When it comes to beauty regimen, there is little question that a woman has to undergo at least a few steps in order to be beautiful. Even if you are not particularly interested in signing on for the full nine yards (and not, actually, ten steps) of a typical Korean beauty regimen, facial toning can be quite a crucial part of your daily routine. But here is the thing: Even if you have a darker skin tone, you have to be a little more cautious when selecting the right toner for yourself. Here are some things to remember as you choose a hydrating facial toner:
Alcohol toners are notorious for drying out your skin. If you find that applying a toner with alcohol to your face is a problem, try to find one with glycolic acid or similar ingredients. Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that will gently exfoliate your skin while simultaneously refreshing it and reinvigorating it. It is often used in anti-aging products as well as in toners to restore moisture and balance.
Clay toner might also be in your arsenal. Clay extracts, which come from nature, have long been used in Asian skin care. Clay works by gently pulling dirt and grime from pores and then gently removing it through the skin. This action eliminates any oil or debris that may be clogging pores, causing pimples or acne. However, because the clay tends to pull dirt and grime from pores too quickly, it can also leave you feeling greasy after washing. Look for a skin toner with antioxidants to counteract this effect.
An astringent may not seem like the best way to tighten or tone your skin, but it will! Look for a toner that contains either clay or silica. Both of these ingredients, when applied to your face, will draw excess water out of your pores, thereby tightening them. You’ll notice fewer wrinkles and less blackheads or acne once you start using an astringent regularly.
Finally, if you want to restore the glow of your complexion, you can look for a toner that contains vitamin C or A. Vitamins C and A have been shown to exfoliate dead skin cells, moisturize the skin, and hydrate the hair follicles and glands. They also stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, so your complexion will be bright and smooth even if you have a normal hormonal cycle. Be aware, though, that too much Vitamin A can cause premature aging. The same is true of Vitamin C. Look for products with these ingredients instead of the typical mineral oil or petrolatum toners, which can clog your pores and leave you looking older than you really are.
Beauty toners can do much more for your skin than just cleanse and tighten. If you use a toner that helps to restore the moisture in your skin, keeps it hydrated, removes the dead skin cells, and rejuvenates your appearance, you will feel better about yourself. Find a toner that suits your lifestyle and you’ll have younger, smoother, glowing skin in no time.
