How do I use a toner? {Skin Care}

Toner is a product which has been under constant attack by everyone saying it is a useless step and doesn't really do anything for skin. But, you might have checked out my many DIY toners. So, yes, I do use a toner on and off and since face mists have hit the market, they have been favorites with every gal. So, I wanted to share a tip today. Using a toner regular can improve the hydration levels of the skin. And, for that, you need not go any far.

What toner do I use?

A simple rose water is enough to do the job. Or, green tea as well. I had also prepared a toner with essential oils which I had shared here. Frankly, I have used only one commercially available spritzer otherwise all my toners are DIY's. They are inexpensive and also I can play with them as I want. 

How do I use the toner? 

I store my toners in spray bottles and try to use them both morning and night but generally, I miss them in the mornings!!! I collect the toner in my palm by spraying 5-8 pumps and rub the palms and apply the toner on my face and neck. No, generally, I don't spill the product.

Results

Whenever I apply the toner on my face and then, follow immediately with facial oils, I have always noticed that the products get absorbed super fast and also leave a very dewy look. Also, the amount of moisturizer / oil required is less comparatively to when skin is not dewy. And, if you use green tea as a toner, it also helps with breakouts and acne!! 

My skin is more hydrated and supple and if I miss toner 2-3 days continuously in a row, my skin goes dull again :( So, I am working on making 'applying toner' a very religious affair. Do give this tip a try and lemme know how it goes for you :)

How to make green tea? {DIY}

I had once upon a time done a post on the beauty benefits of green tea. But, making green tea properly is a little tricky. Properly made green tea provides plethora of benefits but if not made properly, not only does it not give the benefits but also tastes horrible. If it tastes bitter or too bland, then you are not making it correctly.

Green Tea is the least processed tea leaves after white tea so the leaves are very delicate and can burn at higher temperatures. The optimal temperature of water for green tea is 75 degrees. Even a little bit more would spoil the leaves, burn them and cause the taste to turn bitter at which point you are not receiving any benefits from drinking the tea. So, how to make it properly?

Here's what I do. I don't take more than a tea spoon of tea leaves. I always use loose powder because the instant tea bags need to go more processing than the loose powder.I boil my water in electric kettle coz it happens faster. So, after it boils, I leave the kettle open for 15 minutes for the water to cool down. Then, after 15 minutes are over, pour the water over the tea leaves in a cup and stir it with a spoon for two minutes exactly (a minute more would make the tea taste bitter). Strain the tea and drink it. You can add honey as a sweetener but it tastes better without that or you can also add 4-5 drops of lemon for extra flavor. 

Instead of throwing the used leaves, I pour boiling water over the leaves and leave it over night. In the morning, I strain the leaves and use the liquid either as a toner, pour it in my bath water, wash my face or use it as a hair rinse.

I like the Tetley brand of green tea particularly. Heard that Twining is good but I have not used the Fab India one. But, I had used their Tulsi something tea which I didn't particularly like. And, there are a lot of flavors in the market in various brands. So, you can use any!!

Green Tea as more than just a beauty product

In one of my earlier posts, I have wrote about green tea being a perfect anti-oxidant source for anti-aging skin care. But, green tea has been proved to be a lot more than that. 

Recently, it was confirmed that green tea can prevent glaucoma or other eye diseases. The green tea is not only rich in anti-oxidants but also disease fighting properties. It is especially rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and zeaxanthin which are capable of protecting the eyes. These compounds are absorbed by the tissues of the eye, retina, the lens. Experiments were done with the rats given green tea to drink and the analysis was that the eye tissues and other parts absorb significant amounts of these compounds.

Another advantage of drinking green tea is that it is helpful in reducing oxidative stress in the eye which is considered to be pretty harmful. The oxidative stress is one of the causes for age-related eye sight degeneration, glaucoma and cataract formation.

Thus, drink green tea every day and prevent the aging of your eyes too along with your skin.