Basic facial skin care includes not only masks, scrubs and creams, but also tonics. Using a cosmetic product, you can cleanse your face of impurities, remove excess sebum, narrow enlarged pores and improve metabolic processes in cells.
Tonics prepared at home are useful and effective, because... Contains natural ingredients without chemical additives or preservatives. Homemade tonic, when properly prepared, does not cause irritation or allergic reactions, because the ingredients selected for the tonic are suitable for your type of epidermis.
Incorrectly selected components will not be able to solve the assigned tasks, and failure to comply with the proportions can provoke a worsening of skin problems.
Rating: the best homemade natural recipes for facial toners
You should select a cosmetic product based on the characteristics of the dermis; a specific product and ingredient are suitable for each skin type. There is a large selection of lotions, hydrosols, and tonics for any type of epidermis on store shelves, but an equally effective remedy can be prepared at home. Find out the difference between a toner and a facial lotion in this material. Let's consider the rating of recipes for the best cosmetics prepared independently from products:
Refreshing orange chamomile
The toner has an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect and copes well with dirt and grease. The orange included in the composition gives the face a healthy color, tones and refreshes tired dermis. Suitable for girls with problematic and oily skin, but also for cleansing normal epidermis. To cook, you need: 25 gr. dry chamomile, 2 tbsp. freshly squeezed orange juice. Pour boiling water over chamomile, let it brew for about an hour, then strain with orange juice. Apply the product morning and evening.
Cucumber for problem skin
Cucumber tonic will help cope with imperfections. This version of the cosmetic product copes well with the excessive work of the sebaceous glands; cucumber has a drying and anti-inflammatory effect. As a result, problematic skin looks healthy, clean, acne is noticeably reduced, and sebum production is normalized. The cucumber tonic contains: 1 fresh cucumber, 30 ml of milk. Grate the cucumber on a coarse grater, squeeze 3 tablespoons of juice from the pulp. Add milk to the liquid mixture, mix everything and wipe your face 2 times a day. You can learn how to properly prepare cucumber lotion here.
Banana moisturizer
For dry epidermis, additional hydration is necessary. You can solve the problem with a moisturizing facial toner. The fruit included in the composition fights peeling and itching, eliminates the feeling of tightness and burning. The product can be used for dry and normal skin types. To prepare the mixture, you will need: 1 ripe banana, 50 ml of milk. Rub the fruit through a fine sieve or puree it using a blender. Take the resulting mass 2 tbsp. and pour in the milk. Mix the composition, strain through folded gauze in several layers, then wipe a clean face.
Tea
With its help, you can solve the problem of oiliness, normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, eliminate impurities and narrow enlarged pores. The product is suitable for girls with oily and combination skin, because the green tea it contains has an antioxidant effect. You can prepare a refreshing tonic at home. To do this, take: large-leaf green tea, 30 ml of lemon juice. 1 tsp Brew tea in 100 ml of boiling water, leave to infuse. Strain the cooled mixture, add lemon juice, mix and wipe your face. Store in the refrigerator for no more than a day.
Matting
Parsley perfectly mattifies and removes oily shine from the skin, tightens pores and removes toxins from cells. The product is designed to cleanse and mattify oily and problematic skin. The product can also be used on normal epidermis, but not more than once a day. The product contains: 25 gr. greens, 250 ml water, 1 tsp. lemon juice. Chop the parsley as finely as possible, add water, and put on fire. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat and heat for another 20 minutes. Strain the lotion through cheesecloth, pour into a glass container and leave until completely cool. Then add lemon juice to the mixture, mix and start using.
Chemical composition of parsley
Herbal for all skin types
A lotion based on the collection is suitable for any epidermis. Using the product you can solve the problem of excessive oily skin, eliminate imperfections and give your face a fresh and healthy color. Natural herbs chamomile, string, sage have a pronounced anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect, and rose hips saturate the skin with vitamins and beneficial microelements. For cooking you need: 1 tbsp. dry collection (chamomile, sage, string, rosehip), 100 ml of water. Pour boiling water over the herb, close and let it brew. Wipe your face with the resulting tonic 2 times a day.
