Getting Back to Basics: Part 2 Toning and Moisturising

Welcome to the second post in our Getting Back to Basics series! This post will cover Toners and Moisturizes and help you to decide what will work best for your skin type.

Toners

There has been a lot of debate on the need for this step in one’s skincare routine, some claiming Toners are unnecessary whilst others swearing by their results. So why the huge difference in opinion here? We believe the answer is in the ingredients of the product, simple aromatherapy rules mean a good synergy of ingredients will give benefit while poorly selected ingredients may give no results at all.

Generally, toners are used after cleansing to help refine the skin and help with pH balance. They also freshen, support moisturizing and remove last traces of your cleanser.

• Refined Skin – pore tightening, brightening and anti-inflammatory
• Balanced pH – ensures skin is not too oily or too dry
• Freshen – VG toners can be used as a nourishing spritzer to refresh and brighten skin during the day
• Moisture support – when your toner starts to dry, that is the best time to apply a facial oil or moisturizer. As it dries it draws the oils deeper down into your skin.
• Cleanser remover – some cleansers can leave traces on your skin which can inhibit the effects of your moisturizer and can also block pores. Sweeping a toner over your skin with a cotton pad can effectively remove those last traces of your cleanser for optimal results.

The Victorian Garden uses aromatherapy based toners high in vitamins and nutrients to effectively suit the four skin types:

• Dry Skin – Rose & Chamomile to sooth, balance and hydrate the skin
• Normal/Combination – Chamomile & Orange Blossom to revitalise, tone and regenerate the skin
• Oily/Combination – Lavender & Juniper a decongestant & anti-inflammatory toner to balance the skin
• Sensitive – Lavender & Chamomile to soothe and calm a reactive, sensitive skin

Moisturizers – Day and Night Creams

A good moisturizer is designed to keep your skin nourished, hydrated and comfortable. Get those three boxes ticked and you will have little need for anti-aging products! Unfortunately, our lifestyles, the often polluted environment in which we live and the food that we eat can play a crucial role in determining what your unique situation means for the moisture in your skin and Facial Serums are a great product to compliment Day and Night Creams.

So how does a good moisturizer perform the three essential tasks?

• Nourish – must contain vitamins to feed your skin for health of cells, epidermis and dermis
• Hydrate – must provide moisture to penetrate the skin and keep skin soft, supple and smooth
• Keep skin comfortable – oils, waxes and butters help to seal in moisture, protect skin from the environment and soften skin

Victorian Garden moisturizers' use purified water bases for a lightweight feel and contain blends of essential oils, high in nutrients and vitamin A and C, with Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Jojoba Wax and Beeswax. We have a range of Day and Night Creams to suit every skin type:

• Dry Skin – now with Aurealis (derived from Bitter Orange) for deeper hydration, increased production of skins own Hyaluronic Acid and enhanced water retention.
• Normal/Combination Skin - with Evening Primrose, Jojoba Wax and Coconut Oil for balanced skin.
• Normal/Dry Skin – for Normal skin types with slightly drier patches on the cheeks, it is richer than the Normal/Combination skin creams without being oily. Exclusive to the African Indigenous Rosehip & Aloe Night Cream and the Aloe & Propolis Day Cream.
• Oily/Problem Skin – light and oil balancing to assist with congested and problem skins. Ideal for teenage skins.
• Sensitive Skin – calming and soothing for reactive skins. Available for Dry Skin (Chamomile & Bergamot) and Normal Skin (English Lavender & Cucumber)
• We hope this helps you to understand why and how to use these products, if you need any further help selecting the right ones for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch