When you are looking for a skin toner, you need to choose one that is appropriate for your skin type. We tell you which are the best options for your skin.
A skin toner can be defined as a cosmetic product, which can be a lotion or a liquid meant for skin care. The best option can be defined as the one without any harmful chemicals and which closes the pores on the skin. Natural toning lotions work best as natural acne cure as well.
Astringents are excellent for your skin, especially those which contain a little high concentration of alcohol. It takes off dust, dirt and makeup deposits from the skin and plugs pores on the skin. Tonic, another category of skin toner contains less amount of alcohol than astringents, however, both astringents and tonics contain glycerin, which acts as a humectant. A humectant is a substance acting as a moisturizer. Humectant obstructs evaporation of moisture in epidermis and alcohol helps in cleansing. Skin fresheners, also termed as bracers, work best for dehydrated skin.
Extract of rose, rose water is the most common type of skin freshener or bracer. Bracers contain alcohol in the range of 0-10%, humectant, typically glycerin, and water. As discussed above, skin freshener remains the best option for sensitive and dry skin. Tonics, such as orange flower water, are best for normal and slightly oily skin. Tonics contain alcohol in the range of 0-20%, humectant and water. Astringents are the most preferred skin toners for extremely oily skin. Astringents contain alcohol in the range of 20-50%. Other ingredients in astringents include water, humectant and ingredient with antiseptic properties. Important aspect to note is, using an astringent which causes excess dehydration may lead to increased oil production by the skin to make up for the loss of oil.
For Oily Skin
Witch Hazel: Take a tea bag, peppermint, witch hazel 2 tablespoons and lemon juice 1 tablespoon. Boil water in a large cup. Put the tea bag in water and allow to soak for approximately 15 minutes. Take out the tea bag and let the water cool, followed by mixing witch hazel and lemon juice with water. Store it in frozen conditions.
Alum and Alcohol Mix: Take 1 tablespoon of alum, 2 tablespoons of alcohol and distilled water, 200 gm. Mix together. Store it in the refrigerator, which will make it refreshing in hot climatic conditions.
For Sensitive Skin
Coltsfoot Flower Mix: Take coltsfoot flowers, dried, 6 tablespoons, apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons, sage leaves, dried, 6 tablespoons and hydrosol mint, 2 cups. Boil the hydrosol in a large container. Once boiled, take it off the heat and then add coltsfoot flowers and sage leaves. Let the mixture soak water for approximately an hour. Filter the mixture with a strainer. Add apple cider vinegar to this mixture and shake well. Store this toner in a refrigerator for a period of approximately half a month. You can use this twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Use a large cotton ball to apply it on your neck and face and let it rest for about 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water. Pat dry.
Parsley Recipe: This works as an antiseptic agent and is good for sensitive skin. Simply mix parsley, rosemary, lemon balm and fennel, 1 tablespoon each with ½ cup milk. Let the mixture rest for ½ an hour for a soothing effect on sensitive skin. Apply with a cotton ball and wait for 10 minutes. Wash with warm water and pat dry.
For Dry Skin
Astringent Herb: Take apple cider vinegar, 4 tablespoons, mint leaves, dried, 2 tablespoons, distilled water, 2 cups. Take all the ingredients in a big container, cover with a lid and let the mixture rest for a period of approximately 2 – 2 ½ days. Filter out the herbs from the mixture, take out in a clean jar and keep in a refrigerator. Apply to face and neck with a cotton ball and let it rest for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Watermelon Toner: Simplest of all the recipes, you just need honey, ½ tablespoon and watermelon juice, 3 tablespoons. Mix honey and watermelon juice thoroughly, shake well and apply on your face and neck and wait for 10-12 minutes. This works best as a skin moisturizer.
These toners and skin creams have natural ingredients, hence, the risk of side effects is very low. Include any of these in your cleansing routine as per your skin type. It will prove beneficial for your skin making it glowing and radiant.
