What is a tonic
Facial tonic is a cosmetic product that is needed to restore the acid-alkaline balance of the skin after washing.Not all modern cleansers are made on the basis of soap and really change the pH, and its restoration is not critical. That's why doctors say that toners in general are not a must-have product.
Toners generally contain water, acids, natural extracts, oils and vitamins. Sometimes there is alcohol in the composition. According to Victoria Oshchepkova, it is better to avoid alcohol in tonics, because it dries the skin and provokes excessive sebum secretion. Substances that are similar to alcohol in structure and role, but do not dry the skin much better: glycerin, phytosphingosine, lauryl laurate, and stearyl. But the doctor notes that they should stand at the end of the composition of the product.
How to use a facial toner
Toner is applied to clean and dry skin immediately after washing your face with cleansing gel or foam. It is best to use a cotton pad. Then you can apply a serum or cream.
What facial toners are and what should be in their composition
Toners can be divided into two large categories - conventional, which are suitable for daily care, and acidic, gently exfoliating skin.Acid toners
This is the most independent and expensive category of tonics. The acids in their composition are necessary for exfoliation and deeper skin cleansing.Regular toners
Regular toners without acids can be divided into several categories.- moisturizing tonics - may contain collagen, peptides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea and betaine;
- matting - zinc, clay;
- soothing - panthenol, allantoin, extracts of Centella asiatica, chamomile;
- anti-inflammatory - dicalium glycyrrhizinate, azeloglycine, azelaic acid;
- with anti-age components.
- In addition, niacinamide and vitamin C lighten pigmentation and brighten the skin while ceramides, phospholipids, sphingolipids help retain moisture in the skin, restoring its protective functions and relieving skin flaking.
The most important role in the tonic is played by the basic components:
- hyaluronic acid;
- antioxidants (ascorbic acid);
- aloe;
- plant extracts (green tea, algae, calendula and others);
- essential oils;
- thermal water;
- Niacinamide (as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing agent).
Ingredients that should not be present
The following ingredients in tonics should be avoided:- formaldehydes (DMDM, formalin) - these are preservatives classified as carcinogens;
- Propylene glycol, a petroleum product, is safe in small quantities, but can often cause irritation;
- Parabens (E218, E219, Methylparaben etc.) - Large amounts may increase UV sensitivity and even cause hormonal imbalance, so their concentration should not exceed 0.4%;
- ethanolamines (DEA) are synthetic ammonia derivatives that irritate the skin and mucous membranes and cause structural changes in the epidermis.
Tonic, toner and lotion - what's the difference?
The words "tonic" and "lotion" are most often used today as completely interchangeable synonyms. But the chance of encountering alcohol in a lotion is higher than in a tonic, especially if we are talking about inexpensive brands.
At the same time, the term "lotion" allows for different versions of the product. So there are, for example, makeup remover lotions, which are used in the same way as micellar water.
Toner is a thicker product for additional skin cleansing. It removes the last traces of impurities or makeup stuck in the pores after washing. Toner can also be used to reduce facial oiliness and make the skin look fresher. Often the toner acts as a toner.