What are skin toners & do I really need one?

A skin toner is a water-based liquid that clears any iota of impurities left on the skin after cleansing and reduces the appearance of large pores. A toner for the face is also used to hydrate and prep the skin to soak in moisturizer or any other treatments that follow in a skincare routine.

A Brief Background On Skin Toners:

Toners aren't a new phenomenon. Traditionally, toners for the face were packed with high concentrations of alcohol to help get rid of excess oil from the skin.

Toners were also of great help back when people washed their faces with harsh soaps or facial cleansers. This stripped away moisture from the face and wrecked the pH balance of the skin.

Benefits Of Toner

• Minimizes the appearance of large pores
• Balances the skin's pH level
• Hydrates and preps the skin: Toners are designed to hydrate your skin and prepare it to absorb the benefits of your moisturizers.

Should You Use A Skin Toner?

Toning is the hydrating step of a skincare routine. It is a great way to quench thirsty, aka dehydrated skin.

How To Use A Skin Toner?

• Remove your makeup
• Cleanse your face and gently pat it dry
• Choose a toner that suits your skin type
• Apply toner using a cotton pad or by spraying directly
• Avoid your mouth and eye area and seal it in with a moisturizer.

How To Choose A Toner?

Keep your skin type in mind. Depending on your skin type and concerns, you can also look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycolic acid, rose water, rice water, vitamin C, etc.

FAQs

Q2. What does toner do to the face?

Toner helps cleanse the skin further by removing traces of dirt, oil, or makeup. Depending on the formula and the ingredients, it can also hydrate, exfoliate, soothe, and prepare the skin to absorb serums and moisturizers better.

Q4. What are the benefits of toner?

1. Balances Skin pH: Restores skin to its natural pH level after cleansing.
2. Removes Residual Impurities: Cleanses away dirt or makeup left after washing.
3. Preps Skin: Allows other skincare products to penetrate more effectively.
4. Targets Skin Concerns: Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or salicylic acid address specific concerns like dryness, uneven skin tone, or large pores.
5. Hydrates and Refreshes: Hydrating toners leave the skin feeling fresh and soft.

Q6. How to use a toner?

1. After cleansing, pour a small amount of toner onto a cotton pad or into your hands.
2. Gently swipe the cotton pad across your face.
3. Follow up with a serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (in the morning).

Q7. When to use a toner?

Use toner right after cleansing, as it helps clear away any leftover impurities and preps the skin for better absorption of serums and moisturizers.

Q12. Is it ok to use a toner without a moisturizer?

You definitely need to apply moisturizer after toner. A moisturizer is necessary to seal the hydration provided by the toner.