Toner For Skin – Homemade Herbal Toners For All Skin Types
It is a good practice to tone your skin using herbal toner after cleaning it with a cleanser. Toning is important as it helps to eliminate, from the skin, any leftover traces of dirt and grime that may not have been washed away by cleanser.
Toner should also be used after every exfoliation as it helps close the pores opened by exfoliation. It tightens the skin giving it a smooth texture and appearance. When used before makeup it helps the skin hold on to foundation and powders for a longer time. The most important use of toners is to freshen up tired and sallow skin immediately. Cold water is the best known natural toner. It instantly revives dull skin giving it a rich glow.
There are many toners available in the market which can be quite heavy on your pocket. These toners are made from a combination of herbs, flowers, rose water, witch hazel, vinegar and alcohol. The use of alcohol in the toner can be disastrous for the skin. Since herbal toners are easy to prepare you can make them at home using the readily available ingredients. Of course the ingredients used should be suitable to your skin type.
Toners work best on greasy or oily skin. They remove all traces of shine on an oily face without disturbing the natural oil balance of the skin unlike the soap. Soaps and washes have harsh chemicals which deplete the skin of its natural moisturizers leading to breakouts on the skin. Hence toners should be used regularly by people with normal to oily skin.
Herbal Toners
Rose Water
Rose water is the oldest and best known herbal toner. Since centuries women across the world have been using rose water in their beauty regime. Rose water immediately freshens up dull and sallow looking skin. It can also be used in various face packs to soothe the skin.
Rose water is available with all the chemists and in various general stores. However, you can also make your own rose water at home. Simply boil petals from four roses in distilled water.
Once the mixture cools down use a sieve to strain it. Add a few drops of rose essential oil for perfume. Pour the liquid in a spray bottle and put it in the refrigerator. Toners are best when used cool. People with oily skin can mix a few drops of glycerin with rose water toner and use it as a moisturizer during winter.
Rose Water and Witch Hazel Toner
Witch hazel and rose water toner is the best combination toner. Witch hazel, much like rose water, has soothing effect on the skin and calming effect on the nerves. The toner soothes irritated skin and can therefore be used on sun burnt skin as well. The toner is easy to prepare.
Simply mix 60 ounces rosewater (see recipe from above) with 30 ounces witch hazel water (prepared by boiling witch hazel in distilled water). Add a few drops of lavender essence for perfume and store the toner in a spray bottle. This way you can carry the toner with you at all times and simply freshen your face by spraying the toner directly.
Cucumber Toner
Cucumber is very good for greasy skin during summer. It freshens and brightens the skin in no time. Prepare cucumber toner by peeling a medium sized cucumber. Wash the cucumber properly and then grate it. Squeeze the juice of the cucumber from the grated pulp.
Put the juice in a pan and allow it to boil. After the juice cools down strain it. Now add three tablespoons of either witch hazel water or five tablespoons of rose water. Pour the liquid mixture in a spray and use as required.
Orange Lemon Toner
Peels from orange and lemon are excellent for skin when used in face masks. But did you know that juices from the two fruits make refreshing skin toners? To prepare orange-lemon toner you will require juice from three slices of orange, one teaspoon lemon juice, four tablespoons milk and two tablespoons distilled water. Place a medium size pan over low flame and add juices from orange and lemon in it.
Slowly add the milk and water bringing the concoction to boiling point. Do not increase the flame or the milk might burn. After the mixture has boiled remove from heat and allow it to cool. Your orange-lemon toner is ready for use once it cools. The toner will instantly freshen and brighten your skin and is particularly good for oily skin. The toner has a refreshing smell due to use of orange juice.
Marigold Flower Toner
Dry or fresh flowers can also be used to prepare skin toners. Marigold flower in particular is known for its soothing and healing properties. You can use either fresh or dry marigold petals to prepare the toner. You will need about 2 tablespoons of dried petals of the flower. If you plan on using fresh petals then you will require around four tablespoons petals.
Take a medium sized pan and add two ounces distilled water in it. Place the pan over medium flame and add the petals in it. Bring to boil. Now allow the water to cool and strain it. Add two teaspoons rose water or one teaspoon witch hazel water to the resulting liquid. Your marigold flower skin toner is ready for use. The toner is especially good for oily and blemished skin.
Gypsy Rose Water Toner
To prepare this toner you will require handful of dark rose petals, distilled water and 40 gms sugar (preferably castor sugar). Now take a glass jar and add the rose petals in the jar.
Pour sufficient amount of distilled water over the rose petals. The petals should be soaked well in water. Add sugar to the jar. Keep the jar in a cool place overnight. In the morning shake the jar well and strain the mixture. The resulting liquid is your gypsy rose water toner. This toner should be stored in the refrigerator. The toner can be used by any skin type.