For combination skin
The tonic will eliminate rashes and inflammation, as well as dryness of individual areas of the epidermis. A toner prepared at home cleanses comedones, tightens pores, and draws out impurities. Cinnamon helps combat dryness and flaking. Ingredients for preparation: 15 ml of calendula tincture, 75 ml of plantain decoction, 5 drops of cinnamon. Combine the alcohol ingredients with the herbal decoction and add cinnamon essential oil. Mix the mixture well. You can use the lotion no more than twice a day to care for the T-zone.
For dry skin
Avocado oil is good for eliminating flaking and tightness. As a result of use, facial skin becomes more hydrated and acquires a fresh and healthy color. To prepare the product, you will need: 1 cucumber, 70 ml of mineral water, 25 drops of avocado oil. Cut the vegetable into small circles, then add water, add oil, and put in a cool place for a day. After the mixture has infused, use as directed: apply before using moisturizing masks or to tone the dermis after cleansing procedures. You can find out how to choose a toner for dry skin by following the link.
With essential oils
The product is suitable for any skin type, since this version of home tonic promotes the accelerated process of cell regeneration, increases protective functions, moisturizes and gives the skin elasticity and smoothness. Essential oils saturate cells with microelements, remove toxins and have a powerful antioxidant effect. To prepare, you need: 3 drops of cassia oil, 5 rosemary, 3 orange, 4 drops of cloves, 60 ml of hibiscus. Add essential oils to a pre-prepared hibiscus decoction, mix and apply to a cleansed face before using anti-aging cosmetics.
From rose petals
Suitable for oily and problematic skin, it helps to narrow enlarged pores, eliminate shine, and improve the condition of the dermis. You need 3-5 rose petals, chop finely and leave in a bowl for a while. After that, pour a glass of boiling water over them and leave to steep for 20-25 minutes. Strain the cooled product through cheesecloth and apply to a clean face 2 times a day.
From green tea and chamomile
Using a toner can solve the problem of rashes. The cosmetic product has an anti-inflammatory effect, dries out pimples and acne, cleanses pores and removes impurities. The product is suitable for use by girls with oily and problem skin. For preparation you will need: 15 gr. dry chamomile, 15 gr. green tea, distilled water. Pour boiling water over the powders, leave for 15-20 minutes, then soak a cotton pad in the solution and wipe your face. If desired, add aloe vera gel and apple cider vinegar to the mixture.
With lemon
The product tones the dermis, eliminates oily shine and impurities. The mixture can also be used to lighten the skin, reduce the severity of age spots and freckles. Suitable for girls of all skin types. For cooking you need: ½ tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tbsp. distilled water, 1/3 tbsp. witch hazel solution. Mix all ingredients in a separate container and apply to the dermis with a cotton pad. Store the prepared composition for no more than two weeks.
Aloe and cucumber whitening toner
The product is suitable for the care of oily and normal dermis. Has a whitening effect, reduces inflammation and redness. You can prepare the product from: ½ tbsp. olive oil, ½ tbsp. almond, ½ tbsp. aloe pulp, juice of 1 cucumber. In a separate bowl, combine all ingredients, mix thoroughly and strain. Apply the solution with a moistened cotton pad to a clean face. Store the prepared product in the refrigerator for no more than 3 months.
Rice
An option for caring for any skin type, including sensitive ones. The natural rice composition does not cause irritation, the dermis becomes smooth, elastic, and acquires a healthy and radiant complexion. The tonic contains: 1 glass of raw rice, clean water. Rinse the rice thoroughly, add water and leave for 1 hour. After a while, mash to form a cloudy liquid, pour into a bowl and put in the refrigerator. Apply to cleansed face with a moistened cotton pad.
With lactic acid
Improves complexion, reduces rashes, eliminates comedones, moisturizes the epidermis. Using the product, you can improve skin texture, eliminate age spots and post-acne. The mixture is suitable for girls with problematic and oily dermis. For preparation you need: 4 ml of lactic acid, 96 ml of distilled water. To enhance the effect, if desired, add allantoin, d-panthenol, sandalwood essential oil or aloe extract. Dilute lactic acid in distilled water, moisten a cotton pad and apply to the face. If you add additional ingredients, you need to look at the percentage of water and what these products are best mixed with. You can find out about the types of aloe vera gels for the face in the article.
