Today there are many products for problem skin that will help get rid of pimples and acne. Facial toners are quite popular. They are used for the second stage of cleansing the epidermis. Lotions and tonics can be purchased ready-made in pharmacies and cosmetic stores, but you can prepare them at home. There are a lot of recipes for products that help get rid of pimples, blackheads, and acne.
Types of tonics
Types of cosmetics are divided depending on the direction of action and goals:
- The cleanser helps remove excess sebum, sweat, and dust that are located on the surface of the epidermis and in the ducts of the sebaceous glands.
- Moisturizing toner allows you to saturate the skin. It is suitable for all skin types, but is especially effective for dry and sensitive skin. Since moisturizing components prevent peeling and irritation.
- Mattifying lotion is designed for skin that is prone to constant oily shine. It removes the layer of fat from its surface and as a result gives it a healthy, matte color.
- Lotions for blackheads clean pores, narrow them and prevent activation of the inflammatory process in them.
- Tonics with an astringent effect contain alcohol. They have disinfecting, drying and cleansing effects. When used systemically, sebum production is significantly reduced.
- Nourishing tonic is intended for people with thin, sensitive and/or sagging skin due to age. But as an additional remedy, it is also effective for people with problematic and oily skin. Since this lotion contains many natural ingredients and substances that promote the production of collagen and elastin.
- A combination type cosmetic product has several properties. Most often, such tonics are intended for oily and combination skin. They cleanse the epidermis, affect the functioning of the sebaceous glands and at the same time moisturize the areas where it is needed.
Benefit
Pimples, blackheads, oily skin - all this causes a lot of inconvenience. The problem can be solved with the help of tonics.
Contains:
- plant extracts (aloe, cucumber, tea tree);
- fruit acids;
- essential and vegetable oils (olive, peach, shea, grape seeds);
- salicylic acid (dries out the skin);
- zinc (reduces oil production, preventing shine).
Tonic is a liquid whose main purpose is cleansing. In parallel with this, it has additional properties that act purposefully. Thus, depending on the problem, a toner is selected in accordance with the skin type and its shortcomings.
Peculiarities
Facial toners have a liquid consistency. They do not need to be washed off when used. Depending on the type and characteristics of the epidermis, you can choose a tonic based on water or alcohol. For sensitive skin, it is contraindicated to use an alcohol-based tonic, as it will dry out the epidermis and cause redness, peeling and itching. This product is suitable for oily skin.
It is recommended that the alcohol content of tonic be about 20-30%. In this case, it is able to remove sebum and not cause harm.
A water-based facial tonic nourishes the epidermis without irritating it. Also, additional skin nutrition occurs thanks to the beneficial components in the composition. It’s good if the cosmetic liquid contains herbal extracts, vitamins, minerals, etc. Water-based lotions can restore the pH level, which is disturbed after cleansing the skin with various products or soap. This action prevents the appearance of pimples, blackheads and acne. Facial toners are easy to use - this is their big advantage. With their help, you can take care of your skin at any convenient time. Also, in most cases, ready-made products have a positive effect, since their composition is balanced. Another positive factor is that the containers are quite convenient and the pricing policy for these products is different. You can choose the right product for both your skin type and your wallet.
Composition of toners for problem skin
Although the ingredients used in toners also vary between products, there are several that are widely used to treat acne symptoms due to their powerful effects.
Understanding how these ingredients work will help you choose the right toner for your needs.
Ingredient | How it works |
Glycolic acid | As an AHA, it is effective in reducing the occurrence of acne |
Lactic acid | An alternative AHA that is more hydrating and softening to the skin than glycolic acid, making it a safer choice if you have sensitive or dry skin types. |
Salicylic acid | Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) which exfoliates dead skin cells, improving skin texture for a variety of conditions including acne. It also helps dissolve clogged pores. |
Apple vinegar | A natural astringent that has potential antibacterial properties and also helps cleanse the skin of excess oil and debris. |
Action
Cosmetics of this type are intended primarily for toning the epidermis. As a result, the skin acquires a healthy color and oily shine is eliminated. Also, tonics perfectly penetrate the layers of the epidermis, this helps improve blood circulation and normalize metabolic processes. As a result, even red stagnant spots that remain from pimples and acne disappear. It should be said that to care for problem skin, one cleanser (gel, soap, etc.) is not enough. After washing, the epidermis must be moisturized; this is what the tonic is created for.
