Toner is one of the important steps in achieving healthy and balanced skin. It appears to be the only skin care step with an ambiguous name. What does a toner do? While toner was once primarily used to remove residual makeup and cleanse the skin, modern formulations offer a wide range of benefits, from hydration to pH balance and prepping the skin for better absorption of other products. Toner comes right after the cleanser before the application of other products. Let’s explore the function of a toner in a skin care routine.
What is Toner?
As earlier said, toner is a liquid skincare product used on the face after cleansing, before the application of serums and moisturizers. When they were first introduced into skincare, toners were alcohol-based astringents that acted mainly as cleansers to remove oil from the skin while also tightening the skin by shrinking tissues. With new technology and skin care breakthroughs, toners come in different varieties of formulations designed to address different skin concerns. They are typically water-based and may include ingredients like humectants (for hydration), acids (for exfoliation), and antioxidants (for protection).
How to Choose the Right Toner for Your Skin Type
The best way to get the most out of any beauty or skincare product is to use the ones that are most suitable for your skin type. This way, the product can work directly on the needs of your skin to give you flawless, glowing skin.
- A person with dry skin should definitely go for a toner with moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. The goal is to avoid alcohol-based toner that can strip the skin of moisture. Dry skin needs more moisture.
- The goal for a person with oily skin or acne-prone skin should be to get rid of excess oil and buildups that can cause acne breakouts. This, however, does not mean that oily skin does not need moisture, only avoid heavy or overly hydrating toner. Go for toners with ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide, which can help control oil production.
- For a person with combination skin, you should be on the lookout for toners that can treat both oily and dry areas of the face. Go for toners with a low percentage of actives, gentle exfoliants, and moisturising ingredients.
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How to Use Toner Effectively
A proper skin care routine starts by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type. This removes dirt, oil, and makeup, leaving your skin ready to absorb the toner. After cleansing, dampen a cotton pad with toner and gently swipe it across your face. This method is particularly effective for removing any residual impurities. You can also apply toner with your hands by pouring a few drops of toner into your palms. You run them together, and then press the toner into your face using gentle patting motions. This method works well for hydrating toners or those you want to absorb more deeply into the skin. Give some minutes for absorption.
Note: Using too much toner or applying it too frequently can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness or irritation.
Adjust Based on Skin Needs
If your skin feels overly tight or dry after using a toner, you might be using one that’s too strong for your skin type. Conversely, if you have oily skin and still experience excessive shine, you might need a toner that better addresses oil control. By selecting the right toner for your skin type and using it correctly, you can achieve healthier, more balanced skin. Remember to be consistent with your routine and pay attention to how your skin responds to ensure you’re getting the most benefit from your toner.
Benefits of Using Toner
Cleanser can disturb the skin’s natural pH level, making it more alkaline. Toner helps to restore the skin’s pH to its natural acidic state (around 5.5), which is crucial for maintaining the skin’s barrier function.
Toner helps to hydrate the skin and primes it for better absorption of serums and moisturizers. This can enhance the efficacy of your other skincare products.
Many modern toners are formulated with hydrating and soothing ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid, which can help to calm the skin and provide an extra layer of moisture.
While cleansing removes most impurities, toner can pick up any remaining dirt, makeup, or cleanser residue that might have been missed and also remove excess oil from the skin. Some toners contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), which gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover for a brighter complexion.
