Who remembers the days when skincare seemed so simple, when all you had to use was a gentle cleanser, water, and an excellent moisturizer? It was enough to get the job done, and you still felt pampered on self-care Sunday. Then, out of leftfield, tonics and toners entered the skincare world, often the overlooked product in a skincare routine.

Today, our skincare routines have become a bit confusing with so many selections of all the new products out there, all-natural, vegan, and organic, which we all love. But as with anything new that comes into the beauty and skincare realm, we all go nuts over it.

So now what? We hear that using a toner or tonic is beneficial for our skin. How do we know which is best for our individual skin needs? 

Our newfound excitement turns to bewilderment as we try to understand the ins and outs of toners and tonics. Most of us may think they are the same; however, they are very different when it comes to using and the ingredients of each. Have no fear; that is why Nonie of Beverly Hills is here, to let you know The Difference Between Toners & Tonics. 

So, What Does a Facial Toner do and Where in a Skincare Routine Should it be Used?

A long time ago, in a land far away, toners were quite different to what they are now. We used to cleanse with mineral-oil based cleansers and a toner’s job was to help with removing the oily residue left behind and re-balancing your skin’s pH.

They were full of alcohol, and that meant they could be drying and cause irksome irritation, which are two things that certainly will not give you healthy and radiant-looking skin.

Not anymore.

Today's newer toners are alcohol-free, and they still function to restore the skin's natural pH balance. They often contain humectants, so they also act as the first lightweight hydrating layer in skincare routines. Currently, toners are on the market to address almost every skin concern and are no longer limited to treating acne and oily skin.

Toner removes any last traces of dirt, grime, and impurities stuck in your pores after washing your face. When added to your daily skincare routine and used regularly, it can significantly and positively impact the appearance and tightness of your pores (hello, aging skin). Toner also restores your skin's pH level, smooths skin by refining rough patches, and improves skin tone.

As for application, you'll want to soak a cotton ball with the toner and gently sweep it across your skin after cleansing every morning and before you go to bed at night. Use your toner right after washing your face, using your favorite Nonie of Beverly Hills light AHA Skin Cleanser which is suitable for all skin types, leaves your skin clean, soft, and helps close pores.

Our AHA Skin Cleanser is also an excellent make-up remover. Made with naturally derived fruits and plants, it’s a perfect combination to not only cleanse your face, but it has the best ingredient combo for all of us that love to be green and clean. 

Using a toner helps prep your skin absorb your moisturizer (third step) and skin treatments (fourth step).

Here are all the Deets on Facial Toner, Why Facial Toner is Essential, and Seven Reasons Why You May Want to Include One in Your Skincare Regime.

Adding a face toner to your everyday skincare routine can often be the key to a radiant, and a more refreshed look

When wondering whether to add a facial toner to your routine, keep these seven key steps in mind!

1. Minimizes the appearance of pores.

When pores appear smaller, your skin has a smoother, more polished look. Facial toner helps create a lovely, more luminous appearance so you can go bare-faced and feel fully confident.

2. Helps protect skin from the elements.

Facial toner is formulated to help your skin stay clean and undamaged by environmental stressors and pollution. Check out our blog on “How to Keep Your Skin Safe from Bad Pollution,” to keep your skin looking amazing every chance you get.

3. Temporarily tightens skin.

A toner is a fantastic rejuvenator and helps to give skin a tighter, firmer look. Use it twice a day, and you'll feel the difference right away.

4. It's super refreshing.

Spritzing your skin with a rose-scented toner is a great way to start (and end) your daily routine. It feels incredible — and you deserve to treat yourself.

5. Soothes skin.

Using a botanically sourced facial toner is a great way to create a calming sensation for your skin, alleviating any temporary redness or discomfort.

6. Helps remove oil and makeup.

Adding a facial toner to your regime can help naturally clean your skin and remove dirt and other impurities.

7. Aids skin in retaining moisture.

Toners — particularly one that includes rose water — is naturally hydrating and helps increase absorption of your beloved AHA Protein Moisturizer, Brilliant Moisturizer, or New Condition Moisturizer. 

Nonie’s AHA Protein Moisturizer has soy as one of its main ingredients helping in the removal and buildup of dead skin cells while encouraging cell turnover. As a result, you get a soft, smooth, and healthy complexion. For best results, use it in the morning and evening every day.

All in all, adding a facial toner to your twice-a-day skincare regime is easy, quick, and affordable (and it can make a significant difference in how your largest organ looks and feels.

Plus, you deserve some pampering, and there's nothing more luxurious than a bouquet for your face.

