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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:

• Hydrating Rose Facial Spray
• Aloe Vera Toner w/ Juniper Berry
• Geranium Facial Spritzer
• Green Tea Toner
• DIY Organic Toner Recipe

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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