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.
Archive
Posts Tagged ‘Irritants’
Apr
29
Nov
03
An effective approach to managing skin allergies has three components. Firstly you must understand the condition, then you must discover if anything is triggering your skin reaction, and thirdly you must look after your skin.
Many people think that allergies only affect the respiratory or digestive systems, but they can also affect your largest organ- your skin. As with other allergies the immune system overreacts to the presence of certain substances and releases inflammation-producing chemicals. Do some research and talk to your doctor. You can be confident of controlling your skin condition better if you are sure you understand what causes it.
The second component in managing a skin allergy is identifying then eliminating the allergens and irritants that start the itching/scratching cycle. There are over three thousand known triggers for skin allergies. Many are natural, but there are plenty of man-made ones too.
A common man-made trigger is latex, which comes from the sap of the Brazilian rubber tree. The natural proteins and those added in the manufacturing process can trigger an allergic reaction. Most people are aware that this can lead to reactions if you wear latex gloves. However latex is also present in baby pacifiers, balloons, pencil erasers and elastic bands in undergarments. There can also be problems when latex particles become airborne and are inhaled. If you have a latex allergy try to avoid the material and use vinyl or plastic where possible.
Nickel is another trigger. In addition to the obvious nickel-containing metallic objects like coins and jewelry, nickel is also present in everyday objects like scissors, bathroom and kitchen cabinet handles, and zippers. Mascara, eye shadow and eye pencils also contain nickel. Experts estimate that the number of people suffering from a nickel allergy has risen about 40% in the last decade. Much of this is believed to be due to the popularity of body piercing. Some foods also have natural nickel content and people who suffer severe symptoms may need to restrict their diet under medical supervision. At present there is no way to desensitize a person with a nickel allergy. Avoidance is the best strategy.
The third component of effective management is looking after your skin. The easiest thing to do is to keep your fingernails short to reduce the damage caused by scratching.
Managing your skin’s condition means firstly moisturizing and softening the skin to ensure it does not dry out. Your doctor may recommend you use topical corticosteroid preparations to control the inflammation.
When you take a bath soak in lukewarm water for 20 to 30 minutes. Do not have hot baths or showers, as the heat will increase skin dryness and itching. You can add oatmeal or baking soda to the bath for a soothing effect, though it does not help moisturize the skin.
Use a mild soap or a non-soap cleanser with neutral pH (pH7). If you wish to add bath oils do so after you have been in the water so that it can seal in the moisture. Do not use bubble baths as they can form a barrier that stops the bathwater moisturizing your skin.
After the bath dry yourself by patting your skin with a soft towel. This helps retain moisture. Immediately after drying your skin apply a lotion or emollient cream to help your skin retain the moisture.
To look after your skin you will also need to avoid situations where you will experience extreme physical contact, heavy perspiration, or heavy clothing. This may mean avoiding some sports. Swimming is permissible if you rinse the chlorine from your skin as soon as you leave the pool, and use a moisturizer after drying yourself.
Follow these three steps and you will be able to control your skin allergy and minimize its impact on your everyday life.
Jul
17
Generally, allergy is a word that describes as reaction of body tissues in certain individuals, which is uncommon in substance and has no noticeable or characteristic result on other people. Studies have shown that out of every one hundred Americans seventeen of them are indeed hypersensitive to some substances that are known to cause uncommon reactions, in other words they are allergic to common sources of allergens. These allergens may range widely from varies sources of irritants. For instance, some individuals show signs of allergies when introduced to certain annoyances such as dust and pet dander as well as insect venom, mold spores and pollens. Others may show signs of allergies when exposed to flowers and yet other individuals may show signs of being allergic to certain soaps.
Common Allergies:
1. Anaphylaxis – generated by food, insect stings or drugs
2. Contact Allergies – activated by skin-affecting allergens
3. Food Allergies – provoked by certain types of food
4. Insect Sting Allergies – produced by insect venom
5. Respiratory Allergies – prompted by airborne allergens
In view of the fact that all individuals may display reactions unique to their own bodily system, allergic reactions may vary widely as well as show signs to all or some of the reactions listed below. Always seek advice from your physician if any allergic reaction becomes severe or persistent. Here you will find symptoms, which are associated with common allergy types, these symptoms may range from mild to very severe.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal allergic reaction that has sudden and severe affects on varies areas of the body. This allergic reaction is most commonly found resulting from food or drug allergies as well as from insect stings. Anaphylaxis requires urgent medical attention. Anaphylaxis is generally noticeable very soon after the exposure of the affecting allergens, and can very well bring on a life endangering shock. As well, other signs of Anaphylaxis are distress of the respiratory system, swelling in certain areas of the body or the total body and an extreme itching over the total body.
