Lotion tonic how to use. How is it different from lotion? Why massage lines are needed
- What is a face tonic
- What are tonics for?
- Types of tonics
- Composition of face toners
- Review of facial toners
What is a face tonic
It would seem that everyone knows what a face tonic is - a transparent or translucent liquid in which active ingredients are dissolved to moisturize, refresh and cleanse the skin. Sometimes the solution has a shade: pink indicates a calming effect, blue indicates refreshing qualities, green indicates the ability to solve skin problems.
What are tonics for?
As you know, there are three main stages in skin care: toning,. But, according to the admissions of beauty users, the second stage is often neglected (laziness, lack of time, lack of awareness - it is necessary to emphasize what is needed), considering the tonic to be an optional remedy. And they are very wrong. The fact is that this tool performs several important functions at once. What does the tonic do?
Sometimes the shade of a tonic can indicate its functionality.
- 1
Completes the skin cleansing process. Even if you have thoroughly removed your makeup with milk or cleansing lotion and then washed with foam, you will most likely still find traces of dirt on a cotton pad moistened with tonic. This means that it is the tonic that finishes the cleansing process after the stages of makeup removal and washing.
- 2
Restores pH balance. Some cleansers, as well as hard tap water, can temporarily disrupt the acid-base balance of the skin, which, in turn, weakens its protective functions and reduces its ability to withstand aggressive environmental factors. The tonic quickly brings the pH level back to normal.
- 3
Prepares the skin for the application of serum and cream. The toner is a kind of vehicle that allows the active ingredients in the serum and cream to work more effectively on the skin.
- 4
Refreshes the skin., lack of blush, dry skin areas, even enlarged pores and inflammation - if the tonic does not solve all these problems globally, then it minimizes exactly. To obtain evidence, conduct a two-week experiment on the regular use of the tonic, or better, extend the testing to 28 days - this is exactly the period the body and skin in particular need to form new "habits".
Toning is included in the daily ritual of skin care for a reason. To see if a toner is really necessary, do an experiment: use it for at least two weeks, and after that, you will notice that the skin has become fresher and clearer, and the complexion is even.
Types of tonics
The main rule when choosing a tonic is to focus on your skin type, otherwise this product will not fulfill its task or it will not do it effectively enough. In order for the tonic to work one hundred percent, you must carefully read the label before buying, and then follow the tips for using it.
The toner effectively removes the remnants of impurities from the skin and decorative cosmetics.
For dry skin. Choose toners with powerful moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, amino acids, juice or aloe extract. Use the product twice a day or more often, especially if you spend most of the day indoors with air conditioning or central heating, or in extreme climatic conditions (sudden temperature changes, hot or, conversely, frosty weather).
For sensitive skin. Capricious skin will not be irritated by products with a delicate effect and soft texture, sometimes slightly oily. When choosing a tonic, pay attention to the composition: there should be ingredients with a calming effect, for example, extracts of chamomile, cornflower or rose. Unwanted substances - parabens, perfumery fragrances, dyes.
For oily skin. If you are annoyed by an oily sheen and excess sebum, due to which the makeup lasts for a maximum of an hour, a toner with a sebum-regulating and mattifying effect is suitable. This effect is provided in particular by zinc. For oily skin, products with moisturizing ingredients are also good, because often such skin, oddly enough, suffers from dehydration.
For problem skin. The curse of this type of skin is blackheads, rashes, inflammation, excess sebum production. Tonics with astringent and exfoliating ingredients (salicylic acid, zinc, tea tree oil) will help keep the situation under control.
For normal skin. All that the tonic can give to happy owners of problem-free skin is cleansing, maintaining the optimal level of moisture, softening, nourishing with minerals and trace elements. All these needs will be satisfied by a tonic based on thermal water.
For combination skin. If you have dry skin around your cheeks and oily skin around your forehead, nose and chin, try two toners in one session. Apply moisturizer to dry areas, mattifying sebum-regulating - to the T-zone. This is called multi-tone, that is, the use of two tools of the same category at the same time.
For aging skin. The main requests of aging and aging skin are lifting, increasing elasticity and density. This is facilitated by tonics with hyaluronic and glycolic acids, plus a special massage during application. Pay attention to products with a high content of antioxidants (vitamins C and E, resveratrol), especially if you live in a metropolis, often experience stress and do not sleep much. The antioxidants in the toner will help fight the negative effects of the environment and delay the development of external signs of skin aging.
