Skincare routines can be a little bit confusing, and quite rightly so. A standard routine likely incorporates several steps and products to gain the full benefits. But despite the perceived complexity of skincare, some processes are as simple as they come. For instance, cleansers are used for cleansing, moisturizers hydrate the skin, and sunscreen provides UV protection.
That said, there are other processes that we recognize are good for us, but figuring out exactly how they work or why we should use them can be tricky. The toner falls into this category.
Despite their reputation as one of the more confusing skincare elements, toners are easy to understand. We’ll be demystifying toners, highlighting their benefits, application tips, and some of the best options for every skin type.
What is a Toner?
A toner is a skincare item meant to be used between a cleanser and a moisturizer. This refreshing liquid helps the skin soak up more moisture and preps the skin for makeup. Think of toners as a primer for your skin.
As a daily skincare routine, incorporating toners can help tighten pores and address aging signs. However, toners must suit your skin type like any other skincare component to provide the most effective results.
Toners are predominantly divided into astringent, hydrating, and acid toners. Astringent toners mainly comprise alcohol or other ingredients to cleanse the skin and remove excess oil that could cause breakouts. On the other hand, hydrating toners have a high water content to improve the skin’s ability to retain water.
Finally, acid toners typically contain Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) to act as chemical exfoliants and remove dead cells from the skin surface. Each toner serves different skin types and conditions to achieve a radiant complexion.
Benefits of a Toner
Most dermatologists and beauty experts regard the toner highly for its ability to minimize gaps between skin cells. Reducing pore sizes makes it harder for dirt and oil to become stuck and cause breakouts or acne.
Over time, toners have also provided several benefits depending on their ingredient list. Some are formulated to provide extra hydration, while others feature active ingredients to address specific issues. Ultimately, the benefits of a toner depends mainly on its formulation; here are some of the few benefits you stand to gain by incorporating a toner into your routine:
- Hydrates and Refreshes the Skin
Many new toners are formulated with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and rosewater to help replenish moisture and refresh the skin.
- Balance Skin pH
Toners are also great for balancing the skin’s pH. Usually, your skin’s natural pH can get disrupted after cleansing, resulting in dryness, oiliness, or several other issues. Toners can restore the normal pH balance, ensuring the skin is neither too alkaline or acidic.
- Address Specific Skin Conditions
Some toners are also formulated to address specific skin conditions. Depending on the ingredient, a toner could soothe the skin, control oil, foster circulation, address acne symptoms, or serve as an antioxidant.
- Supports Skin Barrier
By hydrating and refreshing the skin, toners can also repair the skin’s protective barrier, making it less prone and more resistant to environmental stressors. They are also suitable for reducing inflammation.
Who Needs a Toner – Best Toners For All Skin Types
Even with their known benefits, people still debate whether toners are necessary. While there is a strong argument for including a toner in your routine, not everyone needs one since most modern cleaners remove oil and dirt well.
That said, if you use heavy mineral makeup, a toner can help eliminate any leftover residue and clean out the pores more effectively. Furthermore, toners can also prep the skin, ensuring other products like moisturizers and serums work better.
If you’re considering adding toner to your skincare routine, there’s one for everyone. But with so many options, it can take time to make the right choice. Here’s a guide to help you identify the perfect toner for your skin type.
Oily skin
For folks with oily skin, the goal is to remove excess oil and hydrate the skin better; as such, consider an astringent toner. These toners combine AHAs with other ingredients like salicylic acid or BHAs to penetrate deep into the pores and remove excess oil and dirt from the skin.
Ideally, avoid toners with oil content as they could cause more oil buildup. Some of the best astringent toners for oily skin include Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner, Oily Skin Purifying Astringent Facial Toner, and COSRX AHA/BHA Treatment Toner.
Dry skin
For dry skin, look for a hydrating toner with ingredients like glycerin, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera. These toners provide the skin with moisture and help water rise to the surface for better hydration.
On the other hand, steer clear of toners with alcohol content as they could dry out the skin even more. Some of the best hydrating toners for dry skin include CeraVe Hydrating Toner, Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Toner, and Belif Aqua Bomb Hydrating Toner.
Acne skin
If your skin is acne-prone, a toner can help by removing excess oil, dirt, and bacteria that may remain on the surface after washing or cleansing. However, the best options for acne-prone skin must also be formulated with ingredients that reduce redness and inflammation.
Some of the most effective ingredients to look out for include salicylic acid, witch hazel, glycolic acid, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner, Murad Clarifying Toner, and Minimalist 8% Glycolic Acid Toner are all effective for acne-prone skin.
Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, you need a toner that’s gentle but effective. Look for toners with ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, and rose water. These will soothe your skin, leaving it clean and refreshed. Conversely, toners containing alcohol, fragrances, benzoyl peroxide, retinol, or any other harsh ingredient would cause more harm to sensitive skin.
Some suitable toners for this skin type include Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray, THAYERS Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Toner with Aloe Vera Formula, and LANEIGE Cream Skin Toner. Some toners for sensitive skin contain hyaluronic acid; however, while it might work for some, it might be too harsh for others. Hence, always patch tests before fully incorporating toner into your routine.
Combination skin
For folks with combination skin, always look for toners that can help control oil in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) without drying out the rest of the face. Any gentle, soothing toner is perfect for this skin type.
How To Use a Toner
A toner is typically a bridge between your cleanser and moisturizer and should be applied sometime between both processes. The toner also works as a primer, so it’s also best to apply it before using any serum to ensure it penetrates deeply and becomes more effective. Using a toner after a serum essentially wipes off all the serum’s active nutrients.
There are also several application methods for toners. You can either mist it on or use a cotton pad. If you prefer using your hands, ensure they’re clean and gently pat the toner onto your face and neck. Also, leave it to dry completely before moving to any other process in your routine.
Conclusion
Although it seems less crucial than a serum or moisturizer, incorporating a toner in your skincare regime could produce great results; it’s just a matter of finding the right one. If you go for toners, always do a patch test and slowly introduce new products into your routine to confirm it’s right for you.
