the face instead.
Toner Options
Alcohol and water are the major ingredients in many skin fresheners, astringents, and toners. Other ingredients can include witch hazel, glycerin, rose water,
vinegar, alum, boric acid, menthol, camphor, and other herbs. The major difference in the products is the amount of alcohol they contain. Alcohol strips the
naturally occurring oils skin needs to be healthy, so look for a product without alcohol, especially if you have dry skin.
COLD TREATMENT with a splash of cold water is the best toner and can be used by those with any skin type. It closes the pores and improves the skin’s texture.
SKIN FRESHENERS are very mild and contain water, such humectants as glycerin or rose water, and very little alcohol (less than 10 percent). Humectants help
prevent the evaporation of moisture from the skin. These products are very gentle and are especially good for sensitive, dry, and normal skin.
SKIN TONICS are stronger, containing water, humectants, and up to 20 percent alcohol. Tonics are for normal, combination, or oily skin.
ASTRINGENTS contain water, humectants, up to 60 percent alcohol, and antiseptics. These are drying and only suitable for very oily skin or for application to specific
problem areas. Witch hazel is an astringent.
Removing Makeup & Cleansing the Skin
Secure hair off the face with a headband or elastic.
When wearing makeup, it is often necessary to cleanse using a multistep process. Start with a makeup remover or tissue-off cream to dissolve much of the
makeup, avoiding the eye area.
The skin around the eyes is especially delicate and can be easily irritated. There are makeup removers specifically formulated for this area. Take a cotton pad
dampened with the product, and rest or press it gently around the closed eye. Wipe lightly. Do not tug or pull on the eye or surrounding skin.
Apply cleanser to the entire face. With a cleanser appropriate to your skin type, massage the product into your skin with an upward circular motion. Include the
neck, under the ear lobes, and the chin.
Rinse the entire face, including the eye area, with warm—not hot—water.
Dry the face with the softest natural-fiber towels you can find. Pat the face dry. Rubbing or hard wiping creates small abrasions on the skin surface, causing
irritation, redness, and even swelling.