rose Hydrosol - Wonderful for mature or dry skin in need of deep moisturization - soothes, softens and leaves skin radiant. Regenerates the skin and promotes a good tone.
▴ Green Sencha Tea (infused into distilled water) - high in antioxidants and vitamin C which are essential for radiantly, youthful skin. They also aid in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and delaying aging by hydrating the skin.
▴ Bio-Water Bamboo - Nutrient-rich water that helps to introduce electrolytes to balance overall fluids for increased moisture retention.
▴ Glycerine - A remarkable humectant. It supports healthy skin elasticity, is non-irritating and soothing and is heralded for its ability to moisturize dry and cracked skin.
Balancing Mist
2 oz. Normal - Oily
Also good for sensitive skins.
“Best line I have ever used and THIS smells amazing!” - Erica
STAR INGREDIENTS
▴ Rose Geranium Hydrosol - Excellent for combination and mature skin. Promotes skin cell regeneration and improves skin elasticity making it ideal for delaying signs of aging. It is strengthening and repairing broken capillaries, as well as balancing oil production, pH levels, and microbiomes.
▴ Rose Hydrosol - Wonderful for mature or dry skin in need of deep moisturization - soothes, softens and leaves skin radiant. Regenerates the skin and promotes a good tone.
▴ Lavender Hydrosol – Promotes healthy cell functioning and has a balancing action on both sebum production and the skin’s microbiome. It is anti-inflammatory, calming, and cooling to the skin, and is calming to the nervous system.
▴ In House Core Blend - Dandelion Root, Burdock Root, Cleavers - SEE MORE HERE
For a full list of Certified Organic, Kosher Certified, ECOCERT/COSMOS Certified and Non- GMO Verified ingredients, please click the above buttons. I search for the freshest and most clean and raw ingredients I can find! Only the best here;)
I hope this was helpful and that I convinced you that missing this step in a healthy skincare regimen is a dire NO NO.
As always, if you have ANY questions, just comment below and ask away! I ALWAYS look forward to hearing from you!