That's right, folks. There are only two ingredients in this recipe.

Because of misconceptions, fashion magazines, and even cosmetics salespeople advising against using a toner, toners have become a confusing category of skincare products.

As it turns out what's standing between you and and unclogged pores might be just adding one product into your beauty routine. When asked "what's the secret weapon to healthy skin?" Dr. Hadley King, a New York City board-certified dermatologist, had one simple answer: toner.

Dr. King explains the benefits of toners:

Shrinks Pores

As the name implies, a toner helps to tone the skin which reduces fine lines and pores.

Gives Your Skin pH Balance

Our skin is naturally acidic, normally with a pH balance of between five and six. After cleansing, due to the alkaline nature of true soap, the pH balance of skin gets disturbed. While the body will restore pH all on it's own, a toner helps to restore this balance quicker.

Adds A Layer Of Protection

Like mentioned above, toners can help close pores and tighten cell gaps after cleansing, thus reducing the penetration of impurities and environmental contaminants into the skin. It can even protect and remove chlorine and minerals present in tap water.

Refreshes Skin

Toner can also be used in lieu of washing your skin when it's oily or dirty. It will leave your skin revitalized, even when you're on-the-go.

Prevents Ingrown Hairs

Toners containing alpha hydroxy acids can help to prevent ingrown hairs. Alpha hydroxy acids dissolve dead skin cells on the skins surface allowing new hair growth to come through and not be trapped underneath causing an ingrown hair. 

Don't be alarmed though, while the sound of "alpha hydroxy acid" sounds like something from the movie The Blob, it's actually found in many food items. For example, glycolic acid is found in cane sugar which makes our organic sugar scrub so refreshing.  Lactic acid is found in yogurt making for popular homemade face masks. Acetic acid is, well, vinegar.

Regardless of the claims on the label, there is never -- ever -- a good reason to use a toner with irritants. Irritation hurts your skin's healing process and reduces healthy collagen production—two things you must avoid if you want to improve your skin!

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar Toner

While there are many wonderful toners from nature to chose from, raw apple cider vinegar is affordable, convenient, and readily available in most homes.  It's shelf-stable (does not need to be refrigerated). It's antiseptic. It contains probiotics for your skin. And, as a bonus, it relieves sun burn and razor burn.

Acetic acid, which vinegar is made of, dissolves dead skin cells on the surface revealing fresher, younger-looking skin. Yeah, all that brown stuff you just wiped on your cotton ball is your face.

Because it's antiseptic, it helps heal acne faster.  Have you ever had zit that just kept filling back up with puss over and over again? It's gross. You can say good-bye to those days. Raw apple cider vinegar kicks bacteria in the butt; and the probiotics help regenerate new skin to heal wounds.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 part raw apple cider vinegar
• 1 part water

Equal parts vinegar to water seems to be sufficient for most people.  However, this is not a hard and fast rule.  Being an acid, vinegar will sting open wounds.  If you tend to have a lot of acne with broken skin, increase the water amount so that the toner is more gentle.  As the wounds heal, you can increase the vinegar amount until it's ideal for you.

To Use

After washing your face, preferably with our organic activated charcoal facial soap ;), apply toner to cotton ball or cotton pad. Rub all over your face.

BONUS: If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you can try substituting the water for another toning ingredient like green tea or spearmint tea.

What's your favorite toner?

Thanks for reading!

Becky's Tallow Treasures

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