Some dermatologists say that facial toning is a waste of time and money, while others suggest it is an optional step and certainly not necessary for healthy skin.
On the flip-side, the opinion of trained estheticians, who provide facial maintenance services to many skin types every day, is that a facial toner is absolutely, if not the, most important step of a beauty routine.
Esthetician training manuals also advise that facial toning enables a thorough cleansing of the skin and, if the product is well formulated, remarkably improving skin hydration – both benefits that can help prevent common complexion problems.
So, who is right? Perhaps taking a closer look at some of the reported benefits of a facial toner can help one decide whether or not it is important for their skin…
In days gone by, facial toners were reserved for strictly the oiliest of skin types and were often based on seriously moisture-stripping ingredients, like alcohol.
Today, however, the benefits of a facial toner can be enjoyed by almost all skin types due many far more gentle formulations now available. In fact, more often than not, facial toners are now formulated with a wonderful array of gently astringent herbs, antioxidants, anti-irritants and/or ingredients to complement the other steps in one’s skin care routine.
In the opinion of many estheticians and skin care formulator, Deanna Vazquez (who owns and operates Alchemilla – an organic skin care manufacturer based in Oregon) a well formulated, alcohol-free, pH correct organic facial toner or floral water can help promote balance and optimal skin function by offering the following benefits:
Removes final traces of cleanser, make-up, excess oil and chemicals from tap water. Supports skin’s return to its natural acidic pH.
The skin’s slightly acidic pH (“acid mantle”) protects against the actions of bacteria and micro-organisms living in the environment, however its balance can be affected by factors such as alkaline products (most cleansers), cosmetics, poor nutrition and excessive perspiration. Reduces the look of pores.
Technically, pores cannot be ‘closed’ by a toner, however natural astringents like Elder Flowers or Ladies Mantle, can help firm the skin’s surface, making pores look smaller. In addition, a thorough cleansing process, which includes a toner, can help remove ingrained, pore-stretching impurities, effectively decreasing pore size. Hydrates skin and may reduce oil output.
Adequately hydrated skin promotes optimal cell function and a younger looking complexion, and it can help with excess oil production. How? When skin is exposed to external stimuli, eg. drying weather, cleansers, controlled climates or alcohol based products, it can quickly become dehydrated. It is believed that when skin is dehydrated sebaceous glands compensate by pumping out excess oil. The result? Oily and dehydrated skin – at the same time! A gentle, alcohol-free toner, which contains a natural humectant such as glycerin or honey, can help balance this oily/dehydrated skin condition by offering hydration protection and the light moisturization this skin type craves. Aids and extends application of serum and moisturizer products.
Applying a serum or moisturizer to toner-dampened skin makes for its smoother application. In addition, toner dilutes therefore reduces the amount of moisturizer product needed. Helps set make-up (especially mineral make-up).
Applied as a mist after make-up application, a facial toner or floral water can beautifully set the look of the make-up, giving it a moist, dewy finish without oiliness. Cools, refreshes and soothes skin.
A facial toner or floral water is delightfully refreshing after working-out or in dry, air-conditioned environments…and those that contain anti-irritant ingredients can help calm and soothe the skin.
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Posts Tagged ‘Excess Oil’
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Introduction
The sudden onset of a ‘zit’ before a date is every teenager’s nightmare. Most teenagers – and a large percentage of adults – suffer from Acne Vulgaris, which can shows up as whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples on the face, neck, shoulders, back, and chest. A recent study conducted in the USA revealed that 17 million people suffer from acne, spawning a large market for anti-acne products.
Causes
Skin pores contain oil glands which keep the skin and hair lubricated. Sometimes, these sebaceous pores become clogged with excess oil and bacteria, resulting in acne. Broadly, the causes of acne may be the following:
Bacteria, which easily infects oil glands and pores Wrong diet, irregular meals, excessive intake of starches, sugar, and fatty foods Chronic constipation Hormonal activity, particularly in teenagers Incorrect use of cosmetics that clog the pores Genes
Types of acne
Whiteheads: Whiteheads are caused when a pore is completely blocked, trapping sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells, causing a white appearance on the surface. Blackheads: Blackheads result when a pore is only partially blocked, allowing some of the trapped sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells to slowly drain to the surface. The black color is caused by a reaction of the skin’s own pigment, melanin, reacting with the oxygen in the air. Papules: Papules are inflamed, red, tender bumps with no head. Pustules: A pustule is similar to a whitehead, but is inflamed, and appears as a red circle with a white or yellow center. Severe acne vulgaris is characterized by nodules and cysts. Nodules are large, hard bumps under the skin’s surface, and are prone to leaving behind scars. An acne cyst can appear similar to a nodule, but is pus-filled and painful. Acne Rosacea can look similar to the acne vulgaris and is visible in patches. Severe forms of acne include acne conglobata (large lesions) and pyoderma faciale (severe facial acne afflicting only females.
Prevention
Eat healthy. Include fresh fruits and vegetables and anti-oxidants such as tomatoes in your diet. Stay clean. Use a natural antibacterial, non-oily face wash/body wash. Those containing tea tree oil are a good option. Do not scrub your face, which can irritate the skin. The aim of washing is to remove dirt and oil from the pores. If you have constipation, treat it immediately. Drink lots of water. Avoid chocolate, fried food, and refined sugar. Take B-complex and zinc supplements daily to strengthen the skin’s resistance to acne. Watch where you put your face: don’t place your cheek against things and surfaces that may carry infection, such as telephone receivers, window panes, used pillow cases etc.
Remedies
Do NOT squeeze or pop a pimple. Squeezing can push bacteria and pus deeper into the skin, leaving permanent scars. Wash your face with warm salt water. This will get rid of the oil and dirt without irritating the acne. Apply cucumber paste on your face. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water. Aloe vera gel is an effective natural cure for acne. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. If you get a bad case of acne, see a dermatologist.
Herbal Remedies and Herbs Supplements for Acne (Acne Vulgaris)
Skinelle Cream – natural treatment for Acne and Pimples
Skinelle cream is an effective and safe natural treatment for Acne and pimples. Its main ingredients Manjishtha, Haridra and Sariva have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which eradicate infection in acne. Skinelle has no side effects and is safe for long term application.
Purim
Purim from Himalaya Herbals is a herbal, ayurvedic formulation. Purim also known as Hemocare is a blood purifier. The various constituents of Purim have antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, hepatic stimulant, wound healing and anti-allergic properties. Most of the constituents of Purim are used in the treatment of skin disease and promote wound healing. Purim with its anti-allergic property is beneficial in the control of pruritus associated with skin infections
more at http://www.anytimeherbal.com