Skin Toners

This category of skin-care products include cosmetics like skin fresheners, toners and astringents. They basically contain alcohol and water. Glycerine, witch hazel, menthol, camphor, boric acid, rose water and alum are often added. The basic difference in the formula is in the amount of alcohol these products contain. As alcohol has a very drying effect, there is little or none of it in the products intended for dry skin while the products for use on oily skin have a high alcohol content.

These products are used after cleaning the skin (with soap or any other cleanser), though they can be used as interim cleansers as well, as they can remove grime and oils. They freshen and tone up the skin and prepare it for application of make-up. They also restore the acid/ alkali balance of the skin, because they are pH balanced.

Despite claims to the contrary, fresheners, toners and astringents do not close pores. As a matter off act, no cosmetic product can alter the actual size of the pores. What really happens after using these products is a mild irritation of the skin. This results in swelling of the skin and so the pores appear less prominent.

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