As summertime sneaks around the bend here in the Northern Hemisphere and temperatures rise, you might be stepping up your skin care routine to include toner. Using a toner after cleansing can help to ensure a makeup- and residue-free face, and it can also help to control excess oil brought on by warmer weather. Many store-bought toners contain alcohol, which can over-dry your skin, causing it to freak out and produce even more oil. But alcohol-free toners are generally gentle enough for most skin types.

However, you don’t need to buy any kind of specialty toner, especially if you have green tea in the cupboard! Steeped and cooled green tea is an excellent cleansing, revitalizing, and gentle skin toner, suitable for all skin types. It contains antioxidants that your skin will drink up, and it helps to restore your skin’s vital pH balance.

Any type of green tea will work: sencha, bancha, kukicha… your personal flavor preference will be just as good as any other, when it comes to green tea toner!

An added bonus: you can use the pouch of a green tea bag to apply the toner, eliminating the need for a cotton pad while providing extra exfoliation powers.

Stuff to Know:

• If your skin is highly sensitive, use very diluted green tea.
• Spot test any products or ingredients before using any homemade products on your face, head, or body, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation and/or allergies.
• Use the tea toner on the day you make it. Do not store unused, soaked green tea.

Green Tea Toner for All Skin Types

Ingredients:

• 1 bag of green tea OR 1 bag equivalent loose tea
• 1 cup of fresh, purified water

Steps to Make:

1. Bring the water nearly to a boil.
2. To increase the amount of tea toner you’re making, simply keep the ratios the same.
3. Steep your tea bag (or loose tea in a tea holder) for 3-7 minutes. The longer you steep it, the stronger your tea toner will be.
4. Remove the tea bag or loose tea and allow to cool completely. If using the tea bag as a scrubber, allow the pouch to cool completely, as well. For extra cooling effects, store in the refrigerator until chilled.

To Use:

1. Remove all makeup first.
2. Apply a small amount of tea to a cotton pad. Or dip the tea bag into the cooled tea, and use that instead of a cotton pad.
3. Using  small, circular movements, apply the tea to your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. Avoid the eye area.
4. Allow the tea toner to dry on your face.
5. Apply moisturizer or face oil afterward, as needed.

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Questions for readers:

Have you ever used green tea in your beauty routine?

Do you drink green tea on a daily basis?