Anaphylactic symptoms include:
1. Abnormal heartbeat
2. Tightening sensation of the chest
3. Difficulty in swallowing and breathing
4. Swelling of the throat, mouth and tongue
5. Flushing of the skin
6. Tingling or itching throughout the body
7. Agitation, anxiety or distress
8. Confusion or disorientation
9. Dizziness or lightheadedness
10. Fainting or nausea
11. Stomach upsets such as abdominal cramps, vomiting or diarrhea
Since some severe cases of anaphylactic shock, can occur and can prove to be life threatening it is best to get proper medical treatment immediately. As a sudden drop in blood pressure, which results from the dilation of blood vessels may also cause the loss of consciousness and the swelling of the body’s bronchial tissues can cause choking before the loss of consciousness.
Contact Allergies
The symptoms of contact allergies normally occur within a few moments of exposure to the allergen; however, it is possible for reactions to the allergens to show up several hours after exposure. There are many common allergens such as poison oak and poison ivy as well as medications, latex, dyes, fragrances or perfumes and cosmetics, preservatives and nickel, rubber and hair dyes. Nickel is a frequently used metal in jewelry, hairpins, buttons and zippers as well as snaps and metal clips and is frequently associated with allergies. Some individuals may also display signs of being allergic to the exposure of the sun.
Mild Symptoms:
1. Eczema
2. Hives
3. Redness or swelling of the skin
4. Itchy or a bumpy rash
5. Skin bumps that are filled with fluid
Severe Symptoms:
1. Anaphylaxis
Food Allergies
Certain types of food, which normally occurs within a few minutes, generally bring on a food allergy symptom. As well as showing, up several hours after the food consumption. Although it is possible for food allergies to involve many areas of the body, it is usually seen around the areas of the mouth and lips as well as the digestive tract. Foods that are commonly known to cause allergic reactions are milk, nuts, eggs, wheat and soy as well as shellfish and fish products.
Mild Symptoms:
1. Tightness of the throat
2. Difficulty in swallowing or speaking
3. Itching, swelling or tingling in the areas of the mouth, throat, tongue and lips
4. Wheezing
5. Sneezing
6. Coughing or congestion
7. Rashes of the skin
8. Itchy, stuffy or runny nose
9. Nausea
10. Abdominal cramping and indigestion
11. Diarrhea and vomiting
Severe Symptoms:
1. Difficulty in breathing
2. Sudden increase of heart rate
3. Sudden hoarseness or inability to speak
4. Extreme facial swelling
5. Sudden outbreak of facial itching
6. Dizziness and fainting
7. Sudden and profuse sweating
8. Anaphylaxis
Insect Sting Allergies
Although it is possible to develop symptoms of allergies to insect stings can occur several hours after exposure, most symptoms of allergies from insect stings normally happen just a few moments after being stung. Allergic reactions from insect venom can come from such insects as bees, hornets and wasps as well as yellow jackets and fire ants.
Mild Symptoms:
1. Swelling of the tongue
2. Tightness of the chest
3. Difficulty in breathing
4. Fever
5. Nausea or fatigue
6. Hives
7. Swelling in other areas of the body, including the stung area
8. Itching in other areas of the body, including the stung area
9. Pain in other areas of the body, including the stung area
Severe Symptoms:
1. Anaphylaxis
Respiratory Allergies
Respiratory allergies symptoms generally occur after several hours of exposure, which is normally provoked by airborne allergens, such as dust mites, plant pollens, and pet dander and mold spores.
Mild Symptoms:
1. Itchy, watery, red swollen eyes
2. Impaired sense of smell
3. Postnasal drip
4. Runny or stuffy nose running with clear thin mucus
5. Sneezing
6. Wheezing
7. Coughing
8. Itchy nose or throat
9. Congestion
10. Hoarseness of the throat
11. Conjunctivitis
12. Fatigue
Severe Symptoms:
1. Pain and tightness in the chest
2. Difficult or shortness of breathing
It is vital to understand that many allergies have symptoms similar to other diseases or conditions. This is why it is of the utmost importance that you consult with your physician while assessing a condition and getting a proper diagnosis.