Have you ever wondered if skin toner is the pet rock of beauty products – basically an attempt to get you to spend money on something you don’t need? I definitely have.
As I’ve developed my natural skincare routine over the years, I’ve learned a lot about the whys and why nots behind different approaches. For consumers who slather synthetic (often hormone-disrupting) cleansers on their face, toner is probably unnecessary due to the pH of those products. However, if you use a natural cleanser, toner can really benefit your skin. That’s because in addition to promoting skin clarity, it also helps keep skin looking youthful by supporting the “invisible veil” that holds moisture in.
Why your skin needs acid, even if it isn’t oily
Healthy skin has an acid mantle that’s like an invisible veil that keeps the good stuff (lipids, moisture) in and the bad stuff (pollution, bacteria) out. As the name indicates, the acid mantle is at its strongest—and therefore most naturally balanced—when the skin is slightly acidic, with an optimum pH of about 5.5.
That’s important to know because when we cleanse with soap, two things happen . . .
1. We remove debris and transient bacteria. We also rinse away some of the good bacteria that are part of our natural microbiome, but those bacteria also live in the deeper layers of our skin that water doesn’t touch and therefore quickly repopulate.
2. Unfortunately, soap also changes the skin’s pH from acid to alkaline and washes off the “protective film” part of the mantle, which is sebum produced by our skin. Or as New York dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe put it, “The natural acidity in our skin can be disrupted when we use harsh cleansers and soaps. This in turn destroys the acid mantle protecting our skin from harmful bacteria, germs, and pollutants.”
So, how does apple cider vinegar benefit skin?
According to Dr. Bowe, apple cider vinegar “returns acidity to your skin and the malic acid in apple cider vinegar makes it antibacterial, wiping out bacteria.” In other words, using a toner made with apple cider vinegar restores our natural pH levels, which benefits skin in several ways:
Supports Skin Clarity
For skin that is prone to acne blemishes and blackheads, apple cider vinegar may help by balancing the skin microbiome and gently dissolving dead skin cells that can lead to breakouts.
In an interview with New York dermatologist Sejal Shah, M.D., says that “While there haven’t been any scientific studies specifically evaluating apple cider vinegar for acne, the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar has both antibacterial and keratolytic properties. In other words,” continues the article, “it has the potential to help zap your bumps from the source.”
May Help Prevent Premature Aging
According to an article in Elle magazine, your skin’s “Alkalinity might also play a role in aging. A study published in British Journal of Dermatology by Greg Hillebrand, PhD, of P&G Beauty Science showed that women with an alkaline stratum corneum (the skin’s outermost layer) developed more fine lines and crow’s-feet than those with acidic skin over an eight-year period.”
Apple cider vinegar is also thought to be similar to a very mild exfoliating chemical peel that encourages skin renewal and minimizes the appearance of pores. Some people say apple cider vinegar helped even out the tone of acne scars or dark spots, and this exfoliating effect may explain why.
Incorporating Apple Cider Vinegar Toner Into Your Skincare Routine
Adding this toner to your daily routine is as simple as 1-2-3.
1. Cleanse – Using our foaming face wash or your favorite cleansing bar, gently wash your face and neck area.
2. Tone– Spritz your ACV facial toner and wipe it over your face and neck, avoiding the delicate skin near your eyes.
3. Moisturize – After application, all you need to do is smooth on moisturizer and you’re done! I recommend our Hydrating Rosehip Seed Oil Serum or our tallow balm, which is uniquely compatible with our skin’s biology due to its similarity to the sebum that makes up our protective layer.
Optional Additions: Witch Hazel or Herbal Hydrosols
We’ve all heard that oil and water don’t mix, and that’s true when it comes to essential oils and this skin toner. Because it’s a water-based formula, the essential oils will not disperse and instead will float on the top of the toner, making it very difficult to get an even application. That’s why, our toner uses hydrosols, which are “flower waters” that have similar therapeutic properties as their essential oil counterparts, but work better in water-based formulas. We offer calendula Hydrosol in our toner which is calming.. we also add Witch Hazel which contains antioxidant tannins that ease skin irritation. witch hazel is cleansing and removes excess oil and tightens pores,
Pick up a bottle today at the produce stand at Amy's Farm, 7698 Eucalyptus Avenue, Ontario, 91762. The farm is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9am until 5pm.
Check back soon for new product and pick up locations in Orange and Riverside Counties!
Comments