Easy Cleansing Tonics

Toners are used to remove any left over residue after cleansing the face. Additionally, they freshen the skin, close pores, tighten the skin, and restore ph balance. After cleansing your skin is stripped of it natural oils thus leaving the skin dull and dry. Usually it can take up to a half of an hour or so for your skin to restore its ph balance. When using the right toner for your skin type, the ph balance of your skin is restored instantly.

Tonics are applied with a cotton ball or gauze and should be applied to face and neck, avoiding the eye area. If you skin is dull and sluggish, try briskly slapping the toner on thus increasing circulation in your skin.

You can make a fresh and invigorating cleansing tonic easily at home with nothing more than a trip to the drugstore, health food store or your refrigerator. The next time you want to make your face feel clean and refreshed, try one of these easy homemade tonics.

Herbs used to make common toners are as follows:
- Dry skin: Elderflower, linden flowers and marigold
- Normal skin: chamomile - especially good for antiseptic values, fennel, lemon balm, parsley and rosemary.
- Oily Skin: Chamomile-especially good for antiseptic values, fennel, lemon balm, parsley, rosemary, and peppermint and sage-especially good for antiseptic values.
Any of these herbs can be mixed with milk for soothing and nourishing dry skin as well as for sunburned or sensitive skin. Whole milk should be used for normal to dry skin, and skim milk for oily skin.

Vinegar Skin Awakener
Vinegar is helpful for removing soap and hard water residue from the skin, and it restores the skin`s natural pH balance. To make a simple vinegar face refresher, combine 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 tablespoon of boiled water and apply with a cotton ball. Do not rinse. The vinegar smell will be gone from your face in 10 to 15 minutes.

Honey and Nutmeg Scar Remover Wash
This treatment is meant to help fill in and heal the scar caused by skin eruptions, skin accidents and acne. Twice a week combine 1 teaspoon of nutmeg with 1 teaspoon of honey and apply to your face. Leave it on for 20 minutes, and rinse with cool water.

Vegetable Oil Make-Up Remover
Ordinary kitchen shortening can be used as make-up remover in a pinch, and may be soothing to dry skin. Use a cotton ball or cotton cloth and cover your face with shortening. Let it sit on your skin for about 30 seconds to loosen the make-up, and wipe off. Wash and moisturize as usual.

Lemon Blackhead Removal Tonic
Citrus is naturally exfoliating, which makes lemon useful when it comes to fighting blackheads in your cleansing routine. For an overnight treatment, rub a half lemon directly on your face before bed. For a more fragrant tonic, add rosewater to the lemon juice and apply with a cotton ball. Wash off the tonic in the morning.

Soothing Toner Recipe
Use 2 tbl. dried or 1 tbl. fresh herb depending on your skin type and 2/3 cup milk. Boil milk and pour over herb. Cover and refrigerate. Strain through cheesecloth or muslin. Apply to skin with cotton balls. Do not rinse. Apply moisturizer. The recipe should be stored in a sterilized bottle and will keep for approximately 5 days in your refrigerator.

Anti-Aging Toner
Use 1/2 cup pure spring water or distilled water and 2 teaspoons green tea leaves (or 1 green tea bag). Bring water to a boil. Place the tea leaves or tea bag in a glass or bowl. Pour the boiling water over the leaves or bag and steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Strain the green tea into a bottle, and let it cool. Apply to skin with cotton balls. Do not rinse. Apply moisturizer.

Toning is necessary for all skin types and should be made a part of daily skin care routine. One of the most important factors of skin care is skin cleansing. Because dirt, pollution, residual makeup, etc. can cause havoc to the skin leading to skin ailments and even hastening of the aging process. Toning is refreshing, improves blood circulation and adds a healthy glow to the skin.