Any facial lotion promotes rejuvenation, as it prevents the epidermis from drying out. And most of these cosmetic liquids have a protective property. They protect the epidermis from external factors (ultraviolet rays, cold, etc.). This is especially important for sensitive types.
The tonic is able to cleanse the pores more thoroughly, since during the first stage of cleaning only the surface layer of sebum is removed. A product for problem skin that is prone to acne, pimples, and pimples should contain a surfactant. These are surfactants. They act on the epidermis, as a result of which the active components of the tonic penetrate into the dermis. Manufacturers designate surfactants on the label as emulsifiers. It is important that they are soft. Since in this case the lipid layer is minimally disturbed. Alpha and beta hydroxyl acids are responsible for removing dead skin cells in tonics. These substances do not affect the protective layer of the skin. These include:
- lactic acid;
- Apple acid;
- glycolic acid;
- lemon acid;
- salicylic acid;
- pyruvic acid.
Toners for oily and problem skin should contain vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A, E, C are especially important. Moisturizing components include lipids, triglycerides, ceramides, etc. Lotions for oily skin types have a similar composition to products for problem skin, but in smaller quantities. Since in this case, you need to remove excess sebum and sweat from the skin that have accumulated during the day.
In the case of oily skin, tonic is used in the morning to tone it, and in the evening to cleanse pores.
Benefits of toners for problem skin
- Acne toners help remove oil and impurities from the skin, preventing clogged pores.
- Some toners may also provide anti-inflammatory benefits and reduce the appearance of acne scars.
- Ingredients such as glycolic acid, witch hazel, and salicylic acid are often used in toners to treat acne.
Toners are designed to clean up any remaining oil and residue left on your face after cleansing and can be especially helpful if you're looking to treat acne-prone skin. Toners that are specifically formulated to treat acne help clear clogged pores, reduce inflammation, and prevent further breakouts by removing excess oil from the skin.
Review of tonics and lotions
Today there are many manufacturers of cosmetics that can be purchased in pharmacies and specialized cosmetic stores.
Stop problem lotion
Stop problem is a lotion that is recommended for use with problem skin: if a pimple pops up, there is acne and acne. This product does not contain alcohol, so it is gentle on the epidermis. This lotion dries out rashes without drying out the epidermis. Its qualities also include gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and it is quickly absorbed by the skin. Apply to the skin, especially areas with acne, 2-3 times a day. Stop problem lotion contains no aggressive dyes or fragrances, as it is transparent and has a light neutral odor. This makes it great for people who have allergic reactions to fragrance-containing products. This lotion contains:
- sea buckthorn extract;
- rose petal extract;
- white tea extract;
- salicylic acid;
- allantoin, etc.
When treating your face, you should pay more attention to problem areas with acne.
Garnier Skin Naturals Essential Care
It perfectly cleanses the epidermis, removes toxins and has a refreshing and soothing effect. This product contains grape extract and vitamin B5. The “Basic Care” line of tonics is suitable for both daily care and specialized use for pimples, blackheads and acne. It is able to gently remove impurities, promotes exfoliation of dead cells, thereby improving skin breathing and metabolic processes. You need to smear your face with this tonic after removing your makeup. It should not be washed off. After treatment, you can apply cream.
Garnier "Clean Skin Active"
This toner has a cleansing and mattifying effect. With its regular use, the number of acne on the face rapidly decreases. The manufacturer also notes that the “Clean Skin Active” line removes or reduces the marks left after acne, redness and scars. The toner contains alcohol, salicylic acid, glycerin, blueberry extract, etc.