Using a well-chosen tonic, you will increase the effectiveness of your creams (day and night) at times, because the skin will better perceive their active ingredients.
Composition of face toners
The composition varies depending on the purpose and tasks that need to be solved. Below are the main components that are most often found in formulas.
A face toner is a clear colored liquid in which active ingredients are dissolved.
Aloe. The juice and extract are almost universal: they soothe, soften, moisturize and regenerate the skin.
Allantoin. Effective for skin healing and regeneration. relieves inflammation, irritation, tightens pores and softens the skin.
Hyaluronic acid. A powerful moisturizing ingredient that prevents moisture from evaporating and smoothes the skin.
Glycerol. The most common moisturizing ingredient. promotes the penetration of moisture into the deep layers of the skin and helps to retain it.
Glycolic acid. Cleanses, exfoliates, softens and brightens the skin, helps to reduce the depth of wrinkles.
Salicylic acid. Exfoliates, removes dead skin cells, regulates the sebaceous glands.
Alcohol. It is usually present in low concentration and serves to stabilize the formula. Simple alcohols (alcohol denat) in toners provide an antibacterial effect and better penetration of active ingredients into the skin.
Thermal water. from thermal springs, located, for example, in the French cities of Vichy and La Roche-Posay, - a storehouse of minerals and trace elements useful for the skin. The special composition helps to normalize the water balance of the skin, neutralizes the negative effects of free radicals, increases the protective properties of the skin, and soothes it.
Zinc. Indispensable for oily and problem skin: relieves inflammation, controls oily sheen, reduces blackheads.
Calendula extract. Relieves irritation, soothes, has a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect.
Rose extract. Has a wide spectrum of action: rejuvenates, moisturizes, softens, fights dangerous bacteria and even tightens pores.
Chamomile extract. Soothes sensitive and irritated skin, provides protection and anti-inflammatory effect.
Witch hazel extract. It constricts blood vessels, reduces the secretion of the sebaceous glands, and is a powerful antioxidant.
Application: how to apply toner correctly
It is advisable to use the toner twice a day, after cleansing and before applying the serum and cream. When applying, avoid the area around the eyes, unless the leaflet indicates that the product is approved for use in that area. There are at least three ways to apply the tonic, and the choice of the one you need depends on personal preference.
When applying toner, you can use a cotton pad or cloth.
Cotton pad
This is the most common method and is suitable for all skin types. Apply a few drops to the disc and wipe the skin from the center of the face to the periphery, avoiding pressing:
from the center of the forehead to the temples, in one smoothing motion on each side;
from the wings of the nose to the ears;
from the center of the chin to the ears;
from the brow space to the tip of the nose.
Cloth napkin
Ideal for sensitive skin. Saturate a tissue napkin with tonic (you can use a pharmacy gauze folded in 2-3 layers) and put it on your face like a mask. Press lightly with your palms, leave for a few seconds. Such tonic masks are very popular in Asia.
Do I need to rinse off the tonic? No. As you remember, it increases the effectiveness of the active ingredients in those products that you apply after toning.
Review of facial toners
If you are still undecided on the choice of toner, we offer several options for different skin types - from delicate sensitive to problem prone to acne.
All body systems require periodic cleansing and replenishment, and facial skin is no exception. Environmental factors can affect the condition of the face not in the best way, weathering, overcooling or overheating the skin. All negative influences are immediately visible - the skin dulls, blush is lost, circles under the eyes and more and more noticeable wrinkles appear. Comprehensive care involves a three-stage procedure: cleansing, toning and moisturizing. And if there are no questions about the need for the first and last stage, then not everyone knows why restoration and toning are needed.
What is a face toner and what is it for?
The toner is a special solution that effectively removes the remains of soap and other cleansers, as well as excess sebum. Its use has the following effect:
- antiseptic effect on the skin;
- the negative impact of hard water when washing is minimized;
- helps to restore the natural balance of acidity;
- helps to neutralize redness and slows down the aging process by nourishing the dermis with antioxidants;
- the product not only refreshes the face, but also significantly increases the effect of the cream, which is applied after.
