Skin Toners: What Are They?
Toners are friends of your skin. They balance your skin's pH level and remove makeup, grime, and dirt, which are left behind even after cleansing. Toners are an extended part of deep cleansing. They also make your skin ready for the application of other skincare products. Toners have ingredients like rosewater, natural hydrosols, glycerine, and antioxidants. Everyone, regardless of their skin type, should use toners, as they keep your skin hydrated and refreshed.
Why use toners?
These days, with pollution and dirt everywhere, your pores can get clogged easily, which can cause pimples and acne. Even after using cleansers, dirt, and leftover makeup can still linger deep within your pores. That's where toners come in—they provide a deeper cleanse, ensuring that stubborn dirt and impurities are thoroughly removed, leaving your skin truly clean and refreshed. Toners help unclog your pores and also tighten them at the same time, therefore preventing pimples or acne.
Astringents or alcohol-based toners Are they the same or different??
Astringents and alcohol-based toners are similar in the way they function. Both help in tightening the pores of the skin and also help in maintaining the oil balance of your skin.
But they differ in their composition, formulation, and potency
Astringents
- Astringents are formulated especially for oily and acne-prone skin, as they help to deep cleanse the pores, remove excess oil, tighten the pores, and prevent breakouts.
- Astringents typically contain ingredients like salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). They may or may not contain alcohol.
- Astringents are effective in controlling acne as they are quite potent and strong and have a more drying effect compared to alcohol-based toners.
- It is advised to use astringents in moderation and should be followed by a good moisturizer formulated especially for acne-prone or oily skin to prevent excessive dryness. RBN’s Aura face cream is one of its one-of-a-kind moisturizers that hydrates oily or acne-prone skin without causing breakouts.
- However, on the other hand, long-term use of astringents can strip the skin of its natural oils and make the skin extremely dry or itchy.
Alcohol-Based Toners
- Alcohol-based toners usually contain ethanol or isopropyl alcohol.
- Just like astringents, alcohol-based toners also help to remove excess oil and are effective only for oily and acne-prone skin, as they work by removing oiliness and can limit breakouts.
- These toners are tough on the extra dirt and oil on your skin and make your pores smaller.
- Alcohol-based toners are known for their astringent properties, that is, they tighten the pores, typically by drying out the skin. So these toners should not be used more than once or at a maximum of twice a day; otherwise, they can dehydrate the skin.
- However, they are harsh on the skin and can cause irritation, dryness, and itchiness, particularly for those with sensitive or dry skin.
Although astringents and alcohol-based toners work for only specific skin concerns, like oily or acne-prone skin, they should never be used for normal, sensitive, or dry skin at all. Even oily skin can get dry after prolonged use of these toners. Natural hydrosols or natural toners are excellent alternatives that tone your skin and also hydrate it at the same time without any long-term harm, thus keeping the skin healthy and glowing.
Natural Toners
- Natural toners are made from natural ingredients like rose water, aloe vera, tea tree, and hydrosols. They're gentle and don't have any bad effects on your skin. They work for all skin types, whether it’s oily, dry, normal, or even sensitive, depending on their composition.
- Natural toners are plant-based and contain ingredients such as floral waters (like rose water or hydrosols) or herbal extracts. These toners are mild on the skin, making them suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
- Unlike alcohol-based toners and astringents, which can be drying, natural toners often contain moisturizing ingredients such as hydrosols of rose, rosemary, honey, or hyaluronic acid. These ingredients help to hydrate the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple after use.
- These toners tend to have a pH level that matches that of the skin and help to balance the skin’s pH level after cleansing. This can help prevent over-drying or over-production of oil.
- Natural toners are very soothing and refreshing to use. Also, they are milder and gentler, so they can be used multiple times in a day.
- Plant-based toners are made from sustainably and ethically sourced ingredients that are environmentally friendly, reducing their environmental impact compared to alcohol-based toners, which may contain harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances.
- While alcohol-based toners may provide immediate oil-control benefits, they can also disrupt the skin's natural barrier function over time. Natural toners, on the other hand, can provide long-term benefits such as improved hydration, reduced inflammation, and enhanced skin health.
- RBN’s Morning Dew toner, which is made of hydrosols and is 100% natural, and chemical-free, has the refreshing fragrance of Dahlia, which awakens your senses and is suitable for all skin types. Made with sweet lime, plant-based camphor, rose hydrosol, rosemary, and many other natural and organic ingredients, this gentle toner tightens the pores and controls oil without dehydrating your skin. It deeply cleanses the pores and also subtly hydrates the skin, making it perfect to use throughout the year. Being chemical-free, it can be sprayed multiple times a day.
Rose water or rose hydrosol, is perfect for sensitive skin and can be used any number of times in a day.
Whatever you choose to try, make sure it suits your skin type. Always go for those toners that can be used for the long term without harming your skin’s natural barrier. Natural toners are a better choice when it comes to healthy and skin-friendly products and to avoid any kind of side effects. Natural toners are gentle on the skin and have a calming effect. On the other hand, alcohol-based toners and astringents are to be chosen only if one is facing acne issues and excessive oils on the skin surface, followed by a hydrating moisturizer