Which Facial Toner Should You Use?

Once you start scoping out your facial toner options, you could easily be overwhelmed by the crazy array of products on the market.

But choosing the right Toner for the face doesn't have to be complicated. Your best bet is selecting natural products and avoiding certain ingredients that can irritate your skin or cause icky flare-ups of existing issues.

Stay clear of:

• Alcohol — Unsurprisingly, alcohol tends to have a super drying effect. It can inflame and irritate sensitive skin.
• Salicylic acid — Frequently found in acne-fighting facial toners, salicylic acid has a reputation for being harsh. It tends to dry skin out.
• Benzoyl peroxide — also typically used to combat acne, can also be way too intense for many people.
• Fragrances — Artificial fragrances are best avoided. Besides, wouldn't you rather smell like real roses than artificial chemicals?
• Phthalates and parabens — These two belong to a group of chemicals generally used as low-cost preservatives. Toxins like these aren't something you want your skin absorbing.

Instead, check labels for botanically sourced ingredients. Remember, Mother Nature knows best!

Common ingredients in natural toners can include:

Witch Hazel: A type of flowering plant, Witch Hazel(s) have long been used for skincare. They're known for promoting an even skin tone and are often used to balance natural oils and help unclog pores.

Green Tea: Green tea isn't just for beverages anymore! This ancient ingredient is known for its antioxidant properties, and as a toner, it can help rejuvenate and even out the appearance of skin.

Aloe Vera: Aloe is renowned for its soothing effect, and in a toner, it can boost hydration and alleviate temporary redness or discomfort.

Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree has traditionally been used to help unclog pores and remove build-up from the skin's surface. It can minimize the appearance of pores and renew and leave a mattifying finish.

Rose Water Oil: Rosewater oil is rose petals steeped in purified water — in other words, a concentrated bouquet. Rosewater has a wealth of benefits, from naturally removing impurities to temporarily.

Who Should be Using a Toner?

Absolutely everyone from oily skins to dry skins and everyone in between, no one shouldn't use toner! It hydrates dry skin, helps remove the oil that blocks pores in oily skin, calms sensitive skin, protects mature skin, and helps even out skin tone in combination skins.

How to Pick a Toner?

As is the case with all skincare products, the key is choosing something right for your skin type. Also, check the ingredients label and make sure you're not choosing one with many chemicals or drying ingredients.  Instead, opt for natural, plant-based ingredients to tighten the skin temporarily.

What is a Tonic, and How is it Used?

We do our best to have healthy, radiant, and beautiful skin. We try to keep our skin looking younger by using a variety of skincare products to the highest quality makeup products. But we should already know that the most critical care is properly cleaning our skin in the morning and evening?

Tonic plays a significant role in cleansing the skin, but unfortunately, it is still not included in washing the face of many #skincareobssessed people. But if you ask what a tonic is, our answer is straightforward. A tonic is a liquid that looks and acts like water but is richer in hydrogen and oxygen.

Historically, tonics have been used to maintain the pH, which means acid and alkaline balance of the skin after soap. In recent years, the ingredients in a tonic have become even richer and a skincare product due to the benefits.

At Nonie of Beverly Hills, we have a fantastic alpha hydroxy based skin tonic.  Our AHA Skin Tonic has a dewy texture that refreshes and tightens your pores while leaving your skin with a smooth and polished texture.

Being vegan approved and made with all 100% natural ingredients, you will fall in love with our AHA Skin Tonic if you are not a user yet. It is free of alcohol, parabens, detergents, animal derivatives or by-products, mineral oil, and fragrance. The only natural preservative that our tonics have is grapefruit seed extract. You can’t get more of a cleaner or sustainable skincare product than that. 

When Do You Use Tonics in Your Skincare Routine?

We mentioned that the tonic is the last stage of the facial cleansing process. So, in the initial stages, the face is first wiped with makeup remover, then washed with warm water. Do not rush to apply your moisturizer or serum on your face immediately after this process! Because the process of cleansing the face is not over yet.

So, it is essential to use a tonic immediately after washing your face. Your tap water may contain rust, chlorine, or other harmful substances that can irritate and tighten the skin, so it is recommended to use a tonic immediately after washing your face with lukewarm water.

In addition, the tonic helps to remove makeup and dirt left on the skin after washing with water. This means that skin without a toner is not yet fully ready for a moisturizer or serum. You should apply tonic after washing the face and before the moisturizer or serum.

Where Do You Apply a Tonic?