Regular use allows not only to fix problems one-time, but also to prevent their occurrence in the future. Blood circulation improves, wilting processes are slowed down, and fat is produced without excess. The composition of the product almost always includes alcohol, and if we are talking about oily skin, then its percentage can be up to half of the total volume. Also, the ingredients may include matting agents, essential oils, herbal extracts, vitamins, etc. When choosing a product, be sure to pay attention to the fact that the composition does not contain acetone, mint, menthol, camphor and fragrances.
How to use the product correctly
To begin with, it is worth choosing the right tool. There are several main varieties of this product, one or another is used depending on the initial condition of the skin and the purpose of use. So, the composition of tonics includes alcohol, but in small quantities, refreshing tonics do not contain alcohol elements and are intended for gentle care of dry skin, and astringents do an excellent job with the imperfections of oily skin due to the significant content of alcohol.
In order for the use of the tonic to give the desired effect, it must be applied taking into account a number of recommendations. So, the product can only be applied to skin that has been previously cleansed with the help of special products. As for the method of application, there are two points of view. Some masters of the beauty industry prefer to use cotton pads, soaking them in the product and evenly rubbing the face with tonic along the massage lines.
Other professional cosmetologists say that the use of cotton wool harms the skin, provoking the activation of wilting processes, and therefore it is advised to apply the tonic exclusively with your fingers. Regardless of the situation, the owners of sensitive skin have no choice in this matter - you can only use your fingers, and very carefully, while cotton wool can provoke irritation.
Another method of applying tonic to the face: a piece of gauze is moistened with the product, and then applied for a few minutes. At the end of the procedure, you should use a cream. If the application of the tonic caused a number of unpleasant sensations, including burning and itching, then you should immediately put the bottle aside - it does not suit your skin.
What is the best face tonic for your face: an overview
Today, to simplify skin care, manufacturers are creating toners with a wider range of uses, endowing their products with new ingredients and, therefore, functions. Let's take a look at the characteristics of several popular toners from leading cosmetics companies.
L'Oreal "Endless Freshness"
The Infinite Freshness product contains alcohol, which ensures its drying effect. The toner does a good job of cleansing the skin and helps pimples heal faster. Paraben free and marketed as a hypoallergenic product. The color of the product is absolutely colorless, liquid, has a pleasant smell, which gives off a little alcohol. Available in a 200 ml bottle. Due to the fact that the hole in the lid is small, it is consumed sparingly.
Clean line
The line of tonics The Pure line is known for its inclusion in the composition of natural ingredients and relatively low cost. For example, tonic lotion for normal and combination skin contains cornflower decoction, thanks to which it perfectly relieves irritation, fights inflammatory processes of the skin and moisturizes it. Available in 100 ml bottles. The product has a light, watery texture like all tonics. The aroma of the products of this manufacturer is pleasant, herbaceous.
Natura Siberica Cleansing for Oily Skin
The active action is based on the content of extracts of oregano, sage and green tea. Has a calming effect on the skin, eliminates redness on the face, normalizes metabolic processes in the skin, thereby giving it a healthy appearance.
Green tea, one of the ingredients, provides action to slow down the aging process of the dermis. Packaging with a volume of 200 ml, the price category is average, like the products of Libriderm.
Refreshing tonic by Garnier
The toner does not dry out the skin, but acts gently, moisturizing and refreshing it. The smell of the product is fresh, unobtrusive, quickly disappears when applied to the skin. A big plus of the product is that it does not tighten the skin and does not leave a sticky layer on the face.
The toner is suitable for normal and combination skin; it cannot dry oily and problem skin. The main purpose of the product is to delicately remove impurities and give the skin a feeling of comfort.
Moisturizing from Bioderma (Bioderma)
This product is recommended for use on sensitive and dehydrated skin types that are dry, normal or combination. The light texture leaves the skin with a pleasant feeling of freshness after application.
Thanks to the use of Bioderma tonic, the skin becomes more elastic, acquires a natural shine and a healthy color. Available in a convenient 200 ml bottle.
How to make a tonic at home
Many believe that the best tonic is the one made from natural ingredients. To create a skin toning product at home, use one of the following recipes.