With salicylic acid
Helps in the treatment of acne, pimples and acne. The resulting solution tones the epidermis, returning its healthy color and radiance. The composition includes: 20 ml of salicylic alcohol, 200 ml of dry white wine, 40 g. chamomile powder. Combine all ingredients together and leave for 5 days. Wipe your face with the prepared mixture 2-3 times a week.
With succinic acid
Suitable for any skin type, both young and mature. It has antioxidant properties, improves blood circulation in cells, has a whitening effect, cleanses oily dermis and moisturizes dry ones. To prepare a cosmetic product you need: 100 ml of boiled or mineral water, 1 tablet. acids - for dry or normal dermis, or 2 tables. for oily skin. Crush succinic acid tablets into powder, add warm water and stir. Wipe your face with the resulting solution morning and evening.
With goat milk
It is used not only internally, but also as a cosmetic product for skin care of all types. The balanced chemical composition of the product well moisturizes the epidermis, eliminates age spots, restores cellular metabolism in the skin, reduces inflammation and redness. To prepare a solution for washing you need: goat milk and water in a 1:1 ratio. To enhance the effect, add chamomile decoction or tea. Combine all components of the tonic and mix, apply with a cotton pad to a clean face twice a day.
From cinnamon
It perfectly cleanses the epidermis, improves blood circulation, tones, and has an anti-inflammatory effect. The lotion is suitable for use by all types. Ingredients: 1 tsp. cinnamon, 200 ml water. Cinnamon should be dissolved in water and refrigerated overnight. Wipe your face with a cotton pad daily.
Acne toner with glycerin
Using the product you can cope with inflammation and rashes, reduce the number of comedones and acne. Glycerin has a moisturizing effect, and lemon juice has a whitening effect. The toner will help reduce the activity of the sebaceous glands, making the dermis soft and velvety. The product is suitable for use by girls with oily and normal skin. The cleanser contains: juice of ½ lemon, 50 ml of glycerin, 100 ml of purified water. Combine all components in a separate clean container, mix and apply to the face every morning after washing.
With mint
Contains beneficial substances, essential oils and acids. It refreshes, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, improves blood circulation. With the help of mint and propolis, you can cope with acne, cure acne, narrow enlarged pores, and make the skin elastic and smooth. The product is suitable for oily or problematic dermis. In the hot season, take fresh mint, and in cold weather, the dry version is suitable; it contains fewer active substances and the cooling effect will be less pronounced. For cooking you need: 1 tbsp. mint, 1 glass of water, propolis tincture. Pour boiling water over the leaves, leave to infuse and cool. Strain the solution, add propolis or alcohol and mix. Wipe your face with the resulting mixture 1-2 times a day.
general information
Facial toner – what is it for? Let's figure it out. It is considered a mistaken belief that tonic is necessary for toning and smoothing out wrinkles. Not all cosmetic compositions can have this effect. The presented product serves to complete the cleansing stage of facial skin. It doesn’t matter what you use to cleanse your skin: soap, gel or cosmetics. In this case, you simply cannot do without tonic.
For what purposes is this type of cosmetic used? The composition of the toner allows you to remove makeup remnants from the surface of the skin, since cleansing cosmetics are irritants. To verify the effectiveness of this product, you can try a test: after the usual cleansing procedure, wipe the skin with cotton wool soaked in tonic. You can make sure that your face is clean.
In addition, such cosmetics help restore the natural pH balance in the epidermis and prolong the effect of the applied cream. After all, a cream or serum penetrates into moisturized and cleansed skin much better, and the resulting result will be more pronounced.
The composition of the tonic assumes the presence of alcohol. This is what serves as the basis. For oily epidermis, the amount of alcohol reaches up to 50%. The second ingredient is matting substances. Their effect is short-lived - 2-3 hours. The composition can also be supplemented with the following components:
- essential and vegetable oils (for example, lemon essential oil for the face);
- medicinal herbs - most often aloe, it regenerates the water-fat balance of the epidermis;
- A tonic based on salicylic acid helps to neutralize germs and bacteria, dries out acne and eliminates inflammation.
The video explains why you need a facial toner:
Rules for preparing tonics at home (how to make)
There are secrets to follow when making homemade recipes:
- Use regular water (distilled, pure, mineral) or alcohol/vodka as a basis.
- Water-based solutions should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days.
- Alcohol toners retain their beneficial properties for up to 2 weeks.
