Toner is one of the items used in daily skin care. However, even if I use it every day, I often do not understand what kind of role it has. In order to enhance the skin care effect, it is important to know the role of the item and how to use it correctly.
Therefore, this time, we will introduce the function of lotion and how to use it effectively. Let’s also see how to choose a lotion that suits you.
The role of lotion is to moisturize and condition the skin
70-80% of the lotion is water (purified water), and its main function is to replenish the skin with water lost during cleansing, face washing, and bathing .
I feel that if you want to moisturize your skin, you can just soak it in water, but even if you soak it in water and your skin is temporarily moisturized, it will evaporate immediately. Toner also contains moisturizing ingredients, and by giving the moisturizing ingredients to the skin together with water, the moisture lasts longer than when only water is applied.
Also, when the skin dries, it becomes hard and the beauty ingredients do not penetrate. One of the roles of lotion is to smooth the skin by moisturizing it and to help the penetration of beauty essences and creams to be used next.
Types of lotion
There are three main types of lotion. Its main role is to rehydrate the skin, but it has many other functions depending on the type. Let’s take a look at the types of lotion.
Soft lotion
Soft lotion is the most common lotion, and is sometimes called general lotion or moisturizing lotion. In Japan, when we talk about lotion, we often refer to soft lotion .
It moisturizes the skin to soften it and promotes the penetration of beauty essences and creams to be used next. Introduced lotion is also a kind of soft lotion. There is also a type of soft lotion that has the effect of improving skin problems such as aging care, fine wrinkles, and rough skin.
Wiping lotion
Wiping lotion is a lotion that removes dirt and old keratin on the surface while replenishing the skin with moisture . Sometimes called a remover, skin freshener, etc., soak it in cotton, etc., and wipe off dirt that cannot be removed by cleansing or washing your face.
As for how to use it, it is common to use a wipe-off lotion immediately after washing your face, and then perform normal care such as a soft lotion, serum, and cream. It is a lotion that is more popular than soft lotion in Europe and the United States, and is often used as a substitute for face washing after cleansing.
Convergent lotion
Convergent lotion has the effect of moisturizing the skin, controlling the secretion of sebum, and tightening the skin. It also has a moisturizing effect, but in many cases, the effect of tightening and suppressing the secretion of sebum is more important than that . Therefore, it is often recommended to use it in combination with soft lotion or beauty essence.
In Japan, it is often thought of as a lotion for special care such as for summer and oily skin, but it is used as a daily care item along with wipes overseas, mainly in Europe and the United States.
Order and precautions for using lotion
In skin care, in addition to lotion, you may be wondering when to use lotion because you use multiple items such as serum and cream in combination. Generally, the timing of using lotion is immediately after cleansing or washing your face .
Facial cleansing and cleansing are important for removing dirt and excess sebum, but they also wash away the sebum needed to keep the skin moisturized. Since the barrier that protects the moisture has been washed away, the skin is in a state where it is easy to dry, so it is necessary to replenish the water immediately.
Toner hydrates the skin, but it is not enough for skin care. Even if you moisturize with lotion, if you do nothing after that, it will evaporate and cause dryness. Therefore, after using lotion, it is important to seal it with oil-containing items such as beauty essence and cream to prevent water from escaping . If you are uncertain about the order in which to use skin care items, it is basic to use the items with the highest moisture content first, and then cover with the items with the highest oil content.
However, cosmetic companies and brands may have their own way of thinking and beauty methods, and there are also types of lotion that are not used immediately after washing your face. When using lotion, read the precautionary statements and pamphlets on the package carefully before using it.
See also this article for the order of skin care.
How to choose a lotion that suits your skin
There are many types and active ingredients of lotion, and many people may be wondering which one to choose. There are various viewpoints to choose from, such as choosing by type, by age, and by skin problems.
The recommendation is to choose a lotion that suits your skin type . Here, let’s introduce the characteristics of skin quality and the points of choosing a lotion.
