Facial tonic [why is it needed and how to use it]

Facial tonic – what is it?

Facial tonic is a water-based leave-in product (up to 95% distilled and / or thermal water in the composition) with active substances dissolved in it for skin care: moisturizing, softening, refreshing. Most often, toning completes the stage of skin cleansing – the tool contributes to a better penetration of the active components of the formulas of creams and serums. The key task of a facial tonic is to restore the acid-base balance (pH) of the skin after cleansing and prepare it for the application of care.

Why do you need a facial tonic?

The main condition for proper care is daily cleansing of the face twice a day: in the morning and in the evening. By cleansing the skin, we rid it of corneocytes (keratinized cells), while violating the natural protective barrier of the skin, consisting of sebum (sebum), microflora, lactic acid and sweat. This protective mantle forms the basis of the moisturizing factor (NMF).

The hydrolipidic barrier of the skin can be damaged due to non-compliance with the recommendations for washing: the use of overly aggressive cleansing products, improper care for the type of skin, too frequent cleansing (more than 2 times a day), washing with too hot or cold water. As a result of the weakening of the protective barrier, the pH level is disturbed and the skin becomes sensitive, dry and irritated, itching, redness and inflammation appear.

To normalize the pH level of the skin, disturbed during the cleansing process, the use of a facial tonic will help.

In addition, the tool performs other important functions:

• Delicately completes the cleansing process;
• Serves as a conductor for the active components of care products (cream, mask, fluid, face serum);
• Prevents the feeling of tightness of the skin after washing with a cleanser and hard tap water;
• Moisturizes, softens, tones, refreshes, mattifies the skin, fights free radicals and the first signs of aging, depending on its type and needs;
• With regular use of facial skin tonic, evens out the tone and relief of the face, gives it a natural glow.

What is the difference between lotion and facial tonic

Tonic and lotion are skin toning products that are involved in the final stage of care – cleansing. Both products are designed to restore the pH of the skin and improve its tone. But not many people know how these two tools differ.

• Lotion comes from the Latin root “lotio”, meaning “washing”, is an aqueous solution with active substances intended for the care of oily skin. The lotion often contains alcohol-containing components and is used as an additional cleansing step.
• Tonic is a special solution that completes the cleansing procedure and prepares the skin for the application of subsequent care. Cares for facial skin according to its type and needs.

What is the difference between toner and face toner

• Tonic water-based is applied to the skin with a cotton pad moistened with the product and used at the final stage of cleansing, toning and refreshing the epidermis.
• Toner but it has a denser texture, can be distributed over the face with fingertips, without the use of a cotton pad. The main function of the toner is to intensively moisturize and soften the skin after cleansing.

Types of tonics: how to choose a product for your skin type

Answering the question: “what are the tonics?”, Keep in mind that a good tonic should be selected according to the type and needs of the skin, on which the direction of the formula depends:

• For dry skin type choose moisturizing tonics for the face, with powerful hydrofixators in the formula (glycerin, amino acids, aloe, hyaluronic acid).
• For sensitive type products with a soft, slightly oily texture that have a soothing and softening effect are suitable. The formulas of such tonics should not contain alcohol, fragrances, parabens and dyes.
• For normal type choose a universal remedy based on hyaluronic acid, which helps moisturize and strengthen the protective properties of the skin.
• For combined type use multi-toning (application of two tonics for different skin types at the same time): moisturizing in the cheek area and matting in the T-zone. Or use a 2-in-1 product marked “for combination type.”
• For aging skin choose products with an anti-age effect: lifting, increasing elasticity and density, deep moisturizing and smoothing wrinkles. Anti-aging tonic formulas often include hyaluronic and glycolic acids and antioxidants (vitamins C and E, resveratrol).

The composition of tonics for the face

The composition of the tonic directly depends on the needs and type of skin and the tasks that need to be solved.

Below are the main components that are most often found in the basis of tonics:

• Allantoin heals, relieves inflammation, irritation, tightens pores, softens the skin and promotes cell regeneration.
• hyaluronic acid deeply moisturizes, prevents the evaporation of moisture, smoothes wrinkles.
• Glycerol softens, moisturizes, retains moisture in the deep layers of the epidermis.
• Glycolic acid cleanses, exfoliates, softens, brightens the skin, smoothes deep creases and folds.
• Salicylic acid exfoliates, mattifies, tightens pores, has a drying effect.
• Simple alcohols provide an antibacterial effect, enhance the penetration of active ingredients into the dermis and serve to stabilize the formula.
• Thermal water from French volcanic sources enriches the dermis with vitamins and minerals, nourishes, strengthens, protects, moisturizes, neutralizes the harmful effects of free radicals, soothes.
• Zinc An indispensable component in the composition of tonics for oily, problem skin. Relieves inflammation, dries, controls oily sheen.
• plant extracts are universal and have a wide spectrum of action: they strengthen blood vessels, relieve irritation, rejuvenate, narrow pores, fight harmful bacteria, and have an antioxidant effect.

How to use the tonic

It is recommended to use a tonic after each facial cleansing procedure: twice a day. Avoid the eye area when applying cosmetic unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer. There are two ways to apply toner to the skin.

1. With a cotton pad along the massage lines:

• Moisten a cotton pad with tonic, lightly walk from the center of the forehead to the temples, one smoothing movement on each side;
• Then go with a cotton pad from the wings of the nose to the ears;
• Spread the tonic from the center of the chin to the ears;
• The final stage: from the space between the eyebrows to the tip of the nose.

2. Cloth napkin (suitable for sensitive skin types):

• Soak a tissue napkin or folded 2-3 layers of pharmaceutical gauze with a tonic composition well and apply it tightly to your face, like a tissue mask, for a few seconds.

Best Facial Tonics: La Roche-Posay Rating

Below are the best La Roche-Posay toning products. The dermatological laboratory of the French brand occupies a leading position in the world rankings and reviews of pharmacy cosmetics.

Effaclar Pore Tightening Lotion for oily skin prone to breakouts

A soothing toner for sensitive face & eyes