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Elevate Your Glow with These Simple DIY Toner Recipes
by Sarah Mitchell
Updated: July 16, 2021
Originally Published: April 22, 2021
When it comes to beauty routines, simplicity is key—especially for busy parents. You likely have a cleansing and moisturizing routine down, but you might be skipping a crucial step: toner. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to rethink your approach—particularly with the ease of homemade toner options.
First off, toner is far more than just a splash of water or some ineffective product from your teen years. Our skin can become dull, oily, and uneven due to environmental stressors. Toner works to enhance skin elasticity, tighten pores, and yes, tone the skin. Creating your own toner is not only budget-friendly, but it also allows you to control the ingredients, making it a gentler and safer option for your skin. Plus, it’s enjoyable to play the role of a beauty chemist! If you’re eager to craft your own DIY toner, here’s a guide to get you started.
What is a Toner?
So, what exactly is toner if it’s not just overpriced water? It’s important to recognize that toners have evolved significantly since the 90s, when many were harsh and primarily targeted acne. Back then, they often contained high levels of alcohol, which did little for achieving a radiant complexion. Today’s toners cater to multiple skin concerns and are formulated with a wealth of antioxidants, botanical extracts, and soothing ingredients, with minimal alcohol content.
Think of toner as a secondary cleanser—like a palate cleanser for your face. After you’ve cleansed, toner removes any leftover residue and prepares your skin for serums and moisturizers. It also helps tighten pores, further hydrate your skin, and improve elasticity. Incorporating toner into both your daytime and nighttime routines is recommended. If you exfoliate, be sure to use toner afterward to keep impurities at bay. You can apply toner using clean hands, a cotton ball, or even a spray bottle for a refreshing mist.
Excited to Make Your Own Homemade Toner?
Homemade Toner for Oily Skin
For those with oily skin, a homemade toner can help balance your skin’s pH and prep it for serums and moisturizers without excess shine. Here are a few simple recipes to try:
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of distilled water. Pour into a reusable container and soak a cotton ball in the solution.
- Mint Leaves: Boil 6 cups of water and add a handful of mint leaves while the water is still hot. Let it steep for 20-25 minutes, then strain and cool before storing in your toner bottle.
- Camphor and Rosewater: Combine a pinch of camphor with 1 ½ tablespoons of rose water. Apply to your face for five minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.
- Green Tea: Boil a cup of water and steep a green tea bag or 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves. Once cooled, store in a glass container in the fridge for up to a week. Green tea is rich in epigallocatechin gallate, which helps reduce acne inflammation.
Homemade Toner for Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, a homemade toner can deliver the hydration and nourishment your skin craves. Here are some recipes to get started:
- Honey and Mint: Boil 6 cups of water and add a handful of mint. After 20-25 minutes, stir in 1 tablespoon of honey. Strain the mixture, cool it, and store it in your toner bottle.
- Cucumber and Aloe Vera: Peel and chop a cucumber, then simmer in 6 cups of distilled water on low heat. Allow to cool, blend, strain, and add a few drops of aloe vera before storing.
- Cinnamon and Anise: Boil water with plant anise and cinnamon sticks for about 20 minutes. Let it cool for five hours, then transfer to a glass jar. Cinnamon promotes blood circulation and collagen production, while anise helps build skin elasticity and detoxify.
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Summary: Embracing a homemade skincare routine can enhance your glow and provide tailored solutions for your skin type. By creating your own toners, you not only save money but also ensure that your skin is treated with gentle, effective ingredients. Whether you have oily or dry skin, these DIY recipes offer an array of options to help you achieve a vibrant complexion.