When it comes to skin care, you can choose from many different products and steps. A face toner is something that you might be curious about. Many skincare routines involve toner as a step, but when and why you should apply a toner may be mysteries.
In this article, we’ll look at the many types of toners available and when using one might be very useful to your skin. Whether you have oily or acne-prone skin, dry or sensitive skin, or you want to even out your skin tone or texture, there is probably a toner that can help you reach your skincare goals. Read on to find out face toner benefits and when you should use a toner on your face as part of your skincare routine.
What is Face Toner?
A face toner is a skincare product that is normally used after cleaning and before moisturizing the skin. It is intended to help balance your skin’s pH and prepare it for the following stages in your skincare routine.
Types of Face Toners
Face toners come in a variety of formulations, each with its own claimed advantages and list of active components. The following are examples of popular kinds of toners:
1. Hydrating toners: These hydrating toner for dry skin are designed to replenish moisture levels in the skin, making them ideal for dry or sensitive complexions. Hydrating substances including glycerine, Aloe Vera, and hyaluronic acid are sometimes used in these products.
2. Clarifying toners: These toners are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin since they remove excess oil and pollutants from the skin. Because of possible astringent components like witch hazel or alcohol, these toner for open pores may assist to close pores and reduce oil production.
3. Exfoliating toners: Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are examples of substances found in toners that assist in removing dead skin cells from the skin’s surface in a gentle manner. While using these products may help enhance the skin’s clarity and texture, it’s vital to do so sparingly and avoid over-exfoliating to prevent irritation and sensitivity.
4. Brightening toners: These toners include components that might help balance out skin tone and make your skin seem radiant. They may have bleaching ingredients like vitamin C or licorice root extract, or exfoliating ones like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).
5. Alcohol free toner: Those with dry or sensitive skin may benefit from using an alcohol free toner since it may assist to moisturize and nourish the skin without creating irritation. To help hydrate and nourish the skin, alcohol free toner may include substances like glycerin, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid.
Face Toner Benefits
Using a face toner can provide a number of benefits for the skin, including:
- Keeping the skin’s acidity and alkalinity in check by adjusting the pH level. With a pH of 5.5 or below, skin is protected from germs and other environmental aggressors. The alkaline nature of cleansers may throw off the skin’s delicate pH balance, but a toner can help bring things back to normal.
- Some toners include astringent components like witch hazel or alcohol that may help eliminate excess oil and pollutants from the skin. Acne-prone or oily skin types may benefit the most from this.
- Toners may be used to hydrate the skin if they are prepared with moisturizing substances like glycerin, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid. Those with dry or sensitive skin may benefit greatly from this.
- Some toners include exfoliating chemicals like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) that assist to exfoliate dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. While using these might enhance the skin’s texture and clarity, it’s vital to not over-exfoliate, since this can cause redness and sensitivity.
- Toners with brightening or lightening components, including vitamin C or licorice root extract, may help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and bring out the face’s natural glow, making the skin seem more even and healthy.
Why Should Use a Toner?
- Oily or prone to acne: If you have oily skin, your pores might get clogged and you might get pimples. Using a toner can help get rid of the extra oil and dirt on your skin. Some toners have astringent ingredients like witch hazel or alcohol, which can help tighten the pores and reduce oiliness. But it’s important to choose a toner that’s right for your skin type and not over-dry it, because that can cause irritation and pimples.
- Dry or Sensitive Skin: It is recommended that those with dry or sensitive skin use a hydrating toner to help restore lost moisture and calm the skin. Avoid toners that include alcohol or other drying or irritating components and instead go for one that has moisturizing elements like glycerin or aloe vera.
- If you use a physical exfoliator: Scrubs and brushes are examples of physical exfoliators that may be used to remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. However, they may be irritating to the skin, thus following exfoliation with a toner is recommended.
- For uneven skin tone: Look for toners with ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. These ingredients can help remove dead skin cells and improve the texture and tone of the skin as a whole by exfoliating it.
When Should Use Toner
As part of a regular skincare routine, toners are used after cleaning and before moisturizing. How to use a facial toner properly is outlined below.
- Remove debris, oil, and makeup using a mild cleanser.
- Pat your face dry after cleaning. Rubbing may irritate skin.
- Apply toner to your face & neck using a cotton pad or your hands.
- After toner, use moisturizer to moisturize and protect skin.