Often considered optional, lotion is actually a skincare product that performs several functions for the skin and is suitable for all skin types. But then, how much lotion should one apply to their face?
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Tonic Lotion: How much should you apply?
Summary
Published October 12, 2021,
updated on February 20, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
3 min read
What is the purpose of a toner?
In cosmetology, a lotion is a treatment with multiple purposes, as it generally adapts to all skin types. It is undoubtedly a standalone skin care product, as it is neither a makeup remover nor a cleanser per se. Rather, it is a liquid preparation composed of water and active ingredients tailored to the needs of the skin.
The primary roles of a toner are to provide light hydration, refresh the skin, refine cleansing, and rebalance the skin's pH. This multi-purpose aspect of the lotion is largely due to its composition. It can be rich in hydrating agents such as hyaluronic acid, in revitalizing agents to combat skin oxidation like vitamin C, in regenerating agents like retinol, and so on...
What amount of lotion should be used?
In general, the tonic lotion prepares your skin to receive the products that will be applied afterwards, thereby enhancing their effect. This treatment allows for a slight hydration of the skin after each cleansing, rebalancing its pH, which in turn limits the appearance of imperfections and bacterial proliferation. It gently completes the cleansing step by removing the last traces of impurities (sebum, makeup, pollution particles, etc...) and facilitates the removal of dead cells for better absorption of subsequent treatments, whether in the morning or evening.
Thus, the application of a lotion on your skin should precede that of a serum or a face cream, after a rest period of a few minutes, but after the makeup remover and cleanser. As for the necessary quantity, the idea is to pour a few drops onto a cotton pad, which is the equivalent of a hazelnut size. Then apply the product over the entire face and neck, while avoiding the eye contour, by gently sliding the cotton across the skin from the inside of the face outwards, then from the bottom upwards to stimulate it, without rubbing or weakening the skin.
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