We’ve spoken about moisturisers, sunscreens, and cleansers. Somewhere in this mix of skin care medley, the humble toner began gaining popularity once again with the rise of K-beauty. We have seen toners before as well but they were known to strip essential oils on the face with the alcohol in them. However, today, the toner is a hydrating, must-have step in our beauty routines. Is it really? What even is it and how exactly do you use a skin toner? Here’s our guide on all you need to know about this skincare product.
What is a skin toner?
Think of a toner as a prep skincare item; it readies your face to absorb the serums, moisturisers and SPFs. It may feel like water but it is often infused with ingredients that can exfoliate, hydrate and even balance the pH of the skin. The watery consistency of the toner penetrates the skin barrier easily and gives you some refreshment right away.
In your skincare routine, this step falls right after your cleanser. It can clean up the final traces of any grime or dirt on your face and then be followed by your serums and moisturiser.
What are the benefits of skin toners?
There are many advantages of using a face toner after your cleansing routine. Here are the some benefits of skin toners for which you should consider trying it out:
1. Removes dirt and oil:
After your cleansing, a toner removes any leftover dirt and excess oil from your skin’s surface. It can even help clear building sebum in your pores (No, it cannot make your pores smaller but it can help reduce the appearance of them).
2. Fresh surface:
By adding a toner to your face, you create a hydrating layer that allows the upcoming serum and moisturiser to permeate your skin easily.
3. Bringing back nutrients:
Another advantage of a face toner is that you can return any nutrients lost during cleansing, back to the skin. For example, a toner might be formulated with ceramides that will help you retain the moisture in your skin.
4. Balancing pH:
According to Healthline, your skin naturally has a slightly acidic pH and using a toner can help maintain the balance of the same.
5. Refreshing start:
The watery consistency of toners make them a very refreshing start to your skincare routine. It does this by adding hydration to your skin quickly.
Who should be using a toner?
Now that we know why you should use a skin toner, who can take the leap of faith? The answer is anyone who wants to! People of various skin types can use a toner as long as they align the ingredients in it to what their skin needs. Need a face toner for oily skin? One with glycolic acid will gently exfoliate the skin so that there is no excess oil left; making it a perfect . Dry skin problems? Go for the ones with hydrating ingredients like Vitamin E that will help keep your skin moisturised.
However, if you have sensitive skin or conditions such as rosacea, it might be best to stay away from toners with alcohol and check for the best options with a medical professional.
How to use a skin toner?
How to use a skin toner depends on your preference of application. There are three main ways of using a toner: with a cotton ball/pad, with your hands or as a spray.
With a cotton ball/pad
Add a few drops of the toner onto the cotton ball/pad and gently swipe it onto your face once you are done with cleansing. To save some moolah and be a green warrior, invest in some reusable cotton pads that are machine washable.
With your hands
First things first, WASH YOUR HANDS. Pour a few drops of the face toner onto your clean palms and gently pat it into your skin.
As a spray
You can use a face toner in the morning and/or at night. In the morning, the toner can help wake you up with hydration and prepare you for your skincare routine. At night, it can work towards removing the day’s grime and oiliness off your face.
5 Best Toners We Recommend for Different Skin Types
1. For all skin types:
2. For dry skin:
3. For oily skin:
4. For acne-prone skin
5. For normal to dry skin
Now that you have mastered the hows and whys of a face toner, go ahead and try one out yourself. Treat your skin to hydration and fresh beginnings and hopefully, your skin will treat you right back with glow!
