Toners

**leake79** · 07-11-2006, 05:59 PM

Still being very new to this whole wetshaving/facial care thing, I'm just about to make a large purchase at mensessentials and have been looking into toners. What exactly does a toner do, and is it worth it? I read the thread about Da Vinci water, and everyone raving about it, but I'm just not sure what it does. I guess I'm a little skeptical.

Also, I thought I'd ask about razor bump/ingrown hair treatment products. Do toners help with that? I do have a problem with irritation and ingrown hairs around my neck. Any recommendations on how to help with that?

Thanks guys.

**Scotto** · 07-11-2006, 06:09 PM

Others may differ, but toners are in the "optional" category. They are used to cleanse the skin of soap residue (in theory), and help close the pores, and soothe the skin a bit. Cold water will probably close them as effectively (and cheaper

), though. That being said, I use various products like witch hazel, DaVinci water, etc. since (a) they smell good, (b) they feel good, and (c) they do soothe the skin a bit.

If you are not sure you will like them, I would suggest going to a health food store and trying out some Thayers witch hazel rather than buying some premium product. If you want the DV water, then by all means head to QED.

**ouch** · 07-12-2006, 11:21 AM

I was in GNC yesterday, looking to replenish my stock of Thayer's. They didn't have any, and didn't know what I was talking about. I found some rose water, and was about to buy it when I decided to read the label. It said that the water was treated to increase its vibration to facilitate its holistic benefits.

There is nothing, and I mean nothing, that pisses me off more than pseudo-science.

Perhaps I should have put this in a more appropriate thread.

**NMMB** · 07-12-2006, 11:26 AM

Originally Posted by ouch

I was in GNC yesterday, looking to replenish my stock of Thayer's. They didn't have any, and didn't know what I was talking about. I found some rose water, and was about to buy it when I decided to read the label. It said that the water was treated to increase its vibration to facilitate its holistic benefits.

There is nothing, and I mean nothing, that pisses me off more than pseudo-science.

Perhaps I should have put this in a more appropriate thread.

Ouch,

I understand. I will refuse to buy something (even if I really want it) if the product or (and this is much worse) the salesperson makes unfounded and illogical claims as to what the product can do. This sort of thing (especially w.r.t. the salesperson) can get really bad when looking at antiques or when looking at electronics/computers/etc at a store where the salespeople don't have a clue.

**rtaylor61** · 07-12-2006, 11:44 AM

Originally Posted by ouch

I was in GNC yesterday, looking to replenish my stock of Thayer's. They didn't have any, and didn't know what I was talking about. I found some rose water, and was about to buy it when I decided to read the label. It said that the water was treated to increase its vibration to facilitate its holistic benefits.

There is nothing, and I mean nothing, that pisses me off more than pseudo-science.

Perhaps I should have put this in a more appropriate thread.

The first time I went to GNC, they were clueless, but I found the Thayer's on my own. Inventory will vary from company owned stores to individual franchises. I believe it is the company owned stores that will have the Thayer's in stock.

Randy

**guenron** · 07-12-2006, 11:46 AM

Okay! Okay Randy... You made your point.. Don't have to repeat it for ol' Ouch. He'll pick it up!

**boboakalfb** · 07-12-2006, 01:05 PM

Regarding your question about ingrown hairs...

Traditional wet shaving with a brush and DE has helped tremendously. I suffered for many years with this issue...seeing multiple doctors for help without any good coming from it. Who would have thought that by shaving the way people did many years ago was the solution to my problem.

It will take time for your face to adjust and to dial in your technique but make sure you stick with it. Believe me that you will be happy you did.

Exfoliation and moisturization are key. I don't know if you go against the grain on your neck, but if you are then possibly you can't handle it. Try going with the grain and then across and see how your face reacts. This should still get you respectably close without risking ingrowns...

**ouch** · 07-12-2006, 05:14 PM

Originally Posted by guenron

Okay! Okay Randy... You made your point.. Don't have to repeat it for ol' Ouch. He'll pick it up!

You give me waaaaaay too much credit.

**GentsLLC Shaving-Skincare** · 07-12-2006, 07:32 PM

Leake79 - I borrowed this from my post at the "Skincare Clinic" : Toners came into being because cleansers at the time were not water soluble. You needed a toner to remove the last traces of the cleanser from your face. In addition, if a cleanser isn't ph balanced, the toner is used to bring the ph of the skin back into balance. Witch hazel is considered an astringent. Astringents work by causing a slight swelling around the pore openings, helping to tighten the skin and minimize the APPEARANCE of the pore opening. It can also have a soothing effect. Toner products for oily skin are sometimes referred to as astringents. In my opinion, the word "toner" is a bit of a misnomer, simply b/c you can't expect a mixture of water, alcohol, and /or astringent agents to permanently firm or recondition the skin. It's simply a temporary effect. Just as using harsh cleansing ingredients can strip away oils and cause your skin to produce more oil, excessive use of stripping toners will have the same effect. My best advice would be to make sure that you are using a face wash that is ph balanced to the skin. If you're not sure, call the manufacturer and they should be able to tell you. Then it becomes a question of enjoying a splash of toner or water. The later should do just fine. Main thing is to leave the skin sightly damp before applying moisturizer/aftershave balm. Hope that helps.

**leake79** · 07-12-2006, 08:34 PM

Originally Posted by boboakalfb

Regarding your question about ingrown hairs...

Traditional wet shaving with a brush and DE has helped tremendously. I suffered for many years with this issue...seeing multiple doctors for help without any good coming from it. Who would have thought that by shaving the way people did many years ago was the solution to my problem.

It will take time for your face to adjust and to dial in your technique but make sure you stick with it. Believe me that you will be happy you did.

Exfoliation and moisturization are key. I don't know if you go against the grain on your neck, but if you are then possibly you can't handle it. Try going with the grain and then across and see how your face reacts. This should still get you respectably close without risking ingrowns...

Thanks for the reply, I've been using some moisturizing samples I got from Baxters, and took a couple days off from shaving, and can already tell a difference from my last shave. I've already ordered some more Baxters, and also picked up this product from mensessentials:

PFB Vanish Roll-on Razor Bump Treatment

Am I wasting my time with something like this? It certainly isn't cheap, but the reviews swayed me.