Toners are multi-purpose skin care. Toning closes the pores and seals in moisture, but it should also hydrate the skin. No matter what your skin type, good toning is essential to healthy, beautiful skin. Alcohol is too drying for most skin types, but more natural astringents can clean and close pores without the drying effects.

Hydrosols make wonderful toners that are simple to use. Hydrosols are a by-product of steam distillation, created while extracting essential oils. Their gentleness makes them an excellent way to tone, hydrate and rebalance the pH of the skin. Like the oils they are related to, different hydrosols have different properties and are suitable for different skin types.

Conventional skin care programs usually present the steps of a skin care regimen in the following order: cleanse, tone, nourish (moisturize). Some natural-care programs believe that it makes more sense to close the pores after nourishing. This is a personal preference; you will need to see which works best for you.

Here are a couple of simple, at-home toning and hydrating mask recipes from Pierre Jean Cousin’s Anti-Wrinkle Treatments for Perfect Skin.

Cucumber and Fresh Mint Mask
Ingredients:
5 fresh mint leaves
¼ medium cucumber
1 large egg white

Place the mint in a food processor or blender and give it one short burst to chop. Peel and seed the cucumber. Add tot the mint and puree. Beat the egg white separately until it forms stiff peaks. Fold gently into the pureed cucumber mixture.

Apply evenly to face and neck and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse off and pat dry.

The fresh mint and egg white both have a toning action, while the cucumber is hydrating and anti-inflammatory. This toning mask is good for all skin types.

Fresh Cream and Grape Lotion
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon grape juice
½ lemon
1 tablespoon fresh heavy cream

Beat the cream and grape juice together to obtain a light fluffy cream. Press the lemon to extract ½ teaspoon of juice. Add the lemon juice drop by drop to prevent curdling, stirring gently to mix.

Apply to face and neck and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off and pat dry. If you like, finish by dabbing a little witch hazel on and allowing to dry naturally.

Grapes are rich in minerals (potassium, manganese, calcium, sodium, and iodine) and vitamins A, B, and C. The grape and lemon juices act as toners, while the nourishing cream counter-balances their astringent effect.