To tone or not to tone?

For years there has been many articles in magazines and papers about the use of facial toner or tonic.

A controversial subject in the beauty world that was dubbed a "money spinner" by many editors.

So, is there a place or even a need for toner on our bathroom shelf?

The function of toner got lost in translation somewhere in the naughties, circa 2003. It was believed by many, toner was to remove excess cleanser and no more. Why pay €25/€30 for a toner when you can use FREE water, out of your tap?

Well, toner has in fact more then one function. Yes it will remove excess cleanser, /if used with cotton wool. But that is not it's super power.

Nor is closing pores..."what?" I hear you say. No, pores do not open and close like doors.

Toner in fact is mostly used to balance the skin. To restore it's natural ph.

The ph. scale which goes from 1-14 with 7 being neutral (water) is how we measure acids and alkaline's.

Our skin is in fact more acidic then most would think.

We get hoodwinked by "natural as water", when actually water is too alkaline for our skin and makes it feel dry and tight.

Our skin has the same ph as an orange, between 4.5-5.5.

So when our grandmother and great grandmothers we're using orange water on their skin, they had it right.

Skincare products are designed to work on the ph of the skin, so by using a toner after you cleanse to balance the skin, your products such as exfoliant, serums and creams will work to their full potential.

Also, other ingredients are now added to reduce congestion (salicylic acid) or calm (microsilver) depending on the skin condition.

Toners are often now just sprayed directly on to the face without removal, no cotton needed.

So, next time you think of skipping on the toner, think again. You may just find it makes all the difference to your homecare routine.

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