From the Desk of Clearissa’s Command Center/Avon Diva
Winterize Your Skin – Step II – The Toner
Last week we discussed the all-important cleanser. But I’ll bet you’re wondering what next…the moisturizer? And some are even thinking they are done with the skincare for the day. You couldn’t be more wrong. 🙂 This week, step 2 in the process, is the toner. Toners are not as popular as they used to be. There was a time that toners were used to restore your skin’s pH balance after using bar soap. However, a lot of today’s cleansers are gentle and water-soluble and do not affect the skin’s pH balance in as drastically as bar soaps used to. And a lot of really good cleansers are do not contain alcohol which can be drying.
There are affiliate links within this post. However, all opinions and ideas are my own. Clicking on and using the links to purchase products does not increase your cost at all. I appreciate your support.
A lot of women think it is all about the makeup and don’t get me wrong. I think makeup, when done correctly, can work wonders and is really pretty. However, I am a proponent of good skin under the makeup and for that reason, I focus on good skincare first. I would rather wear makeup to enhance and not to cover up. I prefer wearing makeup when I choose to wear it and not feel relegated to wearing it to hide something. Going makeup-free and fresh-faced still feels good to me…even at my age. 🙂
I use my toner to remove any residual dirt or grime left behind by my cleanser. Just as I described last week when we discussed cleansers, there are different types of toners for different skin types. I have oily skin and have always used an astringent, however, you should know your skin type before actually trying a toner. In this article, I will explain how important it is to Winterize Your Skincare by adding toner to your routine.
Listed below are the types of toners available and the skin type they best serve.
Skin bracers or fresheners
These are the mildest form of toners; they contain water and a humectant such as glycerine, and 
little if any alcohol. Humectants help to keep the moisture in the upper layers of the epidermis by
preventing it from evaporating. A popular example of this is rosewater.
These toners are the gentlest to the skin and are most suitable for use on dry, dehydrated, and sensitive. It may give a burning sensation to sensitive skin.
Skin tonics
These are slightly stronger and may contain a small quantity of alcohol (up to 20%), water and a humectant ingredient. Orange flower water is an example of a skin tonic. Skin tonics are suitable for use on normal, combination, and oily skin.
Grove Collaborative/Mrs. Meyers Cleaning Products
Astringents
These are the strongest form of toner and contain a high proportion of alcohol (20–60%), 
antiseptic ingredients, water, and a humectant ingredient. These are commonly recommended for oily skins as they are drying. Removal of oil from the skin does not cause overproduction of oil as there is no structure in the skin that provides a mechanism that will send a negative feedback to the oil glands that the skin has become dry and it needs to compensate for that condition. To compensate for that dryness, it would be recommended to use a water-based, non-comedogenic facial moisturizer.
The solution? Try a gentle, alcohol-free toner with ingredients that help normalize your skin. If you do so, you’ll see less dryness and reduced oiliness. With long-term use as part of your complete skincare regime, you will eventually see enlarged pores become smaller for a smoother, fresher look.
Many people no longer choose to use a toner. However, I do and I suggest you do as well. As I said last week, clean skin is healthy skin.
Get more information or order these products and much, much more here.
If you missed the first article in this series, you can find it here.
Next week…Step three
Next week…Step two
Never miss another article, tip, real-life experience or project. Get them delivered directly to your email. Subscribe today! And let’s stay connected.
Until next time…I remain in my Element – God Bless!
Published:
Interviewed/Featured:
Homeyou
WPBlogging 360
Hobsess
Share this post with your friends. I greatly appreciate it.
XOXO,
I have just started using toner again! I always tend to miss a little bit of makeup every time. Thanks for sharing your favorites.
Hi Haley, Yes your toner will definitely show you what you missed. I don’t know if you caught last week’s post in this series but if you did, there is a bit in there about the spin brush for cleansing your face. You may want to take a look at that. I absolutely love mine. Take care and thank you so much for reading along.
Wow, this is just what I need – I’m finding winter particularly harsh whilst traveling.
Found your blog via Talk of the Town!
Sarah https://www.enrichmentality.com
Hi Sarah, I’m happy you found my blog and that you are finding the information helpful. I don’t know where you are but if you are already settled into winter, it is going to be a long one. Check back next week when I will discuss moisturizers. Again, Thanks for reading along.
Great post Clearissa!
I agree, good skincare is a must. I never thought to use so many things on my face before such as toner and primer before makeup but as I started to age (gasp!) I started to take better care of my face and have since incorporated a full line of skincare.
Hi Alice, I use a complete skin care line as well. I also try, when time and finances permit to work in a professional facial as well. Thanks for stopping by. Here’s to good skincare. 🙂
Thank you Carol.