In today's day and age there are seemly a billion products in the beauty industry. There are so many in fact that most consumers are unacquainted with the true benefits of each individual product . I am here to help clarify what toner is for the unaware and bring a deeper understanding to those who are already familiar.
The first gap I need to bridge is the science behind our skin. Our skin is used as a protective outer layer that is a natural waterproofing as well as a barrier to infection. In order to maintain this natural defense, the skin produces a potential hydrogen (pH) balance.
For my non-science enthusiast, pH is a scale that measures a solution's acidity or basicity, the scale ranges from 1-14 pH. 1-6.9 pH is considered acidic (Think lemon juice or vinegar), 7.1-14 is considered alkaline or basic (Think ammonia, bleach, or liquid drain cleaner), a pH of 7 is considered to be neutral (Think filtered drinking water).
Our skin prefers to be at a pH of 5.5, which is slightly more acidic.
Remaining in the optimal pH range is crucial in maintaining your skin's health. If your skin gets too basic (6.6+) then your skin will become dry and sensitive. This sensitivity may cause eczema and other related skin inflammations. If inflamed your skin will be unable to inhibit the collagen destroying enzymes; which will lead premature wrinkles. In addition a more basic complexion is more prone to sun damage.
On the other hand if your skin becomes to acidic (3.9-) the area will be more prone to producing large inflamed acne. Often times this type of acne will be highly sensitive to touch.
So then, What does toner do? Toner works as a restoring agent to bring your skin back to its optimal pH balance. Toner is great for those who suffer from acne, such as myself. It provides a clean feeling as well as rids our skin of life's everyday germs (i.e. pollution, dirt, etc). It is also great for those who have drier skin, by providing them with some extra moisture. Regardless of your skin needs, toner should always be followed up by a daily moisture. This moisture should be preferably one with SPF 15 or lower to avoid excess oils on your face. Remember the sun never takes a day off neither should you.
Here is what you will need:
The first gap I need to bridge is the science behind our skin. Our skin is used as a protective outer layer that is a natural waterproofing as well as a barrier to infection. In order to maintain this natural defense, the skin produces a potential hydrogen (pH) balance.
Our skin prefers to be at a pH of 5.5, which is slightly more acidic.
Remaining in the optimal pH range is crucial in maintaining your skin's health. If your skin gets too basic (6.6+) then your skin will become dry and sensitive. This sensitivity may cause eczema and other related skin inflammations. If inflamed your skin will be unable to inhibit the collagen destroying enzymes; which will lead premature wrinkles. In addition a more basic complexion is more prone to sun damage.
On the other hand if your skin becomes to acidic (3.9-) the area will be more prone to producing large inflamed acne. Often times this type of acne will be highly sensitive to touch.
So then, What does toner do? Toner works as a restoring agent to bring your skin back to its optimal pH balance. Toner is great for those who suffer from acne, such as myself. It provides a clean feeling as well as rids our skin of life's everyday germs (i.e. pollution, dirt, etc). It is also great for those who have drier skin, by providing them with some extra moisture. Regardless of your skin needs, toner should always be followed up by a daily moisture. This moisture should be preferably one with SPF 15 or lower to avoid excess oils on your face. Remember the sun never takes a day off neither should you.
Now that you are informed, it's time for the fun part...
A DIY facial toner.
1/3 cup of Witch hazel
(It minimizes pores & reduces inflammation)
1/4 cup of Lemon Juice
(This reduces blemishes & serves as a natural skin brightener)
2 Tablespoons of Rubbing Alcohol
(It provides a deep cleaning for naturally oily skin)
1/2 a cup of water
(One of the most crucial resources on earth. Did you know that 75% of our bodies are made up with water?)
1 medium-large spray bottle
(For storing your toner)
Mix the ingredients together in the container, and vi'la you just made yourself a homemade bottle of toner. Let me know what you think. Until next time on DIY, Happy toning!
For information on pH check out
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