Should I Be Using a Face Toner?
Firstly, What is a Face Toner?
In the past, a toner was a liquid that was supposed to remove anything left on your skin after cleansing, and restore the skins pH levels. Many toners were astringent (alcohol) based and stripped the natural oils from skin leaving it feeling squeaky clean, but also dry and often irritated. Thank goodness times have changed and nowadays toners are much more sophisticated. Every formula is different and may contain hydrating, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or exfoliating ingredients. Many are also alcohol-free, so have less of a drying effect on the skin.
The Benefits of Using a Face Toner
A facial toner can significantly improve your skin health and texture, making it a very valuable addition to your skincare regime. Facial toners can help to remove excess oil, impurities, and makeup left behind after cleansing, as well as balancing skin pH levels. The benefits of face toners go beyond just cleansing though.
A quality facial toner can also help to:
Reduce the appearance of pores.
Tighten and firm the skin.
Hydrate the skin to help prevent dryness and premature aging.
Balance oil production.
Restore hydration levels.
Calm and soothe the skin.
Assist with skin repair and cellular regeneration.
Prep the skin for maximum absorption of serums and moisturisers.
Choosing a natural face toner over one with synthetic ingredients can have additional skin health benefits. Natural face toners are often made using entirely plant-derived ingredients, free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. Such chemicals are often present in commercial toners and can irritate and damage your skin. When you use a natural product, you can avoid these harmful ingredients and enjoy the benefits of natural ingredients instead.
Ingredients To Avoid in a Face Toner
When choosing a face toner, it’s important to be mindful of certain ingredients that may not be suitable for your skin type or could potentially cause irritation or adverse reactions. Here are some ingredients to avoid:
Alcohol: Toners containing high concentrations of alcohol, such as denatured alcohol or SD alcohol, can be drying and irritating to the skin, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin. Look for alcohol-free formulations to avoid stripping your skin’s natural oils.
Harsh acids: Harsh acids such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid, should be avoided if you have dry or sensitive skin, as these acids can cause redness, irritation, and peeling.
Fragrance: Fragrances, whether synthetic or natural, can be sensitising and irritating to the skin, particularly for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema or rosacea. Opt for fragrance-free or naturally scented toners to minimize the risk of irritation.
Harsh astringents: Some toners contain harsh astringents like witch hazel or menthol, which can be overly drying and irritating, especially for sensitive or dry skin types. Instead, choose gentle toners with soothing and hydrating ingredients to maintain skin balance.
Artificial colors: Artificial colours or dyes can be unnecessary additives that may cause irritation or allergic reactions, particularly for those with sensitive skin. Look for toners that are free of artificial colours and rely on natural ingredients for their hue.
Sulfates: Sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are surfactants commonly found in cleansers and toners to create foaming action. However, they can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the skin barrier, leading to dryness and irritation. Opt for sulfate-free toners for a gentler cleansing experience.
Parabens: Parabens are preservatives used in skincare products to prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life. However, they have been associated with potential health risks and concerns about endocrine disruption. Look for paraben-free toners or products preserved with alternative, safer natural preservatives.
Mineral oil: Mineral oil is a common ingredient in skincare products due to its inexpensive nature and emollient properties. However, it can clog pores and prevent the skin from breathing, leading to breakouts and congestion, particularly for acne-prone or oily skin types. Choose toners formulated with lightweight, non-comedogenic oils or oil-free alternatives.
High concentrations of essential oils: While essential oils can offer various benefits for the skin, they can also be potent and cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially when used in high concentrations. If you have sensitive skin, choose toners with minimal essential oil content or opt for essential oil-free formulations.
By avoiding these ingredients in your face toner, you can minimise the risk of irritation, allergic reactions, and other adverse effects, ensuring that your skincare routine promotes healthy, balanced, and radiant skin.
Ultimately, using a natural face toner with quality, non-irritating ingredients can help to improve the overall health and appearance of your skin, leaving it looking radiant, refreshed, and revitalised.
Scenturie Replenishing Natural Toner
Our award-winning Replenishing Natural Toner is the second important step in your natural skincare routine and will leave your skin feeling beautifully hydrated, revitalised and refreshed. It helps to remove the last traces of makeup, excess oil, and impurities after cleansing, and it prepares your skin for effective absorption of subsequent products, such as serums or moisturisers, maximising their effectiveness and ensuring they penetrate deeply into the skin.
Our unique synergistic blend of pure plant ingredients instantly hydrates, balances, and calms the skin restoring the natural balance of moisture.
Key Ingredients
Neroli flower water, produced through the steam distillation of fragrant neroli blossoms from the bitter orange tree, helps to promote a radiant complexion, diminish the appearance of scars and wrinkles, and calm irritated skin. Its exquisite captivating scent is cherished in aromatherapy for its mood-enhancing and stress-relieving properties.
Hyaluronic acid greatly improves skin hydration, stimulates collagen synthesis, and helps with skin cell repair and regeneration. It can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water making it a powerful humectant, keeping your skin moisturised throughout the day.
Palm-free glycerine locks in essential moisture and provides an instant hydration boost for plumper, smoother skin.
Aloe vera leaf juice is high in antioxidants, vitamins, and enzymes and its anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties allow it to soothe and moisturise the skin. It calms irritated or inflamed skin, reducing redness and discomfort, and balancing oil production.
NZ Pohutukawa bark extract provides powerful antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Fig fruit extract provides collagen-stabilising, skin-hydrating and skin-toning effects.
NZ Kānuka oil, with its enchanting, fresh, herbaceous scent synonymous with the NZ native bush, will help calm your senses and connect you with nature.
How To Use
Apply 2-3 sprays to a cotton pad & wipe gently across face, neck, & décolletage. Apply immediately after cleansing with our Natural Creamy Cleanser, or anytime your skin needs a hydration boost. Follow with Scenturie Nourishing Natural Day Cream and SPF, or Scenturie Ultra-Rich Natural Night Cream. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive, ageing, combination, and acne-prone skin.
