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| Toning |  Toning is an basic step in a skin care routine. The only exception is a very oily skin. If your oily skin stay oily even after cleansing, you need to refuse from using toner after cleansing. Otherwise toning may do more harm than good.
Most toners include witch hazel and alcohol. These constituents are irritating and drying, especially if you have sensitive or dry skin. If you still feel you need a toner, use a soothing toner free of witch hazel or alcohol.
You do not want to strip every last molecule of oil from your skin. Only makeup, grime and excess oil on the skin surface needs to be removed. The underlying thin coat of fresh sebum is best left undisturbed. Toners which contain alcohol tend to strip everything off, leaving the skin dry and irritated.
Some researchers say that toners tighten cell gaps and close pores after cleansing, thus reducing the permeation of pollution and environmental contaminants into the skin. Unfortunately this supposition is doubtful. Even supposing it is, most people finish their skin care routine using skin care products with active ingredients. Active procedures with a toner that closes pores and tightens cell gaps may be counterproductive.
After the active product has absorbed into your skin, you can close pores simply by cooling your face. The cold closes pores, producing a toning effect. You can or gently pat your skin with a cold pack for a few seconds. If you are not using any active products, you can tone after cleansing by wiping your face with a chip of frozen green tea. The cold from the ice helps close your pores; the tannins and caffeine and in the tea help to reduce puffiness; and green tea polyphenols may provide antioxidant effects. But don't overuse the cold - frequent excessive cooling may increase the risk of developing stubborn skin redness.
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