Toning lotions are used to remove all traces of grease; cleanser and skin care preparations, can also restore the acidic PH balance to the skin, but if the toner is too strong – as it could contain alcohol – called an astringent.  This will disturb the PH balance also strip the skin of too much sebum, which will soon be replaced, but more excessively if too strong for the skin type.

Other main actions are:

• Use after a mask to refine the skin texture
• Before make-up to refresh the skin and close the pores.

Toners have a cooling effect on the skin due to the alcohol or water in it evaporates from the skin surface.

There are several forms:

• Tonics
• Astringents
• Skin fresheners and bracers

ASTRINGENTS:

Having the most alcohol content, also available in medicated form containing antiseptic ingredients, which help to heal and dry, blemished skin, pustules and prevents the formation of comodones.  Can cause the skin to feel taut, close the pores, reducing the flow of sebum and sweat onto the skins surface.  

Suitability – Mild acne in younger skin and oily skin with no sensitivity.  (Also be aware that stripping the skin of its natural sebum to excess with not benefit, as more sebum will be produced, maybe even excessively)

TONICS:

Tonics are slightly stronger that toning lotions.  They are mixed with various ingredients ranging from witch hazel, Rosewater.

Witch hazel making it slightly stronger.

Suitability – normal skin.

Rosewater being the milder of the two if with added glycerine may be used on Mature, dry and dehydrated skin.

BRACERS AND FRESHENERS:

With the above containing the least amount of alcohol or not at all, thus making them mild.  Normally mixed with Rosewater, purified water and floral extracts.

Suitability – Mature, sensitive, delicate and dry skin.

CONSTITUENTS OF TONING LOTIONS: