You may have seen toning and hydrating sprays before, but wondered what they are for. More than just cute and refreshing mists – great for summer – these beauty buys are designed to keep your skin’s pH levels balanced (the toning part) and of course hydrated. The hydration bit is pretty self-explanatory but what about the pH part?
Our skin is naturally designed to fight infection and environmental stresses – it’s our largest organ and comes into contact with everything we do (even the things we can’t see) and its ability to do so is dependent on its pH level. This level refers to how acidic or alkaline it is. The scale goes from 1-14 – 1 being the most acidic and 14 being the most alkaline. It makes sense then, that 7 is considered a neutral reading, and where you want your skin to be.
Your skin’s natural characteristics, like creating sebum will be the first things to affect your pH levels. Sebum is more than just shine producing ‘oil’! To get technical, it’s a mixture of lactic and amino acids (from your sweat). These natural characteristics should generally leave your skin’s pH levels relatively neutral, or pretty close to it. But lots of things can affect this level! Our lifestyle choices (including drinking, and smoking), aging, diet, sun exposure, and just everything our skin comes in contact with in general can cause more acidity in your skin, which effects how your skin protects itself.
Enter toners. They’ll help to bring your skin back towards the neutral zone, especially after cleansing (which can strip the skin of it’s natural oils along with dirt and grime). Combine your toner with a hydrating spray and your one step closer to happy, supple skin sans that tight, taught, uncomfortable feeling.
Here are three of my favourites.
The Alexami Hydrating Toning Mist. Enhanced with active botanicals and antioxidants like Aloe Vera, White Tea, Chamomile, Elderberries to do so. Plus, it’s 97% certified organic and has a refreshing lemon scent.
The Griffin and Row Hydrate Skin Hydration Spray. With a special complex made of extracts and oils this fine mist prepares your skin to receive all the benefits of your moisturiser, and helps relieve skin of any tight feelings.
The Kosmea Hydrating Rosewater Mist. Gentle, soothing, cooling and hydrating, this fine facial mist refreshes and hydrates tired and weary skin whether you’re sitting in the office, travelling or rushing around the shops. Keep it in the fridge for an extra soothing feel.