Apple cider vinegar recipe
There are several variations of this tonic. The first recipe is perfect for normal to dry and skin conditions. To prepare it, you need to mix half a glass of clean water and 5 milliliters of apple cider vinegar. To nourish the skin, you can vary the composition with a few drops of essential oil.
The second option is for oily skin. Water and vinegar are taken in a ratio of three to one, respectively. Store the toner in the refrigerator in a tightly closed container.
How to make chamomile with your own hands
Chamomile lotion has excellent soothing properties, it relieves inflammation and erases signs of fatigue from the face. The simplest version of the remedy is an infusion on water (a tablespoon of chamomile is poured into a glass of boiling water). To combat acne and excess oil on the skin, add a tablespoon of vodka to the infusion.
Owners of dry skin should use this recipe: half a glass of rose water, a drop of geranium and chamomile oil. Shake well before using any tonic.
What is the difference between lotion and tonic
It is sometimes very difficult to navigate in cosmetic terms, since many products are very similar in their properties, but have different names. The difference between tonic and lotion lies in the purpose of the application and the effect that both remedies have. So, if the tonic helps to cleanse the skin and prepare it for applying the cream, then the lotion disinfects it and relieves inflammation. Lotions are suitable for problematic and oily skin, when without active exposure it is impossible to achieve a good condition of the integument.
It is very important that when using both the toner and the lotion, there are no discomfort on the skin, for example, a strong feeling of tightness or stickiness. Otherwise, it is worth purchasing another product.
Toning is one of the important components of facial skin care (along with cleansing, nourishing and moisturizing). However, not all women know what a face tonic is and how to use it correctly.
Some women believe that toning means tightening the skin and smoothing out wrinkles. But this opinion is wrong. Toning is first of all restoring the natural pH balance of the skin after cleansing it from cosmetics and impurities. Also tonics supply the skin with antioxidants and other beneficial substances, relieve inflammation and irritation, tighten pores, and ensure better absorption of the cream.
If you have a quality cleanser, you don't need to use a toner. But it's better to get it all the same: it complement the cleansing process By removing the remnants of makeup and dirt, it will give the skin a feeling of freshness, improve its color and relief, and make the process of skin care more effective. Tonics are especially necessary for people with oily or acne-prone skin.
How to choose a face toner? If you are using the same series of cleanser, cleanser and cream, you just need to purchase a toner from the same series. When using skin care products from the same line, care is more effective because they complement each other.
If you are not a fan of "serial" cosmetics, the tonic should be chosen depending on the type of facial skin and the composition of the cosmetic product. Typically, a toner contains water and a moisturizing agent (such as glycerin). Also tonics may contain extracts of medicinal plants. Usually such tonics are quite versatile.
However, some tonics may contain alcohol. In this case, it is imperative take into account skin type when choosing a tonic. If you have dry or sensitive skin, choose the most gentle toner possible. It is best if there is no alcohol in it at all, but if you absolutely want to bring a product with alcohol, its content should not exceed 10%. Such tonics are also suitable for owners of normal skin.
If you have oily or combination skin, the alcohol content of the toner can be up to 20%. All toners in which the alcohol content is higher than 20% are suitable only for topical use on problem areas of the skin (for example, with acne). Generally, it is better to avoid alcohol tonics using specially designed products to combat acne and regulate sebum secretion.
The names of toners may contain the words “cleansing”, “moisturizing”, etc. This does not mean that such a tonic can replace a cleanser or moisturizer. He still performs his first the main function is toning, it's just that this tonic also emphasizes an additional function.
It is applied after and before applying the cream. In this case, the toner will remove the remnants of cosmetics and sebum, restore the pH balance and prepare the skin for the application of the cream. Toners also contain special ingredients that help the skin retain moisture longer.
Just dab some toner on a cotton ball or swab and rub it over your face and neck. This should be done with light movements.- no need to rub and press. The tonic is not applied to the area around the eyes. If, after applying the tonic, you feel a burning sensation, itching, redness or peeling appears on the skin, then this remedy is not suitable for you. Wash your face to relieve discomfort and try a different tonic.
Do not neglect the regular use of the face tonic, because all skin types benefit from the use of this product, without exception. The main thing is to choose the right tonic., apply it only to cleansed skin and remember to use a moisturizer afterwards.
