What is a facial toner and what does it do?

A facial toner helps to treat the root causes of acne and excess oil by purifying and alleviating the congestion that occurs deep within the pores. It is used after you cleanse your face so that your skin does not have to do the work of balancing itself out. When you wash your face, your skin has to work hard to restore its natural pH level. A facial toner balances out the pH levels in your skin. A facial toner works instantly to restore the pH back to normal. Without it, your skin may take up to an hour to balance out. Many people skip this step , which is unfortunate because not only does it help to clean your face but it also hydrates and moisturizes your skin.

Is toning really necessary or can you live without it?

A facial toner can be useful if you wear makeup. Many facial cleansers are not strong enough to remove all the residue from your skin. The tendency is to use stronger and harsher cleansers which can lead to skin irritation. Instead, a toner provides extra help without stripping your skin of its protective oils. Remember, oily skin does not always result from excessive oil production but from over-washing. That's right. When your skin is stripped of its protective barrier, your sebum glands go into "over-drive" in order to regain balance. In the process, they over preduces oil. A toner prepares your skin for a mositurizer that usually follows. However, if the toner is made from the right, natural ingredients and it does NOT contain any alcohol, then it will start to moisturize right away.

A facial toner isn't just for makeup removal. Fundamentally, it is used to to gently clear your pores; to smooth out your complexion and to leave your face feeling refreshed. It will make your pores feel tighter and will soothe and comfort your skin. It helps to prevent acne from forming by keeping your pores clean and unclogged.

What are the best ingredients in a facial toner?

Below are five ingredients that work great together.

• Aloe Vera: a fantastic moisturizer that is found in natural toners. It has so many benefits that it is one of the most commonly used base ingredients in natural facial toners. Aloe releases natural compounds that relieves pain and encourages healing.
• Apple cider vinegar: works as a mild detoxifier. It is used to treat acne; it contains natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids and it gently removes oil and dirt build-up.
• Rooibos Tea extract: it has a soothing effect on the skin. It is also an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and has many antimicrobial properties.
• Black Willowbark extract: A natural astringent that helps acne prone skin. It prevents inflammation and discourages the formation of acne.
• Tea Tree Essential Oil: It is best known as a very powerful immune stimulant. It fights against all three types of infectious organisms: Bacteria, Fungi and Viruses. Tea Tree is used to fight acne and to reduce excess oil.