Green Mama
This manufacturer's line includes a mattifying tonic for enlarged pores and blackheads and a tonic for oily and problematic skin. The product for the oily type is based on lingonberry and celandine extract, and the mattifying agent is based on seaweed. These tonics cleanse the epidermis and tighten pores; the special feature of the mattifying product is that it promotes a uniform matte skin color, removes oily shine and prevents the formation of acne. According to reviews, Green Mama tonics are economical and inexpensive.
Face toner “Natura Siberica”
This cosmetic product contains natural extracts:
- sage;
- oregano;
- green tea.
It is characteristic that it does not contain synthetic substances - parabens and sodium lauryl sulfate, concentrated fragrances and dyes. The tonic has a pleasant light herbal scent. The toner is used to cleanse oily and combination skin, and it also makes the skin matte. After using the product, the skin becomes smooth, without greasy shine. You need to smear your face 2-3 times a day, as its effect lasts for several hours. This once again proves that it contains no aggressive components.
Vichy Normaderm
This is a micellar lotion that is designed to care for oily, problematic and sensitive skin. With regular use, it affects the epidermis and reduces inflammation, eliminates pathogenic bacteria that provoke the manifestation of purulent pimples, blackheads, and acne. It also gently cleanses the skin, removes comedones - blackheads - and normalizes oiliness. You should wipe your face with it gently, using massage movements, 2 times a day. If a pimple pops up, you can wipe it more times. You can achieve the maximum effect from this product by using another cream from this line.
Faberlic "Bioeffect"
This lotion is not used to treat pimples and acne on its own; it should be used in combination with other products. Since its action is to create an environment for the favorable growth of positive bacteria, and on pathogenic microorganisms the product acts in the opposite way. Since in the environment created by the tonic on the skin, microbes cannot grow and multiply. This is explained by the presence of Biolin prebiotics, as well as vitamins B5 and C.
This product has the same effect on the epidermis as yogurt or kefir does on the body. The pH is normalized, tone is given, redness and peeling disappear.
Among the advantages of this tonic are its affordable price, delicate consistency and the fact that it has a healing effect based on the principle of accumulation.
Nivea cleansing toner
This lotion is designed against imperfections on problem skin. It is based on an antibacterial formula. Contains natural magnolia extract. This allows you to effectively cleanse and tone the epidermis and prevent the occurrence of acne. The cosmetic cleanses the skin gently, does not dry out or tighten it, and is also hypoallergenic.
LOREAL Trio Active
This product contains alcohol. Therefore, it cleanses the skin well and prevents the spread of bacteria, and hence the formation of new acne. There are no concentrated fragrances in it, the smell is light, herbal. The manufacturer recommends using it for normal and combination skin. It is able to affect oily areas of the face, due to the alcohol in the composition, and at the same time dry areas are moisturized. But if the epidermis is too dry and sensitive, then Trio Active should not be used. According to reviews, the product is used sparingly. With regular use, it lasts for 4 months or more.
One hundred beauty recipes “Aloe and rose water”
This is an inexpensive toner, but despite this, after using it there is no feeling of a film, the epidermis does not dry out or become irritated. The lotion cleanses the skin and removes oily shine from the face. It is recommended for use by people with normal to oily skin. Minor inflammations and redness are eliminated. But this lotion should not be used by those who have an allergic reaction to cosmetic products. Since it contains more chemicals, there are no natural components in its composition.
Tonic KS “New Life”
This product is inexpensive but effective. Since its action is aimed at treating and preventing the appearance of comedones, pimples and acne. It also relieves redness around small pimples, swelling, etc. The composition of this cosmetic lotion is very rich in natural ingredients, so it is able to normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, tighten pores, and promote cell regeneration. You need to wipe your face with this tonic 2-3 times a day. The composition includes extracts:
- calendula;
- strawberries;
- nettle;
- sage;
- chamomile;
- celandine;
- St. John's wort;
- wormwood;
- propolis.
