5 Uses for Toner

Whether it's genetics or just a lack of sleep, many people wake up with puffy faces --particularly around the eyes. And, toward the end of the day, skin can take on a dull look. The solution to both of these problems can be a type of toner known as a freshener.

Fresheners tighten the skin using ingredients like caffeine and green tea, which can produce a constricting effect. As a result, puffiness is reduced and tone is brightened naturally. Because fresheners tend to be heavy on natural ingredients, they're great for sensitive skin. And since they usually don't contain alcohol, they can be used by people with dry skin as well.

Toners aren't just for perking up skin, some can also correct imbalances. Check out the next page to read about another amazing use of these skin care products.

Believe it or not, a normal amount of sweat and oil is good for your skin. And when you cleanse your face, you can strip these essentials away, changing your skin's pH balance. When your pH balance is thrown off, your skin actually becomes more prone to oiliness. Fortunately for most people, the skin readjusts itself within a few hours and gets back to its desired balance.

So where does toner come in? Well, if you're someone with normal to dry skin, you probably don't need toner for this purpose at all. In fact, if the toner has alcohol (which many toners that are marketed as astringents do) it can make your skin too dry. However, if your skin is very oily, you might want to consider applying toner to your face after washing it so that you can keep excessive oiliness at bay.

Even though people with oily skin can benefit from astringents, some toners are designed to help those with dry skin. Keep reading to find out more.

On the previous page we talked about the advantages of toner for people with oily skin. Those with dry skin can use toner too -- just not the same kind of formulation.

If your skin is dull and has a tendency to flake, the last thing you want is to make it more dehydrated. So if your face is on the dry side, the first rule of thumb is choosing a toner without alcohol in it. Even if a toner claims to moisturize, double-check this claim against the ingredients listed on the label.

Also remember that a toner doesn't take the place of a moisturizer. If you find a product with hydrating ingredients, that's great; but the toner does have other jobs to do. So be sure to follow it up with a moisturizing cream or lotion.

Toners are famous for this next use. Learn more on the following page.

You might be wondering why you need your pores to be smaller. If this is your primary thought, congratulations -- you probably already have small pores. If your pores are large, chances are you're already very aware of the situation. Usually, it's people with dry skin who have small pores and those with oily skin who have large pores. And while anyone can benefit from smaller pores, it's particular advantageous to those with skin on the oily side.

Achieving this goal has two advantages. First, from an aesthetic standpoint, skin with smaller pores has a more desirable look. Second, shrinking pores can make skin healthier. This is because large pores let in more oil, dirt and environmental toxins.

Click on the next page for our final toner use.

Since toner has many useful applications, it's a great element to add to your skin care routine. Here are some keys to ensuring it works in harmony with your other grooming products:

If you're looking for more skin care advice, check out the additional information we have on the next page.