K-BEAUTY 101: Korean Toner.

The Korean Toner is an  essential beauty ally. It is very often stripped of its importance in contributing to healthy, luminous and perfect skin. In today’s K-Beauty 101 we review the toner, one of the three fundamental steps for Korean Cosmetics, precisely because of its main function, i.e. that of giving a new tone. Choosing the right toner is an extra step for the glow.   Read on and get ready to shine.

What is a Korean Toner:

A Toner is a cosmetic with a texture similar to water that contains natural extracts and has a slightly acidic pH like that of the skin (pH5.5 ). Together with cleansing and sun protection, Toner is one of the three fundamental steps of the Korean Beauty Routine, the Korean beauty ritual aimed at always healthy and perfect skin. The Tonic allows you to amplify the results of every skincare routine because it increases the degree of cleansing of the skin , collecting what the Double Cleansing failed to remove. Specific for each skin type, the toner allows greater absorption of the subsequent steps. If you want to know more about Double Cleansing , you can read everything you need here.

Who should use Korean Toner?

In general… Everyone. Each of us wants skin with a balanced and healthy complexion .
However, the Tonic is in all respects indispensable for those with oily or acne-prone skin , as well as for those who need extra cleansing after using makeup or creams.

When to use Korean Toner?

In the Korean Routine the toner is the fourth step. This is followed by Double Cleansing and (the combined action of make-up remover and cleanser) and precedes those nourishing treatments such as serums and serums or moisturizing creams.

What does a Korean Toner do?

• Firms the skin.

The toner has a “toning” action. Already from the way in which it is applied, tapping it with the fingertips all over the face to activate the circulation produces an important all-natural skin firming.

• Removes dead exfoliation cells.
  The Tonic carries out an important cleansing action on the skin’s pores which, freed from the sebum that clogged them, are more visibly smaller and the skin is brighter and less greasy .
• Improves the absorption of subsequent steps.

By effectively eliminating impurities from pores and dead skin cells, the Toner improves the absorption of the ingredients of the subsequent steps of the routine, while soothing and purifying the skin , to make it smoother and softer.

• Transforms skin: restores pH balance.
  Our skin is naturally acidic , with a pH between five and six (on a scale of 0 to 14). The alkaline nature of soap can throw this value off, leading the skin to have to force itself to settle back   to normal levels, thus increasing sebum production. Using a Tonic can help restore this balance quickly.
• Refreshes the skin.
  By minimizing pore size and narrowing the gaps between cells after cleansing, the Toner reduces penetration by impurities and prevents environmental pollutants from contaminating the skin. Furthermore, the tonic has an important purifying action because it removes chlorine and other pollutants contained in the water.
• Prepare the skin for the hydration that will follow with the steps of essences, ampoules and creams.
  The Toner has humectant functions, i.e. they contain a hydrating agent capable of retaining these principles, preserving the main properties of the products, while helping to bind moisture to the skin.

Refreshes the skin.

The toner can also be used as an extra cleansing step , when it is oily or dirty. Just rub your face with a pad soaked in tonic, a typical method of every Korean girl.

How to use a Korean Toner.

In the Korean cosmetic tradition, there are two different ways of use, depending on whether we want to perfect facial cleansing or tone the skin. But remember: that the skin must always be thoroughly cleansed.   

So:

• Start with the Double Cleansing.
• Pour a few drops onto a cotton pad. Rub it all over your face if you want to carry out an extra cleansing step.
• Apply it by tapping your face with your fingertips to activate the firming function.

Advice:

• Avoid the eye area;

The eyes are a very sensitive area. The Toner may irritate them.

• Remove make-up perfectly:

The toner must always grip the skin. Make sure you always do the Double Cleansing, and rub the toner a little on a cotton pad to thoroughly remove impurities and debris.

Choose the Korean Toner Perfect for Your Skin Type.

There are different types of toner, some generic, others specific to your skin type. Many of those who approach Korean cosmetics tend to skip this important step, considering it superfluous. However, toner is very important. A tip for newbies, discouraged by the fact that they haven’t achieved visible results from their toner, is to try a toner specific to their skin type.

Normal Skin:

Combination Skin.

Dry Skin.

Sensitive Skin. 

Oily Skin.