Do You Really Need to Use a Toner?
Toners are confusing. There are a bunch of different versions, some lines have them, some don’t. Alcohol is bad for the skin, so why is a toner okay?
In this post we’ll take a look at how and why toners are included in skincare routines.
What is a toner?
Liquids that are applied to the skin after cleansing and before moisturizing.
What do they do?
Depending on the ingredients of a specific formual, they can rebalance the pH, hydrate, finish the cleansing process or absorb oil.
How do you use one?
Again, this depends on the formula.
Ones that are meant to freshen, balance and hydrate are usually sprayed onto the skin. Others that are designed as Step 2 of the cleansing process are orften wiped over the face with a cotton pad to ensure no cleanser or debris is left on the skin.
Which kind should you use?
Always read the instructions of the particular product you are using as some lines have specific ingredients that need to be used in certain ways, but here is an overview of the basic kinds:
- Fresheners: Mostly sprays. Best for dry, mature or sensitive skin these are used before a serum or moisturizer and can be used throughout the day to rehydrate and brighten the skin. Often little to no alcohol is used. Sophisticated formulas will actually improve absorption of any products put on after application
- Toners: These will often contain a slight percentage of alcohol or similar ingredient. Designed for more normal to combination skin types. They remove left over cleanser and debris from the skin ensuring it’s clean, tight and ready to receive the next products.
- Astringents: This is the tingling clean those with oily and acne prone skin crave. Higher amounts of alcohol or witch hazel remove excess oil. These should be used sparingly as they can be quite drying.
In professional use we’re instructed to use a toner after everytime water is applied to the skin. Sometimes tap water has deposits of minerals or metals. A toner wiped over the skin will help to remove any of those.
As for re-establishing the pH, the skin is designed to do that on it’s own. That’s getting into some pretty complicated skin care if the pH of water on the skin will immediate neutralize any active ingredients in further products used. I’ve never really been given an acceptable explanation of why that is so necessary. I feel they should be highlighting other advantages.
While toners can definitely improve any skin care routine, make sure to really understand the particular toner you are using. If it’s just a light spray of alcohol, I would say it’s time to upgrade to something a touch more sophisticated that gives more benefits.
As listed above you can find ones that hydrate, exfoliate, plump and freshen the skin, really a benfit is available for most skin car conditions. I myself enjoy the routine and have always found that a swipe of toner does actually pick up any leftovers on the skin. You can always be sure that skin is completely clean.
What have been your experiences with toner?
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