Cleanser & Toner

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When it comes to skincare, we have all heard the old adage about cleansing, toning and moisturising, but how many of us actually do it?

Some of us might moisturise, but many skip the first two steps because we are unclear what they mean or worry that the products involved are too harsh for our skin.

This is particularly true of toner, which many people think of as an astringent that dries out the skin.

However, when natural ingredients are used to make it, the product becomes something that can be used on all skin types to replenish anything that has been lost and will actively work to benefit the skin, not to harm it.

Here, we look at the jobs of cleansers and toners and how natural versions can give you a complexion you never thought possible.

The best natural cleansers

A cleansing mousse like the Natura Siberica Cleansing Foaming Mousse is great for oily and combination skin.

It foams away any excess dirt and is rich in flavonoids (formerly known as vitamin P), Sophora Japonica and Chamomile Recutita, to deeply cleanse and refresh.

When you use a cleanser, you need to be sure it suits your skin. Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) is a key ingredient in many cleansers and for some people, it can irritate the skin.

Swapping to a natural cleanser can be beneficial to your skin as it is gentler and contains ingredients that are less likely to provoke a reaction.

You can still enjoy the foaming sensation with the Sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser which is award winning and provides a gentle, non-drying cleanser using chamomile, aloe vera, witch hazel and green tea, along with macadamia and evening primrose oils.

Face wipes have been marketed as a quick and easy cleansing solution, but these are incredibly bad for the environment as they contain plastic and therefore do not breakdown and cannot be recycled.

One of the most environmentally-friendly alternatives is to use facial cleansing bars like the Ethique Bliss Bar.

This face bar is suitable for normal to dry skin types and offers a super creamy formulation made from creamed coconut butter, vegetable glycerine and clay, all in sustainable, plastic-free packaging.

There are still many easy ways to cleanse your skin, using products such as the Vitaskin Vitamin C Cleansing Balm.

This quickly dissolves impurities and make-up to leave even the driest skin feel radiant, cleansed and smooth.

Using a natural facial cleanser and toner combination is a much gentler approach to caring for your skin.

These products can be used both in the morning and the evening to prepare the skin and to remove whatever the day might have thrown at it.

The idea of cleansing and toning might seem old fashioned, but it remains essential in keeping your skin clear, glowing and healthy.