We have areas to our skin called U and T-regions. A U-zone refers to the cheeks. Sometimes, U zones will also refer to parts of the chin; however, this depends from person to person). These parts are usually more willing to dryness, irritation, and stretching. The T-zone is the forehead and nose of our face. This area is oilier than the other.

It is necessary to start using the tonic in the U-region, continue in the T-zone, and finish by massaging our neck area. As the U-zone is drier, we first apply the tonic to that area and then move it to other parts of your face. One of the main requirements is not to forget the neck area.

What Are the Skin Benefits of Using a Tonic?

Probably every piece of information is interesting when reading about any product, but one of the most striking and vital nuances is the product's benefits. Rich in skin benefits, tonics mainly have several properties.

Regulates pH balance:

Usually, tap water or soaps upset the pH balance of our face. Tonics allow our skin to create a more vibrant and smoother look by balancing the acid balance. In addition, it prevents the formation of premature wrinkles.

The pores are small:

The pores on the face allow dirt, oil, and toxins to enter the skin more easily. Tonics prevent this process by tightening the pores on the face. Using tonics will also protect your skin from harmful elements of the environment.

Reduces acne:

Tonics helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and acne by removing facial oil and dead cells from the face.

Hydrates & nourishes skin:

Some tonics have moisturizing properties. Tonics moisturize the skin to make it look younger. In addition, it nourishes and increases the elasticity and smoothness of the skin.

How and on What Basis Do You Choose Tonics?

We know that everyone has their skin type. And therefore, it would not be suitable for all skin types to use the same product. Like other facial care products, tonics are made according to different skin types, considering their main features and problems.

Oily and acne-prone skin should use tonics rich in substances that cleanse the pores and regulate the oil balance. Tonics that contain tea tree oil, alpha hydroxy acids and salicylic acid are recommended for oily and prone skin.

Since the main problem of dry skin is dryness and peeling, these skins should prefer tonics that increase the moisture level, including vitamin E, rose water, hyaluronic acid.

As sensitive skin suffers mainly from irritation, tonics with soothing properties are indispensable for them. Rich tonics with chamomile extract and aloe vera will reduce skin irritation and revitalize.

What's The Difference Between Toners and Tonics?

Tonics and toners look very similar on the surface, and even those in the beauty industry sometimes struggle to tell the products apart. In the traditional sense, toners were created as an extra "cleansing" step to remove any residue, act as an astringent for oily or inflamed skin and add additional nutrients to the skin to help prepare the skin for hydration. This is why Witch Hazel and Alpha Hydroxy Acids are common ingredients in toners, as they help strip away any oily residues and clear out pores to prime the skin for the next steps thoroughly. On the other hand, Tonics are an extra "hydrating" step that focuses on conditioning the skin and adding a moisture boost to one's skincare routine.

Tonics tend to be heavier with humectants and moisturizing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and rose water. In Asia, Tonics are sometimes referred to as "essences," but the key idea remains the same – while Toners are for clearing and toning, Tonics are for moisture-boosting and conditioning.

Which One Should I Use?

While both can be included in a single skincare routine, most people pick one or the other depending on their skin type. Usually, those with oily or blemish-prone skin would stick to skin-refining toners, while dry or mature skin types find themselves more suited for hydrating Tonics as these provide the extra nutrients and moisture they need. People living in dry climates may also benefit from a tonic rather than toners and vice versa for those living in high humidity locations.

 

Make Your Tonic Selection Easier by Shopping at Nonie of Beverly Hills.

Now that you know The Difference Between Toners & Tonics, your skin will be super hydrated and appear younger.  On top of that, look for your skin to have more elasticity and smoothness.

It has been proven that AHA skincare can diminish acne, dark/age spots, dehydrated skin, and uneven skin tone and textures, all of which can boost your skin complexion. We are the number one go-to for all your AHA skincare needs. 

Check out our website to find the best AHA skincare products. We have everything you need to get all your skin needs covered.  

All our skincare products at Nonie of Beverly Hills deliver nothing but the freshest skincare products that are safe and healthy for your skin and the environment.  

We are sure you will love our products so much, that we have a subscription option now available.  Take a peek at our website for more information.

If you are a new customer, it's your lucky day. You will get 20% off your first order when you use discount code TRYAHA25. Also, if you spend 99$ or more, the shipping is on us. You will get FREE shipping to the United States and Canada.

Ladies, don’t forget to tell your husbands, brothers, fathers, and significant others that here at Nonie, we offer a great skincare line made especially for men and their skincare needs; besides, men want to have great looking skin too! Show them our All HIS! Skincare Products on our website.