8 Reasons to use toner NOW

I didn’t use toner for years. Another product? Another step? No way.. I already have/do too many. I don’t need that (with laughter filling my head).  Sound familiar?

Then I did an experiment. I took a clean cotton pad after using my best cleanser, applied some hydrosol and I wiped. Hmmmm how can that be?  Then I applied all my skincare products and went to grab some much needed beauty sleep.

The next morning, knowing my face was as clean as a whistle I took a cotton pad, applied some more hydrosol and wiped.. YIKES!

How was it possible with a clean face and doing nothing but sleep, I still have sweat & dirt on my face. That was the day I started using toner.

Here’s a picture from this morning.. Guess my mascara wasn’t all off last night. Thank you toner.. I have to say I love you!

WHY Toner..

1. Tightens, refreshes & firms skin

2. Keep pores clean (minimized) & helps prevent breakouts

3. Help pulls moisturizer deeper into skin when applied AFTER toner

4. Combat & repair anti-aging and sun damage

5. Gently exfoliates, soothes & disinfects

6. Is it’s own skin treatment –  adds ingredients like vitamins & antioxidants 

7. Takes off excess dirt, sweat, mascara, misc. makeup & oil (is your 2nd cleanse)

8. It will be your secret weapon (proof is in the pad, see photo above)

WHAT Toner..

Oily skin: Love most of these, astringent & alcohol-free 

Dry skin: Love adding hydrasols & these are great options

Normal skin:  These are good for normal skin – neroli is my favorite

Did I change your mind? Or do you already use toner? Please share with me in the comments below.

Exfoliation We all Need it…

Exfoliation

Anti-Aging, Teens, Acne, Pigmentation concerns?

What you need is regular EXFOLIATION!

A minimum of ONCE a week is suggested.. but not EVERY day.. Your skin will tell you, just listen.

Especially as the weather changes, so does our skin.

There are TWO main types of exfoliation..

Mechanical:
TOPICAL
Examples are any product with beads or a gritty texture that is manually wiped or buffed onto your face.
Microdermabrasion (alternative version  I recommend  is a “SILK PEEL” micro infused with hydration = less irritation) and facial brushes like are the mechanical versions.
These products and machines slough (“SLUFF”) off the dry dead skin on your face allowing the newer, fresher skin to appear.
Result: Smoother, polished skin

Chemical:
ENZYMES
These are found naturally in pumpkin (sensitive skin) and pineapple (normal to tougher skin). The enzyme ingredients are placed in a product that is wiped onto the face and allowed to sit for 5-15min depending on skin tolerance.  Adding steam professionally in a treatment or during a shower increased the intensity of treatment. The enzymes act as little PAC men munching and eating dead dry skin off the face and out of pores.
Result: Cleaner, brighter, softer skin

AHA & BHA
These are commonly referred to as “peels”. The come in varying degrees of severity and some can only be performed by a medical professional.
These exfoliators are stronger strengths and go deeper into the skin then a topical application.
Salicylic acid & glycollic acids are most common in milder peels and can be found in safe home care treatments.
Result: Smoother, less pigment, tighter skin

Whichever you choose, professional or home care the important choice is EXFOLIATE.  As you start doing this on a regular basis you will begin to see a change in your skin.  Scars may soften.. Pigment may lighten, or deepen (until the pigment is exfoliated to its base it may get bigger before it gets smaller).. Skin will soften.. Brighten, Tighten & Lighten.. SO wear SUNSCREEN to protect your newly found skin prevent aging & further damage!

“Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-butt red lipstick.”    Gwyneth Paltrow quotes