Why the Bleep do I need a Toner?

Misunderstood. Under-appreciated. The bland sheep of skin care.

Rarely revered or despised, Toner just seems more of a 'skin care afterthought' for many.

However, a great toner is the elegant background accompaniment of any well-rounded skin care program. Whether calming or stimulating, toner plays a vital supporting role enhancing skin's function, health, and radiance.

So what the bleep does an effective toner actually do?

#1
TAKES OFF TAP WATER RESIDUE
Have you been at least somewhat alarmed reading what's being discovered in most tap water? Residue of prescription meds. Fecal matter. Bacteria. Lots of etc.'s. Without wiping your face with toner after cleansing, you're left with a virtual pile of crap on your face. Lovely! And if you use moisturizer afterwards, you're sealing in that very same tainted water, which is anything but pretty. When shopping a toner, read the ingredient list fully, knowing that whatever's in it will be sealed on your skin after applying anything over it. So make sure you know what you're feeding your face! If in doubt, confer with your facialist or dermatologist.

#2
RESTORES 'PH BALANCE'
On average, it takes up to 8 hours for your skin to return to its normal Ph balance (usually around 5.5) after you wash it. During those hours of ph inbalance, skin is an easy target for unhealthy bacteria to flourish. This is an especially important fact for skin that tends to break out. After washing, acne bacteria and other germs have free reign for much of the day before natural acidity is naturally restored. By simply using a proper toner, skin is immediately restored to its normal, healthy alkaline/acid state. Keeping this continuous ph balance in skin greatly lessens breakout potential.

#3
OPTIMIZES OTHER PRODUCTS
Applying serum or moisturizer immediately after using a toner helps it penetrate into the skin easier and faster. The water component acts as a virtual water slide, encouraging other products to slip on down into the epidermis, maximizing the product's potential!

Toners also have intrinsic skin benefits. Some contain glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acids, which slough dead skin cells and help clear clogged pores. Some contain soothers like aloe vera, chamomile, or lavender, which are an oasis for dry and sensitive skin, and also for some clogged complexions. Anyone with acne who's on typical breakout busters (Retin-A, antibiotics) tend to end up with dry and irritated skin. A calming, mild toner can perfectly soothe this gnarly side-effect without adding clogging ingredients.

My personal favorite toners are by Sircuit Cosmeceuticals. Molecular Mist is tops for normal-dry skin, or the beloved Immaculate Mist for normal-oily/acne skin. You're welcome to contact me for further info.

Try using a custom-suggested toner for at least one month, twice daily after cleansing. Then go a week (or even a few days) without. See and feel the difference yourself, and report the results back to SkinTechie!