For dry skin
Dry skin has a reduced barrier function and is deficient in water and oil. It has the characteristics that it feels taut after washing the face and that it is worrisome as a whole. In addition to leading to fine wrinkles and dullness, when it gets worse, it may cause powder blowing, itchiness, redness, etc.
For dry skin, we recommend a highly moisturizing type lotion that contains ceramide, amino acids, collagen, etc. that retain the moisture of the skin and protect it from external stimuli. There are “moist type” and “refreshing type”, but basically there is a difference in texture and usability, so even people with dry skin can choose the refreshing type without any problem.
For oily skin
Oily skin is a type with excess water and oil. There is no feeling of tension on the skin, it is plump and firm, and wrinkles are not so noticeable. However, people tend to suffer from stickiness, shine, and makeup breakage on the entire face. There is also a tendency to worry about open pores, darkening, and acne.
The recommended toner for people with oily skin is a type that contains vitamin C derivatives that control sebum and suppress oxidation. As a special care, it is also a good idea to use a converging lotion that suppresses the secretion of sebum. If you are suffering from acne, we also recommend a lotion containing dipotassium glycyrrhizinate, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
Mixed skin
Mixed skin is high in oil and low in water. Due to the lack of water inside the skin, the barrier function of the skin is reduced, and the skin secretes excess sebum to prevent further dryness, which is also called inner dry skin.
The characteristic of mixed skin is that the condition of the skin differs depending on the parts, such as “The T zone is sticky but the eyes and cheeks are dry”. I’m worried about the opening of pores and acne, but I also have problems with oily skin and dry skin, such as dry skin and a feeling of dryness.
Since mixed skin needs to make up for the lack of water inside the skin, we recommend a lotion containing moisturizing ingredients such as ceramide and amino acids that easily penetrate into the keratin. Please note that vitamin C derivatives, which are often used for oily skin and whitening lotions, can be irritating if the skin is too dry.
For sensitive skin
Sensitive skin is a condition in which the water and oil content of the skin is out of balance. The skin becomes dry and the barrier function deteriorates, and even slight irritation such as temperature changes, pollen, clothes, and hair can cause skin problems such as eczema, rashes, and itching. Most of the causes are dryness, but sensitive skin can be caused by seasonal changes, stress, lifestyle-related disorders, and incorrect skin care.
For sensitive skin, we recommend a mild and highly moisturizing lotion, especially a lotion containing ceramide that supplements the barrier function. Avoid skin-irritating ingredients such as alcohol, fragrances and preservatives as much as possible. If you are concerned about redness or tingling, you may want to use a type that contains ingredients that suppress rough skin, such as tranexamic acid and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate.
Tips for using lotion effectively
By holding down the points of use of lotion, moisture and active ingredients permeate the skin firmly, and high effects can be expected. Next, I would like to introduce three points when using lotion.
1 Use on skin that has been cleaned of dirt and excess sebum
First, cleanse and wash your face to thoroughly remove makeup and excess sebum. Even if you use lotion with stains on your skin, it will prevent the penetration of water and active ingredients. Don’t forget to wash and keep your hands clean.
2 Apply immediately after washing your face
After washing your face, apply the lotion immediately after washing your face. After cleansing or washing your face, the water evaporates quickly and it is easy to dry. Even if you apply lotion after washing your face and the skin is dry for a while, the keratin will be hardened. Then, it becomes difficult for the lotion to penetrate, and the effect is halved.
3 Divide the appropriate amount into several times and let it blend in.
If you use too much or too little lotion, the effect will be reduced, so please follow the usage amount stated on the package. It is said that the standard amount of lotion used at one time is 500 yen coins, but if you try to apply that amount at once, it will overflow from your hands, so apply a small amount in several times. prize. Layer the parts that are worried about dryness.
Spread the lotion on both hands and apply it by wrapping it around the entire face. Use the pad of your finger to apply the nose and dents around the eyes.
