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The Benefits of Toner and Are They Really Necessary??

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Benefits of Toner

Toners are one of those skin care products that a lot of people question whether they actually do anything.  In fact, I myself have questioned their importance so that’s why I decided to do some digging and finally find out if they are more then just refreshing spritzers that smell good.

Originally, toners were absolutely necessary due to cleansers having a very high pH.  In order to restore the skin’s pH after harsh cleansers, a product was needed that had a neutral pH.  Most skin care companies have wised up to creating such harsh cleansers so this begs the question, do we really need a toner?

Toners come in many varieties, but basically a toner contains an astringent which is pH balanced and encourages the pores to tighten.  Some claim to simply “refresh” the skin, some hydrate and some treat skin issues.   Upon researching, I found quite the juicy tidbit about a benefit that I did not know of!  Moist skin is much more permeable than dry skin-I did not know this so using a toner makes perfect sense if you want to get the most out of your serums, creams and facial oils.

Benefits of Toner:

  • By using a cotton round and gently swiping over your skin after cleansing, your toner is picking up dirt and oil your cleanser may have left behind.
  • Toners with botanical extracts, aloe, essential oil, hyaluronic acid, hydrosols or glycerin will add extra hydration to the skin.
  • When sprayed over the skin after applying makeup, toner can actually set your makeup!
  • Toner stabilizes pH.
  • Using a toner can actually tighten pores.
  • Can help control oily skin.
  • Brightens skin.
  • Can help combat free radicals.
  • Increases moisturizing abilities of a serum or facial oil.

Making your own toner is so super easy not to mention you can easily customize it to suit your skin needs exactly!  I usually use half witch hazel and 1/2 hydrosol or aloe vera but have plans to add new ingredients like hyaluronic acid as well as glycol acid!   Remember to always look for witch hazel that is alcohol free.  This goes for over the counter toners as well.  Alcohol is harsh and will irritate and dry the skin out over time.

Possible Ingredients in DIY toners:

  • Water
  • Herbal Tea
  • Witch Hazel
  • Hydrosols
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Essential Oils
  • Aloe Vera
  • Glycerin
  • Botanical Extracts
  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Salicylic Acid
  • Vitamin C
  • Glycolic Acid

DIY Toner Recipes:

My Opinion:

I have always questioned whether toners were necessary.  The conclusion I’ve come to is that toners can truly enhance what your cleanser and moisturizers are meant to do.  By learning that wet skin is more permeable, I now believe, at least for dry skin types, toner is an absolute must.  However, if you are going to leave out a product in your skin care regime, toner would be the one.  Through my research I have become very inspired to create more toners in the future and honestly, can not part with a “refreshing” toner in my skin care routine.

xx, Jenni

P.S. I offer a toner in my Etsy shop if you’re interested-Find it HERE.

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Jennifer Phillips

Jennifer Phillips worked as a licensed aesthetician for over 8 years before creating the green beauty blog, Jenni Raincloud and her natural skin care line, J. Raincloud Organics. Jennifer has been blogging full time for 9 years and loves to gain and share knowledge on how to achieve beautiful skin the natural way.

9 thoughts on “The Benefits of Toner and Are They Really Necessary??”

    1. Sonia-Hydrosols have their own preservative but it’s true, when making toner, I don’t make too much because the shelf life is much shorter then an oil based recipe.

  1. I’m hoping you can help me out. I am 62 and have extremely dry and sagging skin. I have a fair and sun damaged skin. My diet is being overhauled, but the deep wrinkles and over exaggerated sagging skin under my eyes is so depressing. Do you have recommendations for me?

    1. Hi Karen! It’s good that you are overhauling your diet-this will help over time for sure! I always suggest oil cleansing and using a facial oil day and night to support your skin. Also, hyaluronic acid can help tighten quickly. Unfortunately reversing sagging skin and deep wrinkles can be very tough but keeping with a healthy lifestyle will really make a difference! If you are looking to make your own products, oil cleansers and facial oils are really easy. I also offer these products plus the hyaluronic acid in my Etsy shop-https://jraincloudorganics.etsy.com

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