Anti-acne facial toner. Pharmacy products for acne
Many lotions against acne on the face can be found in the pharmacy chain. They contain a clearly verified and balanced composition, which contains substances with a proven effect on acne and other blemishes of problem skin. These lotions include the following:
- Zenerit (erythromycin, zinc acetate).
- Zerkalin (clindamycin).
- Ugresol (benzoyl peroxide).
- Calamine (zinc carbonate and oxide).
- NanoCode Anti-Acne (metronidazole, zinc and sulfur, salicylic and boric acids).
- SaliZinc (salicylic acid, zinc, sulfur, vitamin A, aloe, chamomile, string extracts).
- Demolan Forte (aloe juice, burdock and cloudberry extracts, silver citrate, panthenol).
- Clearvin (aloe, neem, licorice, magnolia, turmeric extracts).
These are products supplied by manufacturers, but pharmacies can also prepare lotions according to doctor’s prescriptions. One of them includes salicylic and boric acids, resorcinol, calendula tincture, ethyl alcohol and water. Among pharmacy cosmetics there is also an anti-acne lotion with the following composition:
- Salicylic alcohol.
- Boric acid.
- Tincture of calendula.
- Chamomile extract.
- Sodium tetraborate.
- Camphor.
- Bisabolol.
- Essential oils (tea tree, lime).
As you can see, the choice of drugs and remedies for acne is very wide. Among them there are both mono- and multi-component products containing active substances with already proven effectiveness. But it is better not to use medications on your own, but to seek prescriptions from a doctor.
Pharmacy products have a pronounced therapeutic effect on acne, promoting its disappearance and preventing recurrence.
Rules of application
A cosmetic product will have a positive effect only if it is chosen correctly.
Toners are applied only after the main wash. Excess sebum is removed by gels, soaps, etc. But tonics for problem skin cleanse pores more thoroughly and deeply. Just do not apply them on top of creams or oil-based products.
Manufacturers recommend applying cosmetic liquid to a cotton swab and wiping your face with it. But this method is more suitable for the first stage of washing. Many cosmetologists recommend and themselves use another technology. Apply the tonic with your hands, using light massage movements. This is explained by the fact that it cleanses the pores more deeply and moisturizes the epidermis, and a cotton swab does not allow the product to be deeply absorbed. This is a good way to additionally nourish the epidermis. Do not apply lotion to the skin around the eyes, as it is too thin and sensitive there. It should be used systematically for oily facial skin; only in this case can you count on the pimples drying out and new inflammations not appearing.
Against blackheads
Blackheads are a result of clogged pores with excess sebum. The nose, forehead and chin are places where blackheads are concentrated.
This problem usually occurs in people with excessively oily facial skin that needs cleansing. You should purchase a tonic aimed specifically at combating blackheads. This is a pore shrinking product. Additionally, it has a mattifying effect, dries, moisturizes, and nourishes. It is necessary to wipe such skin with tonic both in the morning and in the evening.
Reviews
A few skin care reviews from the internet:
“For facial care I use Garnier Basic Care toner. I often experience small red inflammations, which cause more aesthetic discomfort. I have been using this product for 3 months now and the effect amazed me. Price and quality are excellent. I also bought a cream from this line for comprehensive care.”
Valeria, 30 years old
“A friend advised me to buy Loreal Trio Active tonic. This is a good and proven remedy. I have combination skin, problem areas are well cleaned and excess oil is removed, while other areas are moisturized. I even noticed that the pores narrowed and the blackheads became less pronounced. After use, you can directly hear how the skin breathes, a light and pleasant feeling.”
Irina, 35 years old
“I like Natura Siberica lotion. It contains many natural ingredients and extracts, a minimum of chemicals. It has a pleasant smell and after application the face breathes, becomes pleasant to the touch and acquires a healthy color.”
Marina, 21 years old
Moisturizing and refreshing
Dehydrated skin needs moisturizing toners. Such products contain a high content of plant components and extracts (cucumber, aloe, green tea, citrus fruits). They can be called a godsend, especially during the summer heat, when we so need maximum hydration and freshness.
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