For most of my teenage years I had no idea what a toner was or what a skin care routine looked like. I used to wash my face with a hand soap, it would get really tight and dry so then I would spray some straight White vinegar on it. Yes! It stung, but I thought no pain no gain. Right? Then one day a friend of my mothers suggested to use a mineral water diluted with water for all my Acne scars. So I stoped the Vinegar and used a Mineral water. This helped with my scars and and years later I learned what a face toner was. Then I started to make my own toner. I has on the right track with the vinegar, it does help with balancing your Skin PH, I just needed to dilute it a lot. You can make a simple toner in 5 minutes with 1 part Apple cider Vinegar and 3 parts Water, distilled water is best" it has less metals and is more gentle on your face.
What is the face Ph ?
Face pH "potential hydrogen"is very important to maintaining the acid mantle "a protective barrier that keeps your skin hydrated and defends your skin against bacteria and pollution. "For adults, the skin’s normal pH is about 5.5, which is just a little bit acidic. This acidity helps maintain the balance of the skin’s natural oils and protect it from harmful bacteria. If your pH becomes too high or too low, that disrupts the skin’s natural microenvironment. Your normal, healthy bacteria don’t grow as well, and the Skin barrier doesn’t work as well.” Dr Bullock
What does a Face Toner do ?
Toner balances the skins Ph, this supports the acid mantle, which helps prevent acne, dryness, and inflammation. A toner also adds a light layer of moisture and soothes inflamed skin. A Toner preps the skin, allowing serums and creams to penetrate more effectively this makes them a great addition to your skin care or makeup routine.
When To use A Toner
Some Facial cleansers have the acidity of 8 ph, this causes your face Ph to be to acidic. You may experience redness, itching and inflammation. Sometimes after washing my face or taking a shower, my face will get tight and dry, this is a sign that my face Ph is to acidic. I will mist my lightly damp face with a toner and apply a face serum or moisturizer, to lock in that toner Hydration. Applying Toner before Primer, also Hydrates and tightens your pour while making it easier to apply the Primer and Foundation .
What is a Toner made of
I am going to be real with you, I think the beauty industry has gone a little wild with everything they put in beauty products. So do I try and copy them ? NO. I cant pronounce most of the ingredients, let alone understand what they are doing in them and what they are good for. To keep it simple, I love to use a lot of Hydrosol waters like Rose, Ylang Ylang, Jasmine and Cucumber. I also want some kind of Astringent, "Astringents tighten the appearance of pores, and reduces skin inflammation." Distilled Vinegar and Witch Hazel are astringents. I like to use Alcohol-free Witch Hazel. Most Witch hazel has Alcohol in it, this can break down the skin barrier and cause extreme dryness.
How to make a Toner?
I like to use a recipe like this one.
Rose and Mineral Toner
2 part Hydrosol Water 50%
1 part Astringent 25%
1 part Mineral Water 25%
Optional instead of Mineral water you can use Cucumber or Aloe vera gel"keep in the fridge if the Aloe is fresh".Using a sterilized bowl and spoon, mix all ingredients together. Then pour in a sterilized mist bottle. Or you can fill the bottle with the ingredients and give it a good shake to mix well.
Toner
3oz part Rose water
1 Tablespoon Vegetable Glycerin
1 tablespoon Distilled Vinegar .
Using a sterilized bowl and spoon, mix all ingredients together . Then pour in a sterilized 4oz Mist or spray bottle.
Vinegar Toner
3oz Distilled Water
1oz Distilled Vinegar or Apple cider vinegar
Using a sterilized bowl and spoon, mix all ingredients together. Then pour in a sterilized mist bottle. Or you can fill the bottle with the ingredients and give it a good shake to mix well.
Skin care can be simple and not expensive. You can buy a few ingredients and use them for your skin and hair care!
Witch Hazel " Alcohol-free" rich in tannins and antioxidants Witch Hazel tightens pores, reduces inflammation, calms acne-related redness and soothe irritation.
Distilled Vinegar helps to balance skin Ph , reduce acne causing bacteria. It acts as a natural astringent to unclog pores and absorb excess oils.
Mineral water Rich in silica, magnesium, and calcium, it helps strengthen the skin barrier against environmental stressors and reduces inflammation for a clearer, more radiant complexion. There are all kinds of Brands, make sure to find one safe for your face.
A Hydrosol is a water-based product (or "plant water ) produced by the steam of distillation of fresh leaves, Flowers, fruit or other plant materials.
Rose water or Hydrosol reduces inflammation, calms irritation from conditions like acne or eczema, and can improve complexion by toning the skin and reducing redness.
Chamomile Water or Hydrosol rich in antioxidants, it helps combat acne, fades hyperpigmentation, reduces under-eye puffiness, and strengthens the skin barrier, making it ideal for sensitive or irritated skin
Jasmine Hydrosol fights free radicals to reduce premature aging, while its antibacterial properties help soothe acne, reduce redness, and impart a radiant, glowing complexion.
Ylang Ylang Hydrosol benefits the face by balancing oil production, soothe inflammation this make a great toner for oily or acne-prone skin.
Cucumber water a great to cool and give a hydrating boost to your skin. Supporting the Acid mantle to soothe inflammation, reduce under eye puffiness and gently tighten pores. Rich in vitamins C and caffeic acid, it fights swelling and acne.
Glycerin is a budget-friendly humectant that draws moisture into the skin's outer layer, that supports a long-lasting hydration for up to 72 hours. It strengthens the skin barrier , improves elasticity. Glycerin is great for all skin types.
Aloe vera gel gives a deep hydation, treats acne, and promotes healing. It is a light weight moisturizer and may boost collagen production to improve skin elasticity.