THE SECOND STEP TOWARDS HEALTHY SKIN IS PROPER TONING

After you use a cleanser, the skin will be without part of its natural barrier (called the acid mantle). This acid mantle protects the skin from bacteria and other little invaders. Applying an astringent toner for oily skin, a balancing toner for combination skin, or an emollient and soothing toner for dry skins and/or sensitive skins will bring back the natural barrier of the skin more quickly.

Toners, whether classified as astringents, clarifiers, fresheners or tonics are possibly the least understood of the basic skin care products. The toners that I use in my practice and offer to my clients are result oriented each having its purpose in addition to restoring the skin’s acid mantle. To be effective, toners should be used generously.

Toners are applied after cleansing to make sure all the cleanser is removed as well as all traces of makeup, pollution, debris and oils. Toners also rebalance, exfoliate, purify, and hydrate the skin depending on the formulation.

Serums and hydrators must be applied immediately after toning while the skin is slightly damp when the skin is most receptive to the products and sealing in moisture.

Directions for using toners:

After cleansing, moisten a cotton pad with a small amount of toner and apply in upward and outward strokes over the face and neck.

A small amount of toner can be blended with a cleanser to dilute and/or buffer the cleanser. Toner can also be blended with moisturizers to dilute and/or buffer to a thinner or lighter lotion.

Toner recommendations:

PCA pHaze 5 is a combination of vitamins, enzymes and lactic and citric acids that provide added nutrients to the skin. This solution is designed for normal to dry, mature skin and those with sensitive, breakout-prone skin.

PCA pHaze 2 is a lactic and citric acid solution formulated to help refine pores and remove superficial dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth and clear. This toner is most appropriate for normal to oily skin types.