The epidermal cells gradually lose their capacity to produce new cells while the dermis that produce collagen loses its elasticity, resulting in a dry skin and wrinkles on the face. Toners can be used to clean the last traces of oil from the skin. They do not close or open pores. Sometimes they cause a slight skin irritation which makes the skin feel tighter. Skin toning lotions freshen the skin. They also stimulate the blood supply to the skin.
Tips for toning:
- Use astringent lotions with a piece of cotton wool but if your skin is looking worn off and tired, pat it on with a brisk slapping movement.
- Moisten cotton wool with skin toning lotion and pat on the cheeks, chin and neck.
- If you have normal, combination or dry skin, use very delicate and light preparation to refresh the skin. Never use a harsh astringent lotion for this purpose. Rose water based product is preferred.
- For dry skin use rose water diluted with mineral water. Apply it gently with cotton wool avoiding the eye and upper cheek area completely.
- For combination skin, light toning lotion should be used all over the face, except for the eye area. Then apply the astringent on the greasy areas with cotton wool. Never let the astringent spill over the dry cheek and eye areas.
- Oily skinned people should tone with an astringent lotion, applying particularly to the oiliest places, i.e. sides of the nose, chin and forehead.
- For a combination skin, refresh the skin by mixing 2 parts of rose water with one part of witch hazel. Apply to the skin with cotton wool.
- For a dry skin, combine 2 tablespoons of lemon juice with 1 tablespoon glycerine and 3 tablespoons of rose water. Rub onto the skin.
- For oily skin, dissolve 1 teaspoon borax in 150 ml rose water. Warm 2 tablespoons olive oil and slowly add to the mixture. Beat with an egg whisk until it is thick and creamy. Then add 2 tablespoons of lavender water to it and blend well.
- Place a tablespoon of chopped mint in a jar and add 2 tablespoons cider vinegar. Shake well and leave in the fridge for a few days. Strain the liquid and add 300 ml water. Dab onto the skin with cotton wool.
- To obtain a toner for sensitive skin or to calm sunburn, mash strawberries and apply for 5 minutes and then wash it off.
- Rose is an excellent skin toner. Make rose water by mixing 1 tablespoon rose oil with 2 ¼ litres of purified water. Bottle it and store in the refrigerator.
- Vitamin E oil and wheat oil are very effective for dry skin.
- Rub a piece of potato over the face and neck and wash off after 15 minutes. This is very effective for oily skin, and can be used for dry skin with a moisturizer.