To care for sensitive dermis, it is better to use water tonics; alcohol can cause irritation and dryness.
- Additionally, to enhance the therapeutic effect, you can add various medicinal herbs (chamomile, calendula, mint), citrus fruits, teas, fruits, vinegar.
- The choice of components for lotion depends on the desired effect. For oily skin, it is better to choose ingredients that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. To care for dry epidermis, it is better to choose all kinds of oils that moisturize and nourish the skin.
- It is recommended to mix the ingredients of the tonic in a glass or porcelain bowl. Solutions should be stored in the refrigerator.
- When preparing, you need to grind the ingredients as finely as possible. Thus, more useful substances and microelements will get into the lotion.
- When mixing ingredients, follow the proportions.
Before applying lotion, perform an allergy test.
What can be replaced
You need to choose a tonic taking into account your skin type and its PH. If the epidermis is not dry, sensitive, or problematic, you can use any product. Store-bought products are not always expensive, but they are more practical. The main thing is to understand that cheap formulas can do more harm than good. If you want to replace an expensive purchased product, make a tonic yourself - from herbs, lemon juice, aloe, using essential oils. Remember that natural remedies can also cause an allergic reaction. If you are not sure about the tolerability of certain components, do a test.
Natural store-bought tonic cannot be stored for longer than 3-6 months. Everything else is chemistry.
Application
In order for a homemade tonic to bring maximum effect, you need to know how to apply a cosmetic product, whether to wash off the composition from the skin and how often to use:
Always apply skin care products along massage lines
- Apply using a cotton pad with light circular movements. If you have sensitive dermis, then you can resort to the method of spraying liquid. You can learn how to use the toner correctly here.
- If after use you experience a feeling of skin tightness or burning, then the product was chosen incorrectly. It is recommended to review the components of the solution or consult a cosmetologist or dermatologist.
- Wipe your face 1-2 times daily.
- If natural fruit or berry juices are used in the composition, they should only be freshly squeezed.
- After wiping the skin with toner, apply a moisturizer suitable for your derma type.
Types of tonics
Today, stores have a large assortment of products presented. Sometimes it is very difficult to choose your option, so you need to know how the tonic should be used in a given situation.
With a moisturizing effect
The composition of such cosmetics assumes the presence of medicinal plants. Moisturizing toners should not contain a high content of AHA acids and alcohol. The products gently cleanse dry and sensitive epidermis, have a calming effect, and eliminate irritation.
With mattifying effect
Such cosmetics contain alcohol, but its concentration should not exceed 5%. Instead of alcohol, salicylic acid can be used. In addition, the composition includes the following natural ingredients:
- green tea;
- ginseng;
- calendula;
- essential oils of lavender, lemon, tea tree;
- vitamins A, C, E.
The main task of such cosmetics is to eliminate oily shine, inflammation and acne.
With exfoliating effect
Sometimes you can find the following inscription on the bottle: “for radiant skin.” What does it mean? The reason is that the composition of the exfoliant is rich in acids. Fruit and AHA acids can be used here. Their task is to remove the upper dead layer on the surface of the epidermis and level it. A month after use, an exfoliating toner can eliminate acne, even out the tone of the face, improve its color and give a rested and refreshed appearance.
To eliminate wrinkles
A feature of such cosmetics is a large amount of collagen, elastin, amino acids and peptide. Their composition is also supplemented with hyaluronic acid, ginseng extract and a complex of beneficial vitamins.
Flower liquid
This product cannot be called a tonic, since it is a hydrolate. It should be considered a by-product of essential oil production. The resulting liquid has amazing properties. Frequent passage through the plant ingredient allows the water to acquire moisturizing and antioxidant properties. Hydrolates are sold in pharmacies. The choice of a specific tonic should be based on the needs of the skin, and not on the advice of friends. It is necessary to focus on the composition of the product, which is indicated on the packaging.
Contraindications and precautions
Like any cosmetic product, homemade facial tonic has a number of contraindications that should be considered before use:
- You should not wipe the area around your eyes with tonic; the skin there is too thin and sensitive.
- In the cold season, it is better to replace your morning wash.
- If an ingredient causes an allergy, it is recommended that you stop using the cleansing solution.
Do not apply the product if there are open ulcers, wounds or abrasions on the face.
