Toning 101

Toning is the step after cleansing, and it is probably the most important step in a routine.

It's important because it lowers the pH of the skin (which water can raise after you've rinsed your face after cleansing) to help fight bacteria. 

I use a first toner to exfoliate. Acidic toners help smooth the surface of the skin, and BHA (salicylic acid) toners help unblock pores. 

Acid toning also stimulates collagen production in the dermis (the squidgy layer under the epidermis (what you actually see)), meaning it anti-ages as well.

This all prepares the skin to absorb other products better. If you are not toning, you are wasting your money when it comes to the rest of your routine, in my opinion. 

You can also use a second toner to hydrate. If you spray on a toner that has great hydrating ingredients, you get moisture into the skin that your serum and moisturizer will further trap in there. 

The most effective way to anti-age and to treat skin problems (ESPECIALLY acne) is through moisture.

We need our skin to be moisturized so our immune systems work better to fight off infection. It also makes the collagen and elastin layer last longer, so we can look younger longer. When it comes to anti-aging, prevention is key, and prevention is moisture (and sunscreen, but more on that later).

My favorite toners include the Pixi Glow Tonic in moderation (exfoliating), Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner (exfoliating), La Roche Posay Serozinc (hydrating), the Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence, and the Mario Badescu Rose and Herbs facial mist.

So after you've toned, you can go into your eye cream and serum. More on that next post!