Alternative to cosmetic brands
But there is a wonderful alternative option. Go to any supermarket and take a closer look at the shelves with mineral water. You will see wonderful French mineral waters there - Evian, Perrier, Vittel, as well as mineral waters of the Carpathians and the Caucasus.
Mineral water is an excellent alternative to any tonic and is affordable for almost everyone. This tonic is created by nature itself and goes a long way through rocks, enriched with natural mineral salts and thus achieving crystal purity.
Efficiency of application
Daily use of the cosmetic product provides gentle and effective care for any dermis. Not all girls know why lotion is needed. Tonic has a positive effect on the skin:
- reduces oily shine, removes dirt and dead cells;
- evens out skin texture, improves complexion;
- tightens pores and saturates the epidermis with necessary moisture;
- activates metabolic processes;
- has an antioxidant effect;
- reduces the number of rashes and inflammatory elements due to a pronounced antibacterial effect;
- removes toxins and leaves skin smooth and soft.
Pink water
Rose water is primarily known for its regenerating properties. This is the best option for sensitive and mature skin.
In addition to a wonderful and exclusively feminine scent, it helps combat changes in complexion. Strengthens the facial contour, prevents the appearance of facial wrinkles.
Ingredients:
- 2 glasses of water
- 2 handfuls of rose petals
Bring water to a boil and add rose petals. Reduce heat and simmer for half an hour.
Strain. As soon as the decoction has cooled, pour it into a bottle. Store in the refrigerator for a week.
For dry skin
When practicing care for dehydrated skin, it is important to provide it with the necessary hydration using varieties of tonic from the arsenal of folk cosmetology.
Moisturizing
Helps soften the skin, saturating it with moisture, and restores elasticity.
Preparation:
- Cut off the lower fleshy aloe leaf, wash it and keep it in the refrigerator for a week, wrapped in a linen napkin and placed in the vegetable compartment.
- Finely chop and extract the juice, which you will need 1 tbsp. l.
- Boil a teaspoon of dried chamomile in 150 ml for five minutes, straining after cooling.
- In a sterile glass bottle combine aloe extract, chamomile decoction, grape oil - 15 drops and shake vigorously.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Photo by Karolina Grabowska: Pexels
The liquid, made from fermented apple juice, was popular as far back as Babylonia and Ancient Egypt, where Cleopatra reportedly used it as a facial cleanser.
The popular homemade product is indeed useful for certain problems, but doctors warn that vinegar can cause serious reactions, including skin burns, if the product is used incorrectly. Most often, its use is used to treat acne, which has its reasons.
It is rich in pectin and polysaccharides, which occur naturally in apples and may play a role in improving skin health and fighting acne.
Vinegar is touted for medical benefits including blood sugar control, weight loss and lowering blood pressure.
Apple cider vinegar contains two types of acids that are considered potentially beneficial for the epidermis:
- Acetic acid
Facial rejuvenation with apple cider vinegar
Research has shown that this acid has antifungal and antimicrobial properties. When applied topically, it destroys bacteria that are associated with skin diseases such as acne, seborrheic dermatitis and eczema.
- Lemon acid
It is useful for renewing skin cells. Thanks to its use, wrinkles and age spots are reduced.
Despite its positive properties, it is not recommended to apply pure apple cider vinegar to the skin of the face, since the acids it contains can cause chemical burns and irritation of the delicate and sensitive epidermis. It is better to use this product diluted.
For sensitive skin
Sensitive skin susceptible to negative external influences will need strengthening of protective mechanisms, toning, smoothing out wrinkles, which can be provided by the following tonic.
Manufacturing sequence:
- Boil a teaspoon of dried linden flowers in a quarter glass of water for five minutes.
- After cooling, filter.
- Mix the decoction with two types of oil (macadamia - 16 drops, jasmine - 4 drops), trying to obtain a delicate, uniform consistency.
For combination skin
To ensure the necessary cleansing, toning, matting of combination skin, prepare the appropriate type of home remedy.
Preparation:
- Take a dessert spoon of dried crushed plantain leaves and pour into a saucepan.
- Pour a glass of water, boil for five minutes, strain after cooling.
- Combine 150 ml of the resulting decoction with a pharmacy tincture of calendula - 30 ml.
- Additionally, with intensive kneading, add cinnamon oil - 10 drops, bringing the mass to the consistency of a thick cream.